What Makes This Course So Special?
This course provides you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of practical abilities and theoretical knowledge in two popular subject areas. You will gain a unique insight into how these two areas relate, combining a focus on applying theory to real world issues in your Psychology modules with theory, communication skills, and personal development in the Counselling Studies modules. You will benefit from a work placement, learn from our experts in both fields and leave us with a degree that can open up a variety of careers and further learning opportunities.
If counselling becomes your preferred area, after your degree you could apply to study to become a qualified counsellor (subject to interview), using the skills you have learnt on this course to give you a head start. Alternatively, you may want to use your skills to help you gain a job inone of a variety of other fields where engaging with and caring for people is important.
If psychology is your preferred area then you could choose to progress to a Masters in Business Psychology to further your knowledge of the use of psychology in the work place, or you might choose to take advantage of the recognition from employers that psychology graduates are highly valuable assets and pursue a number of different career possibilities including marketing, management, sales, human resources and more.
Course Intro
Psychology and Counselling Studies are two closely aligned subject areas that explore similar aspects of the human condition. Psychology is by its nature scientific in its approach, looking at the mind and behaviour. Counselling Studies is more experiential with a focus on how psychological therapies can help people change.
You will gain an insight into human behaviour from different perspectives. You will explore the similarities and differences of the two areas – Psychology and Counselling. By studying these in combination you will enhance your transferable skills, thus increasing your future career and study options. You will explore counselling theory, develop skills in facilitating change and develop a deeper understanding of how you relate to other people. You will discover different areas within psychology including abnormal psychology, psychology in the workplace and health psychology.
In addition you will benefit from a work placement and learning from lecturers engaged in a range of research projects, including some described as ‘world leading’.
What you study
Year 1
• Abnormal Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Counselling Theory
• Human Development and Change
• Introduction to Research
• Skills for a Professional Environment
Year 2
• Biological Basis for Behaviour*
• Contemporary Issues in Counselling
• Individual and Group Work Facilitation Skills
• History of Psychology & Individual Differences*
• Health Psychology*
• Professional Practice (Work Placement)
• Research Methods
*Choose 2 from these 3
Year 3
• Dissertation
• Counselling and Society
Choice of 1 from 3 options below:
• Applied Sport Psychology
• Psychology in the Workplace
• Psychopathology
A programme specification is available for this course.
Where Next?
With the range of transferable skills gained on this course, future career opportunities could include: teaching, human resources, marketing, social work, local government, counselling and more.
On completion of the course, there may also be opportunities for you to progress into further study via the qualifying postgraduate counselling courses or the MSc Business Psychology at the University.
Interview Required
No interview will be required if you meet the programme entry requirements. However, we would encourage you to use the opportunity to attend one of our Open Days to talk to the tutors about the course.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including essays, exams, reflective journals, skills assessments and poster style presentations.
Student Soundbite
I can’t praise the lecturers enough and I also have a lot of respect for them because whatever age you are, they help you through your studies.