BSc Hons Psychology with Counselling with Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Bradford

Program Overview

Program Overview:
This four-year program offers the same comprehensive psychology and counselling curriculum as the three-year degree but includes a valuable placement year. It’s ideal if you want to gain practical experience in a professional setting before graduating.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
Core modules include Introduction to Psychology, Biological Psychology, and Research Methods, alongside introductory counselling theory and skills.

Year Two
You’ll study Developmental Psychology, Counselling Theories, Social Psychology, and Psychopathology to deepen your understanding of mental health and therapeutic methods.

Year Three – Placement Year
This year is dedicated to a supervised professional placement, where you apply your knowledge and develop counselling and psychological skills in a real-world environment such as healthcare, social services, or education.

Year Four
The final year focuses on advanced counselling practice, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and an independent research project, preparing you for professional or academic advancement.

Focus areas:
Counselling skills, mental health, applied psychology, professional experience, research methods.

Learning outcomes:
Develop applied counselling skills, understand workplace psychological practice, conduct independent research, and critically appraise counselling interventions.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), offering Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The placement enhances employability and practical readiness.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Bradford is well-regarded for supporting student employability and practical training, with strong links to mental health and social care sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bradford, this extended program combines psychology and counselling theory with a valuable placement year, giving you real-world experience in mental health and wellbeing settings. You’ll develop practical counselling skills through workshops, role-plays, and hands-on projects, alongside the chance to apply your learning in a professional environment during your placement.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

  • Access to psychology labs and counselling skills workshops to build therapeutic techniques
  • Training in SPSS and qualitative research software for data analysis
  • Practical sessions on counselling approaches, mental health assessment, and communication skills
  • Supervised final-year research project focusing on counselling or psychological topics
  • A full-year placement in a healthcare, charity, or community organisation to apply your skills professionally
  • Group projects and role-play exercises simulating real counselling scenarios
  • Use of Bradford’s extensive library and digital resources

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates benefit from enhanced employability thanks to their placement experience, preparing them for careers in counselling, mental health support, and wellbeing roles. The BPS accreditation supports further professional training and qualifications.

Typical roles include:
Counselling Support Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, Wellbeing Coordinator, Research Assistant

You’ll be supported by:

  • Bradford Careers Service providing personalised advice, placement assistance, and employer connections
  • Strong links with NHS trusts, charities, and community organisations for placement and job opportunities
  • Positive graduate employment rates with competitive salaries in counselling and psychology-related fields
  • British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, essential for many professional pathways
  • Alumni networks and mentoring schemes for ongoing career support

Further Academic Progression:
Many students continue to postgraduate training in Counselling, Clinical Psychology, or Mental Health, with Bradford offering excellent academic and professional support.

Program Key Stats

£20,538
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


52 %

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
2.8
28
70

1250
23
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Clinical psychologist
  • Counseling psychologist
  • Mental health counselor
  • Educational psychologist
  • Occupational psychologist
  • Health psychologist
  • Research assistant in psychology
  • Social worker
  • Human resources specialist
  • Policy advisor in mental health or education

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