Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Understand the human mind and explore counselling theory and techniques while developing sought-after skills applicable to a range of rewarding careers.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)

Course code

C801

Start date

September 2024
January 2025

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register your interest

Course overview

Cultivate knowledge and skills that meet the growing demand for mental health and wellbeing services, as well as transferable skills in research and critical thinking increasingly sought after by employers globally.

  • Uncover the essence of psychology by developing an understanding of all areas of psychology as well as exploring specialist modules on topics like mental health, wellbeing and the art of applying core counselling skills.
  • Immerse yourself in learning environments which bring counselling to life. Engage in realistic counsellor-client interactions through role plays, actors and international contexts, fostering practical skills in a supportive environment.
  • Master the tools of research in psychology, learning how to conduct rigorous research while upholding ethical standards. Equip yourself with methodological and analytical skills to excel in the dynamic field of psychological research.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • Explore the practical applications of psychology and counselling in real-world scenarios, encompassing diverse cultures and global contexts. Develop valuable and transferable skills like empathy and active listening, highly sought-after in various professional fields.
  • Emphasise employability by honing practical skills such as core counselling techniques and cognitive abilities like critical analysis, problem-solving, and leadership. Take advantage of our 'Enhanced Skills in Psychology Scheme,' offering work experience opportunities that are designed to position you favourably for postgraduate studies or employment in today’s competitive graduate education and job market2.
  • Engage in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, fostering international awareness through cross-cultural communication and peer collaboration with students from participating institutions (subject to availability).
  • Recognized as one of the top 300 universities globally for Psychology according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of switching to one of our other BPS-accredited degree programs in your second year if your interests or career aspirations change (subject to meeting progression requirements).

More than just a degree

A well-designed course that usefully prepares students for progression towards a professional qualification in either Clinical or Counselling Psychology, along with other specialist training in the field. The core emphasis on the development of counselling skills is invaluable and will be of benefit to graduates in a wide range of career areas. More specifically, this degree will provide an ideal launch pad for anyone contemplating a career in the mental health profession.

Gwion Jones, Clinical Director, Worcester Therapy Group, 2023
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What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. 

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). 

Common first year courses:

  • Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons)

In your first year, embark on a shared curriculum that provides a solid foundation across various psychology courses. Gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological perspectives and research methods before progressing to specialised modules in your chosen field during the second and third years.

Modules

  • Explore key concepts and theories in psychology with this engaging module. Immerse yourself in captivating themes such as Social Identity, Perceptual and Cognitive Development, Context and Culture, Emotional Development, Interpersonal Relationships, and Maladaptive Behaviour. 

    Compulsory

  • Develop essential academic, professional, and transferable skills needed for success as a student and future employee. Cultivate a professional identity and embrace reflective practice to foster your professional growth and readiness for the workforce.

    Compulsory

  • Explore both experimental and non-experimental approaches used by psychologists in this introductory module. Gain essential skills in designing, conducting, summarising, evaluating, and presenting psychological research, along with a grasp of basic descriptive and inferential statistics.

    Compulsory

  • Examine the fascinating intersection of psychological research and popular culture in this captivating module. Investigate how psychology influences and is portrayed in diverse contemporary topics, including politics, immigration, celebrity, criminal behaviors, public health campaigns, consumerism, racism, and aging.

    Compulsory

  • Gain a comprehensive overview of mental health and well-being from biological, psychological, and cultural perspectives in this module. Explore factors influencing mental health, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and psychosis, along with corresponding interventions. Delve into aspects of well-being, including positive affect, resilience, happiness, and self-esteem, and learn about interventions aimed at promoting well-being in different applied populations.

    Compulsory

  • Discover the potential of qualitative research methods in this module, exploring their practical application in Psychology, Counselling, Forensic, and Sports and Exercise. Gain valuable insights into designing, conducting, and reporting qualitative research using diverse data collection methods and analytical techniques, empowering your research skills in these applied fields.

    Compulsory

In your second year, expand upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first year, delving deeper into the BPS core curriculum. Discover specialised content in psychology with counselling, including psychological approaches to counselling, core counselling skills and the development of professional standards.

Modules

  • Uncover the foundations of human behaviour through the lens of psychology's four core perspectives: developmental, social, biological, and cognitive. Delve into key theoretical explanations and explore contemporary global themes that shape our understanding of human behaviour.

    Compulsory

  • Discover the power of psychological approaches to counselling in this module. Explore the theory, philosophy, and practice of key therapeutic models like psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Gain insight into the personal and ethical qualities needed for successful counselling within specific theoretical frameworks.

    Compulsory

  • Explore the theoretical aspects of counselling practice. This module empowers students to acquire in-depth knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in counselling. Examine the crucial dynamics of the counselling relationship, the role of the practitioner, and the intricacies of diversity and difference, fostering inclusive counselling practices.

    Compulsory

  • Deepen your exploration of psychology's core domains. Gain a comprehensive understanding of developmental, social, biological, and cognitive perspectives, and unlock their practical applications in addressing relevant community issues. Broaden your understanding of how psychological knowledge can be applied to make a positive change in society.

