Counselling BA/BSc
Study of how to support individuals through emotional difficulties, develop therapeutic communication skills, and understand the psychological and social factors that influence wellbeing.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Want to help people
Are empathetic and patient
Enjoy listening and communication
Want a people-focused career
Are emotionally aware
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Charity & NGO Sector
Education
Government & Public Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Empathetic listener
Charity & NGO Sector
Patient
Emotionally intelligent
What is it?
What is a Counselling degree?
A Counselling degree explores the theories, skills, and practices that underpin therapeutic support. You will learn how to communicate empathetically, build trusting relationships, and help people work through challenges such as anxiety, loss, relationship issues, trauma, identity, and stress.
The degree introduces major counselling approaches, including person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, integrative, and systemic models - and examines how and why therapeutic interventions help people change.
Alongside theory, you will develop practical listening and communication skills, gain insight into mental health and wellbeing, and understand ethical and professional standards for counselling practice.
Some programmes offer pathways toward recognised counselling qualifications; others prepare students for roles in wellbeing, mental health support, or postgraduate training.
Why Study for a Counselling degree?
Counselling is a meaningful and rewarding field for those who want to help people navigate difficult emotions and experiences. Studying Counselling helps you:
Understand mental health and human behaviour
Develop strong interpersonal and reflective skills
Build confidence supporting others
Explore different therapeutic approaches
Learn how to create safe, supportive environments
Prepare for work in helping professions or further clinical training
As demand for mental health and wellbeing services grows, counsellors and support practitioners are increasingly valued in education, healthcare, community organisations, and the workplace.
Course Summary
Study of how to support individuals through emotional difficulties, develop therapeutic communication skills, and understand the psychological and social factors that influence wellbeing.
What you'll study
Many counselling courses include the following modules:
Counselling theory (person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic, integrative)
Communication and therapeutic skills
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Trauma, stress, and resilience
Ethics, safeguarding, and confidentiality
Human development across the lifespan
Diversity, culture, and identity
Relationship dynamics and family systems
Professional standards and boundaries
Self-awareness and reflective practice
Research methods in counselling and psychology
Optional modules may include:
Addiction and recovery
Loss, grief, and bereavement
Counselling in schools or youth services
Gender, sexuality, and identity
Mindfulness and wellbeing interventions
Mental health in the workplace
Group therapy and facilitation
Skills You'll Gain
A Counselling degree builds strong personal and professional skills, including:
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates can work in:
Mental health and wellbeing support
Youth work and education
Community and voluntary sector roles
Social care and support services
Health promotion and wellbeing coaching
HR, pastoral support, and workplace wellbeing
Helplines and crisis support organisations
Work Experiences & Placements
Depending on the programme, you may gain experience through:
Supervised counselling placements
Mental health charities and support organisations
Schools, youth services, or community groups
Social care and wellbeing settings
Helpline or peer-support roles
Not all Counselling BA/BSc degrees offer qualification-ready placements, but many include practical experience to prepare for postgraduate or accredited training.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent with no specific requirements, though Psychology, Sociology, or Health & Social Care are relevant.
Personal Statement Tips
Show genuine interest in helping and supporting others.
Mention relevant volunteering, caring roles, or life experiences.
Reflect on what draws you to counselling and emotional support work.
Highlight communication, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.
What to do Next
Compare courses to see which offer supervised practice or BACP-aligned routes.
Attend open days or virtual events.
Explore volunteering opportunities in mental health or support work.
Read introductory texts on counselling, wellbeing, or psychology.
Wider Reading
On Becoming a Person – Carl Rogers: Foundational ideas on person-centred counselling.
Counselling Skills and Theory – Margaret Hough: A clear introduction to counselling competencies.
The Gift of Therapy – Irvin D. Yalom: Insightful reflections from a respected therapist.
The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk: Understanding trauma and healing.