Psychology & Counselling Studies BA (Hons) 


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.


Experiences Gained
Student Successes
Teaching Team

On this course you will have the chance to take the ‘Professional Practice’ module in year 2. This offers you the opportunity to engage in a work placement with the organisation of your choice. A variety of organisations will be invited to the annual Placement Fair run by the School, to talk to students and offer placements.

In previous years these have included organisations such as the Probation Service, Police Service, Local to Magistrates Course, Welsh Assembly Government, Women’s Aid, Victim Support and a great many others besides.


Name: Margaret Davies
Course: BSc Psychology & Counselling
Hometown: Glasgow originally – now I live in Raglan, Monmouthshire

Why did you choose to study at Newport?
Locality was a big thing – but I had also heard that Psychology was growing and Counselling was well established in Newport. So it all came together – and I thought should I go back to work or study for me? – so I chose to study.

How was your course experience – what do you feel you have developed and gained from your time here?
I have re-gained my confidence after some a health blip just before I started which knocked my confidence back. I also gained many new friends!

What have you enjoyed most?
I’ve enjoyed challenging myself. I came to Newport thinking ill get a degree and that will be good and ill then move on and do other things but it was all about restoring my confidence. As I got through each stage it really was about building confidence. I’ve enjoyed learning, thinking again and getting positive feedback proving to me that I do actually have a working brain in there!!

How have your lecturers supported you during your studies?
Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic – I think that is a great quality of Newport. People do know each other, the classes started bigger but after 3 years together we all got to know each other and the tutors I also had a blip last year and did think about maybe stopping. But I had a think, went to chat to the lecturers about the support I might have and no here I am graduating!! I am so glad people listened to me and believed in me enough to say you can do it; you will come through this blip. I have nothing but praise for the lecturers and a lot of respect because whatever age you are, they help you come through your studies.

What will you miss the most?
My friends! Seeing them day in and day out. But luckily thanks to modern technology we can all stay in touch and have also promised to try to meet up once a month.

 


Sheila Spong
Lesley Spencer
Norma James
Liv Kosnes
Michal Tombs
Phil Morgan


Key Facts
Year of Entry

September 2013

(also available for September 2012 entry)

Course Code
C8B9

Duration

• Full-Time: 3 Years
You will typically have 9 in-class hours per week which will be supported by 25-30 hours of directed
independent study.
In the first year your classes will be typically over 3 days a week, with 2 days a week in your second and third years.
• Part-Time: 4 - 6 Years
Your hours will vary, depending on the modules that you choose to study.

Entry Requirements
• Normally 260 UCAS points to include 180 from 2 A levels or equivalent
• Key Skills level 3 and 4 will be considered towards your final UCAS points total.


Campus
Caerleon

Full-time
Yes

Part-time
Yes

Home/EU Fees

Fee Information

Part-time (2012/2013): £570 per 20 credit module


Find out more
All Enquiries 
University Information Centre
University of Wales, Newport
Caerleon Campus
Lodge Road
Caerleon
Newport
South Wales
NP18 3QT

Tel: (01633) 432432
Fax: (01633) 432046

Email:uic@newport.ac.uk 

Watch Our Videos
University Of Wales, Newport