    Compulsory

  • Step into the realm of practical application in this module, where you'll have the opportunity to develop your core counselling skills. Explore key professional standards and delve into the ethical and professional considerations that arise when working in a professional setting, particularly in contexts involving individuals.

    Compulsory

  • Unlock the secrets of statistical analysis in this module, where you'll learn to conduct, report, and interpret various statistical tests. Dive into the intricacies of complex experimental and correlational designs. Develop your skills in planning psychological research projects, navigating the essentials of research proposal development, and exploring conceptual, methodological, and ethical considerations, along with quantitative and/or qualitative methods application.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. 

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement 

Modules

  • This module enables you to undertake an enhancement year following the second year of a degree programme. This year, which would be carried out within the UK, could consist of:

    • Internship or placement scheme
    • Short term placement
    • Business start-up
    • Contract, freelance or independent commission opportunity
    • Appropriate and agreed combination of above activities.

    You will begin to prepare for the enhancement year during your first and second years of study and will be required to demonstrate commitment and a professional approach to the process. You are expected to identify an appropriate opportunity with guidance from staff and subject to approval from course directors, organise and prepare for the year using the resources available to you through the university, your course and your personal networks. You will be expected to draw on the experiences encountered during your enhancement year and use them to inform and plan your final year of study.

    Optional

  • This module enables you to undertake an enhancement year following the second year of an undergraduate degree programme. This year, which would be carried out outside of the UK, could consist of:

    • European internship through Erasmus / Erasmus Plus / Turing Scheme
    • Self-funded European internship
    • International internship
    • Study abroad
    • Appropriate and agreed combination of above activities.

    You will begin to prepare for the enhancement year during your first and second years of study and will be required to demonstrate commitment and a professional approach to the process. You are expected to identify an appropriate opportunity with guidance from staff and subject to approval from course directors /EY tutor, organise and prepare for the year using the resources available to you through the university, your course and your personal networks. You will be able to draw on the experiences encountered during your enhancement year and use them to inform and plan your final year of study.

    Optional

In year three prepare for a seamless transition into the professional world by building upon your knowledge and skills from years one and two. Additionally, engage in a research project under academic supervision, exploring an area of personal interest and further enhancing your expertise.

Modules

  • Utilise what you’ve learned about research methods to design your own independent research project tailored to your research interests with the guidance of a project supervisor. Gain insights into research ethics and navigate the process of seeking ethical approval for your own psychological study.

    Compulsory

  • Conduct your own research project under the guidance of your personal project supervisor. You’ll collect and analyse data and write up your own empirical study. This module will not only refine your research capabilities but will foster independence and a deeper understanding of your chosen topic area.

    Compulsory

  • Critically evaluate the evidence behind various counselling and psychotherapy approaches. Explore contemporary therapeutic models, such as third wave cognitive behavioural therapies, NICE-approved psychodynamic and humanistic therapies, and discover the diverse range of alternative therapies like play therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Expand your knowledge, enhance your skills and unlock the potential of effective counselling and psychotherapy techniques.

    Compulsory

  • Further cultivate and apply your core counselling skills within a safe and supportive environment. Through simulation role-play, you'll practice and refine your skills, focusing on personal and professional growth. Gain transferable skills applicable to various disciplines, particularly valuable for those pursuing further training in the therapeutic realm. Develop your potential and unlock new horizons with this enriching module.

    Compulsory

  • Further develop your core counselling skills, focusing on specific psychological distress such as anxiety and depression. Explore the art of tailoring therapeutic interventions to individual client needs, considering diverse factors like age, ethnicity, and gender, as well as unique contexts such as schools, hospitals, and prisons. Engage in simulated counsellor-client interactions and case studies to apply your skills effectively. Gain insights into professional pathways and exciting graduate opportunities awaiting you in the field.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one optional module from:

    Clinical Neuroscience - 20 credits
    Explore the fascinating relationship between neuroscience and human cognition and behaviour. Discover how neurological mechanisms shape our thinking and actions, from executive functioning in offending behaviour to impaired impulse control in clinical conditions. Gain a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between the brain and behaviour to unravel the mysteries of the human mind.

    Aggression and Violent Behaviour - 20 credits
    Examine the complex manifestations of aggression and violence in various contexts such as mental health hospitals, prisons, and intimate relationships. Integrate theories from developmental, social, biological, and cognitive psychology to gain a comprehensive understanding of how aggression and violence shape deviant/criminal behaviours and interpersonal conflicts in diverse settings and professional dynamics.

    Child and Educational Psychology - 20 credits
    Delve into the fascinating world of developmental disorders, exploring their impact from early childhood to early adulthood. Gain insights into the assessment and remediation of difficulties within educational settings, while also examining broader topics such as comorbidity, labelling, stigma, and inclusion. This module spans psychological, counselling, forensic, and sports and exercise contexts, offering a comprehensive understanding of special educational needs.

