BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year

Combining psychology and counselling, this interdisciplinary degree focuses on the study of human behaviour theory and practical application through the lens of diversity, characteristics and cultural context.

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Intakes

September, February, June

Awarding Body

Bath Spa University

Duration

4 years

Delivery

Weekdays and/or evenings *Classes are subject to availability

Fees

£9,790 (per year)

Location

Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, London

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Course Overview

Foundation Year

During your Foundation Year, you will develop your academic, employability, and digital skills essential for higher education study while being introduced to key concepts in psychology and counselling.

Year One

At Level 4 of study, you will develop and embed deeper knowledge of theoretical frameworks of psychology and counselling. This will enable you to make links between theory and practice, with a focus on research-based evidence and the professional skills required in the sector.

Year Two

At Level 5, you will delve into deeper concepts and approaches through topics including the concept of diversity, human characteristics and cultural context, as well as understanding that everyone, families, communities, and societal groups have a uniqueness that makes them different from others.

Year Three

At Level 6, your final year, the focus is on research and independent study, allowing you to demonstrate problem-solving within psychology and counselling that can be applied to a wide range of sustainable goals, such as social impact, community-based contributions and long-term personal and professional development.

Curriculum

All modules you complete are 20 credits, unless otherwise stated.

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

Module Name	Credits
Academic Integrity and Assessment	20 credits
Foundations in Psychology	20 credits
Fundamentals of Counselling	20 credits
Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour	20 credits
Personal Development and Career Exploration	20 credits
Study Strategies and Academic Development	20 credits

Year One (Level 4)

Module Name	Credits
Applied Communication Skills	20 credits
Counselling as a Therapeutic Method	20 credits
Developmental Psychology	20 credits
Forensic Psychology and Criminology	20 credits
Research and Ethics in Psychology	20 credits
Social Psychology	20 credits

Year Two (Level 5)

Module Name	Credits
Biopsychology	20 credits
Cognitive Psychology	20 credits
Counselling in a Diverse Context	20 credits
Multi-Agency Approaches to Risk Management	20 credits
Personality and Individual Differences	20 credits
Psychopathology	20 credits

Year Three (Level 6)

Module Name	Credits
Career Paths in Psychology and Counselling	20 credits
Contemporary Issues in Psychology	20 credits
Integrative Approaches to Counselling	20 credits
The Use of Data in Psychology	20 credits
Psychology with Counselling Project	40 credits

Please note: The modules listed are those currently offered and may be subject to change during our ongoing review processes. However, the core learning outcomes and themes will remain largely consistent.

Careers

After completing the degree programme, you will be prepared for a wide spectrum of professional roles, laying a robust foundation for a career in a psychology and counselling-related role. For example, with a degree in Psychology with Counselling, you could consider diverse career paths in areas such as:

Criminal Justice: Police, Youth Offending, Probation, Prison, Secure Units, and Psychiatric Accommodation.

Education: Pupil Referral Units, Schools (Mainstream and Special, Primary,

Secondary and Tertiary), Career Counsellor, and Adult Education.

Advice Worker: Community-based Support, Mental Health Support, Addiction, Family Support, Safeguarding, Risk Management, Treatment Planning, Housing, and Charity/Voluntary Sectors.

Social Care: Children and Families Support, Adult Services, Disability Services, Homelessness, Case Manager.

Health and Welfare: Addictive Behaviours, Lifestyle Choices, Health and Wellbeing, Mental Health Technician.

Sports: Performance sports scientist, Health promotion specialist, and Sports coach.

Research: Research Assistant

Whilst this programme is not BPS or BACP accredited, meaning on successful completion of the programme you do not automatically qualify as a practicing Counsellor or Psychologist, successful completion will enable you to undertake additional practitioner training, that is a requirement before you can work as a Counsellor or Psychologist or work towards professional registration. For example, Post Graduate study such as PG Diploma or MSc Psychology and Counselling which have accreditation via the professional bodies (BACP and BPS) which will also provide you with the required 100 hours of supervised practice as part of becoming a qualified practitioner. On successful completion of this BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling, career pathways include opportunities to work in a variety of related sectors such as: Mental Health, Education, Disability, Prison Service, Social Care, Youth Work or research positions.

FAQ

1. What skills can I gain from a BSc in psychology with counselling?

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year at GBS will provide you with a wide range of transferable and psychology-specific skills. These include communication and interpersonal abilities, psychological research and data interpretation, ethical and professional conduct and foundational counselling techniques. Through our bachelor's degree in psychology with counselling, you will also develop self-awareness, critical thinking and an understanding of human behaviour skills, which are highly valued across many sectors, especially mental health and support services.

2. Is it worthwhile to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology with counselling?

Yes, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in psychology with counselling is a valuable investment if you are passionate about mental health, human behaviour and helping others. This degree can help you discover a wide range of professional pathways and build strong foundations for postgraduate study or further professional qualifications. At GBS, the inclusion of a foundation year and career-focused modules will enable you to enhance your academic skills and boost your employability.

3. What career options are available with a bachelor's in psychology with counselling?

An honours degree in psychology with counselling can lead to diverse career paths in mental health, education, social care and criminal justice. You can work as a mental health support worker, youth mentor, wellbeing practitioner or case manager. A bachelor of science degree in psychology with counselling at GBS for a variety of careers, including research positions or postgraduate training in counselling, psychotherapy or clinical psychology.

4. What qualifications are needed for a BSc psychology with counselling?

To join the BSc psychology with counselling degree course at GBS, applicants must be 18 or older and have Level 3 qualifications equivalent to either 60 credits (or 80 UCAS tariff points). You will also need an English qualification, such as a GCSE grade of 4/C or CEFR B1. If you are over 21 and do not meet the standard entry requirements, the foundation year is available to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in the full degree. Lastly, if you do not meet the English qualification, you can take an English test at any GBS campus.

5. What are the benefits of a bachelor of science in psychology with counselling, and why should I choose this?

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year degree at GBS combines academic rigour with real-world relevance. You will study key psychological theories and explore counselling methods in practical, reflective ways. This bachelor's degree in psychology with counselling supports career development through employability training, mentoring and placement opportunities. With a strong emphasis on self-awareness, personal growth and ethical practice, our course will prepare you for meaningful work and further study in the field.

6. Is the BSc psychology with counselling degree course accredited?

Whilst the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling, with Integrated Foundation Year is not accredited by the BPS or BACP, it is validated by Bath Spa University. Successful completion of the programme will enable you to consider a wide range of professional roles in related disciplines, or you could be eligible to apply for a professionally accredited Post Graduate programme, which you require in order to become a qualified counsellor.

7. Is the BSc in psychology with counselling course offered part-time, online, or full-time?

Currently, GBS offers the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year as a full-time, on-campus programme. However, you can personalise your timetable with flexible options, choosing to study on weekdays or in the evenings, which will allow you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments.

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