You will complete all key areas in psychology necessary to gain British Psychological Society accreditation. This includes research methods, cognitive, social, biological, developmental and individual psychology. You will complete a final year dissertation which will allow you to explore a topic of your choice in more depth by doing a research project. Additionally you will be introduced to a range of therapeutic approaches (including cognitive behavioural and person centred approaches) before specialising in integrative approaches in years two and three.

You can also undertake a sandwich year placement, which provides you with the opportunity to spend a year working in a professional setting between the second and third year of your degree. This provides you with a fantastic opportunity to develop your employability skills while engaging with the community and building on the knowledge and experience of your degree.

Year One: Psychology with Counselling Degree

You will start to look at the core areas of Psychology required for BPS accreditation, and you will have the opportunity to experience psychological research first hand. We will also start to introduce you to a range of therapeutic principles and approaches such as cognitive, behavioural, and person-centred approaches.

Critical Perspectives in Psychology  

Introducing the core BPS perspectives of psychology (Biological, Cognitive, Social and Developmental) and the effect of individual differences on behaviour with emphasis on the key theoretical approaches and how these shape understanding. 

Investigating Methods and Evidence in Psychology*

How is psychological research conducted? We’ll look at the methods of quantitative and qualitative research and analysis and explore research ethics and their effect on psychology. 

Introduction to Therapeutic Principles  

We will start to look at the therapeutic perspectives and principles that underpin traditional and contemporary counselling therapies, models and strategies. 

*This module is available to study fully in Welsh

Year Two: Psychology with Counselling Degree

In your second year, we will continue to expand your knowledge of the psychology and counselling fields and you will start to specialise in integrative approaches. Application of knowledge will be a theme in your second year as you start to look at the application of therapeutic principles and applying your skills in the Professional Practice and Employability module where you will be supported in applying for work experience.

Understanding the Application of Therapeutic Principles  

You will develop a detailed understanding of the humanistic tradition of therapeutic principles, and we will help you facilitate the application of this knowledge to the wider context of counselling and psychotherapy. 

Professional Practice and Employability  

You will have the opportunity for work experience, as well as gain transferable skills and explore how to gain employment.   

Advanced Methods and Evidence in Psychology  

We will explore more advanced statistical and qualitative analysis, building on the methods you covered in the first year of your degree. 

From Cells to Consciousness 

We will build on the critical perspectives of psychology covered in your first year, exploring how biology and the brain influence behaviour (e.g., attention, memory, decision making) with consideration of individual differences. 

Lifespan Development in the Social Context  

We will build on your critical perspectives in psychology, exploring the social and developmental factors that influence our behaviour (e.g., attitudes and attribution) with consideration of individual factors. 

Year Three: Psychology with Counselling Degree

Your final year introduces optional modules that allow you to further align your studies to your career aspirations. We will also cover a more advanced exploration of therapeutic principles in a social context and advance your critical reflective practice skills within the counselling field. You will also undertake an independent dissertation research project where you will be able to explore a topic of your choosing in depth. 

Psychology Dissertation 

You will complete an independent research project, building on the skills developed throughout your degree. You will explore a subject of interest of your choosing with support from supervisors with a range of expertise. 

Health Psychology across the Lifespan (Optional) 

We will explore the effect of biology, psychology and social factors on physical health (ill health, preventative healthcare and wellbeing) and consider how this varies across the lifespan and levels of individual responsibility.   

The Psychology of Education and Work (Optional) 

We will focus on the practical application of psychology to contemporary education, exploring techniques to promote academic achievement and considering the health and well-being of educators. 

Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Interventions (Optional) 

We will explore clinical disorders, such as eating disorders, anxiety, developmental disorders, and schizophrenia, evaluating the diagnostic and treatment practices of these. 

Applications of Social Psychology (Optional) 

We will look at social identity and how it can be used to improve negative circumstances, exploring the impact of the environment on social identity and using this to promote responsible behaviour, as well as social relationships online. 

Cognitive Neuropsychology and Neuroscience (Optional) 

We will explore the impact of brain damage on cognitive processes, exploring the ways we investigate neuroanatomical regions whilst considering environmental factors.   

Forensic Psychology (Optional) 

We will critically appraise the role that Psychology plays in all aspects of the criminal and civil justice systems, including police and security investigation and offender management. 

Critical Reflective Practice in Counselling  

Building on existing knowledge, you will develop a detailed understanding and reflective practice of counselling that is highly relevant across a broad range of practitioner roles. 

Therapeutic Principles, Psychopathology and Mental Health in Social Context

We will look at the range of mental health and psychopathological problems that are prevalent in our society today, using our existing understanding to evaluate these from therapeutic perspectives. 

Our Psychology with Counselling degree provides you with an engaging and immersive learning environment through lectures, workshops, tutorials, projects, group activities, placements, podcasts, and simulation learning in the Hydra Simulation Suite. We also arrange guest lectures throughout the year delivered by academics from other institutions and practising psychologists from various fields.

We want you to have the opportunity to learn about psychology in new ways with no two modules being delivered or assessed in the same way: one of our most exciting features is how varied the learning is on our course! Coursework will include essays, practical reports, oral presentations, and case studies.