    *Optional module choices are subject to change in any given year 

    Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course utilises a broad range of teaching and learning strategies providing students with an immersive experience. For example, you will be given opportunities to develop your core counselling skills in several different ways (e.g., peer-to-peer role play, use of actors as mock clients and simulated scenarios). This course is taught using a mixture of lectures, group seminars and practical, ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. Core course content will be delivered during the lectures, while seminars and workshops offer opportunities for you to explore topics more independently, receive guidance on coursework assignments, begin to apply your knowledge and develop your academic, transferable skills and core counselling skills.

You will have the opportunity to take part in the design, conduct and analysis of psychological experiments, and spend time working collaboratively on group projects with other students. In addition, your Student Progress Tutor (SPT) will be available for one-to-one bookable meetings throughout every semester (subject to availability) and will review and discuss your progress and continual personal development. In addition, SPTs will organise and plan both individual and peer group wellbeing check-ins to ensure you have personal support through your journey on the course.

Outside of contact time, your personal study hours will be guided by materials posted on your module web pages.

Work experience and field trip opportunities are also an integral part of the course. We aim to arrange international field trips each year for students at all levels of our undergraduate psychology courses2.

Teaching contact hours

In year one, you will receive a minimum of 12 hours on campus synchronous hours and a minimum of 3 hours of online synchronous hours per week. This delivery pattern is mirrored in year two. During your final year, you will receive a minimum of 9 on-campus hours and 3 online synchronous hours. Within these contact hours across the years, there will be approximately a minimum of 5 hours lectures and 5 hours of seminars/workshops.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 25 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Assessment

Throughout the course, you will be assessed using diverse methods tailored to each module.

Assessment methods include coursework, phase tests, and a range of engaging activities such as reports, literature reviews, presentations (oral, poster, video), demonstration of counselling skills, reflection, portfolios, as well as short answer and multiple-choice tests.

Coventry University Group follows a comprehensive assessment strategy that ensures fair evaluation and enables us to track your progress towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

You have the opportunity to complete the course over four years with a year spent studying abroad2. The university has links with many institutions around the world, including Germany, Malta, Spain and the Netherlands. Courses are largely taught in English, but there are opportunities to learn and attend courses in a foreign language.

You may also have the opportunity to present at international conferences and/or collaborate with students from other institutions within the international arena on specified COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Embarking on the journey of understanding the complex workings of the human mind is an undertaking that not only shapes your own future but also empowers you to positively impact the lives of others. Our new Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons) course is a transformative pathway that ignites a passion for knowledge, compassion, and personal growth.

Join us on a journey of intellectual curiosity in an environment where critical thinking, rigorous analysis and compassionate inquiry converge, as we explore the realms of human behaviour and unlock the endless possibilities of creating a brighter, more connected world.

Dr Michelle De Voy (Deputy Course Director, Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons), 2023
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 120
A level BBB Excludes General Studies
GCSE 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A*- C including English Language and Mathematics, or specified equivalents. 
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 30 points to include 15 points at Higher level.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU support bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

This course is taught at Coventry University’s main campus.

  • Specialist teaching facilities4 include light and dark multisensory laboratories, ‘mock’ prison cells, an observation suite, counselling rooms which allows you to experience the application of psychology in different contexts.
  • Specialist software, such as Gorilla, Opensesame experiment builder, E-Prime, SPSS statistical analysis, Pinnacle Studio and NVIVO to develop your digital fluency.
  • EEG, eye tracking and Virtual Reality Headsets which allows you to understand and experience the neuro cognitive aspects of human behaviour in different situations.

Careers and opportunities

Our courses equip you with a range of skills and competencies that could set you apart from other graduates and make you attractive to potential employers (e.g. critical thinking, communication skills, core counselling skills, leadership and creativity). In addition, our ‘Enhanced Skills in Psychology Scheme’ runs alongside your degree and provides opportunities to develop your professional identity in areas such as interviewing skills, work experience and volunteering2. This scheme complements a final year module that aims to help you learn how to identify suitable employment and training opportunities after graduation, enabling you to submit competitive, professional applications and perform well in interview situations.

The course provides the necessary grounding to enable you to progress and be eligible to undertake further training to become a qualified psychologist pursuing a career in the community, for example, as an occupational, forensic, or social psychologist; in mental wellbeing as a clinical or counselling psychologist; in physical wellbeing as a health, sport or neuropsychologist; working with children as a developmental or educational psychologist.

Where our graduates work

We aim to equip our graduates will be equipped with highly sought-after employability skills to embark on a career in applied psychological settings (e.g. mental health secure settings, rehabilitation centres); or complete one of our postgraduate degrees. However, the transferable skills you gain from your degree opens several options for career pathways. Our students across the psychology suite of courses have also become researchers, lecturers, teachers, administrators, managers and health and care professionals.

Students who successfully complete their BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling degree with a minimum 2:2 award will normally be eligible for most MSc Applied Psychology programmes at Coventry University (e.g. MSc Forensic Psychology, MSc Health Psychology, MSc Applied Psychology, MSc Business and Organisational Psychology) and other institutions with related courses.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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