Psychology with Counselling BSc
Study of human behaviour, emotion, and mental processes alongside the theory and practice of counselling — preparing you to support wellbeing and develop skills for future therapeutic or psychology careers.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in psychology and counselling
Want to help people
Enjoy analysing behaviour
Want a therapeutic career
Are empathetic
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Charity & NGO Sector
Education
Human Resources
Your Personality Might Be:
Empathetic listener
Charity & NGO Sector
Patient
Emotionally aware
What is it?
What is a Psychology with Counselling degree?
Psychology with Counselling combines core psychological science with practical counselling theory and communication skills.
You’ll explore how the mind works, including cognition, emotion, personality, development, and mental health, while learning foundational counselling approaches such as person-centred therapy, CBT, and psychodynamic ideas.
The degree focuses on understanding behaviour, supporting others ethically, and developing strong interpersonal and reflective skills. It does not qualify you as a counsellor on graduation, but it is a strong pathway towards counselling training, therapeutic roles, or postgraduate psychology routes.
Why for a degree in Psychology with Counselling?
This degree is ideal if you’re interested in mental health, wellbeing, and the psychological factors that influence human behaviour.
It prepares you to understand emotional challenges, communicate empathetically, and support individuals in a range of settings while building the scientific foundation needed for psychological careers.
You’ll develop skills that are valued in mental health services, education, community support, HR, counselling training, and applied psychology roles.
Course Summary
Study of human behaviour, emotion, and mental processes alongside the theory and practice of counselling — preparing you to support wellbeing and develop skills for future therapeutic or psychology careers.
What you'll study
Most degrees cover topics such as:
Core areas of psychology (cognitive, biological, developmental, social, and individual differences)
Counselling theory, approaches, and models (e.g., person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic)
Mental health, wellbeing, trauma, and emotional functioning
Therapeutic communication, listening skills, and ethical practice
Research methods, statistics, and psychological data analysis
Applied psychology and counselling in health, education, and community settings
Skills You'll Gain
A Psychology with Counselling degree builds strong academic and practical skills, including:
Empathic communication – enabling you to build rapport and support individuals sensitively.
Psychological insight – understanding cognitive, emotional, and behavioural processes that influence wellbeing.
Research and data analysis – applying scientific methods to investigate psychological questions.
Reflective practice – developing self-awareness and evaluating your approach to supporting others.
Ethical and professional judgement – working responsibly within therapeutic boundaries and safeguarding expectations.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue roles in:
Mental health and wellbeing support
Counselling or psychotherapy training pathways
Psychological wellbeing practitioner (with postgraduate qualification)
Support work in schools, colleges, or community settings
Human resources, coaching, or people development
Research, behavioural insights, or public health
Social care, community support, or voluntary sector roles
Work Experiences & Placements
Depending on the university, opportunities may include:
Mental health charities and wellbeing services
Schools, colleges, or SEND support
Community or youth organisations
Helplines, peer-support, or listening services
Research assistantships
Health and social care settings
These experiences help you explore therapeutic settings and build practical confidence.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent including Psychology. Some universities may accept a Science or Social Science instead, but Psychology at A-level is strongly preferred.
Personal Statement Tips
Show passion for understanding people, behaviour, and mental health.
Reflect on experiences that shaped your interest in wellbeing or support work.
Mention relevant reading, volunteering, or personal learning.
Highlight empathy, communication, self-awareness, and curiosity.
What to do Next
Check whether your chosen course is BPS-accredited.
Attend open days or speak to course tutors.
Volunteer in mental health, youth work, or support roles.
Explore introductory psychology or counselling texts.
Wider Reading
On Becoming a Person – Carl Rogers: Foundations of person-centred counselling.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Sacks: Fascinating psychological case studies.
The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk: Key insights into trauma and healing.
The Happiness Hypothesis – Jonathan Haidt: Exploring wellbeing and psychological meaning.