Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Office with a person taking notes and the other one speaking

Explore the human mind and apply counselling theories and techniques to build towards impactful and diverse career opportunities, as well as personal growth.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

CDDF

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

Unlock your potential to excel in the field of mental health and wellbeing, while developing highly sought-after research and critical thinking skills valued across a wide range of professions.

Dedicated pathway: learn more about the core areas of psychology. Delve into specialist modules on mental health, wellbeing and the application of counselling skills.
Real-world learning: explore the practical applications of psychology and counselling in real-world scenarios such as managing workplace stress, while considering diverse cultures and global contexts.
Key skills: develop valuable and transferable skills like empathy and active listening. Gain a deep understanding of core psychology and counselling techniques and learn how to apply and adapt them across different scenarios and contexts. You'll also explore contemporary approaches to counselling, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Professional accreditation: successfully completing this course to the required standard of accreditation means you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is necessary for further postgraduate study in psychology (including professional doctorates). See accreditation section for more details.
Psychology in action: through problem-based learning, actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication.
Equipped for the future: this course is your first step towards a career in professional psychology practice. The course content has been designed to prepare you for further study in professional psychological practice (clinical, counselling, forensics, education and sport) and equip you with the core counselling skills you need to enter further training to work in the field of mental health.
Career-focused assessment: boost your career prospects by gaining practical skills through industry-focused learning. Develop key counselling techniques and essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership. This includes activities such as reflecting on your counselling approach and receiving peer feedback in simulated counselling sessions.
Focus on counselling skills development: immerse yourself in realistic counselling scenarios to develop, refine and adapt your skills for any situation.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The British Psychological Society

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS). (BPS) on an open-ended basis, subject to regular and ongoing review by the BPS. Accreditation by the British Psychological Society means that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.

If the accreditation of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons)

Modules

Biological Basis of Behaviour – 30 credits

This module explores the relationship between behaviour and biology, examining how the nervous and other biological systems may help explain topics such as sleep, addiction and behavioural genetics. You will have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills and apply them through problem-based learning approaches within the context of biological psychology, with a focus on strengthening your understanding of quantitative research methods.

Compulsory

The Psychology of Human Interaction – 30 credits

This module focuses on human interaction within both individual and group contexts. You will examine traditional and contemporary social psychology theories that aid in underpinning real-world issues such as aggression and gender identity. Through problem-based learning, this module aims to help you improve your understanding of the complexities of human interaction while developing your qualitative research method skills.

Compulsory

Mental Processes: From Thought to Action – 30 credits

This module offers insight into the complexities of cognitive processes and how our minds function. Explore the core principles of cognitive psychology, including attention, memory and decision-making. Learn how cognitive psychology underpins everyday actions and decisions through quantitative research methods and solution-focused learning.

Compulsory

Development Across the Lifespan – 30 credits

This module gives you the opportunity to explore psychological development across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. You will examine cognitive, emotional and social milestones, considering how developmental psychology can be applied to real-world issues such as education and cognitive decline in later life. You should learn to explore and analyse the dynamic processes that shape human growth and change.

Compulsory

Modules

Developing Self and Identity in the Social World – 30 credits

This module aims to deepen your understanding of social and developmental psychology, exploring how thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships and identity are shaped by social influences and developmental stages. You will examine group dynamics, interpersonal relationships and cultural differences, using qualitative research methods and a problem-based learning approach to help develop your research skills.

Compulsory

Humanistic and Psychodynamic Approaches in Counselling – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of psychodynamic and humanistic models of counselling theories. Explore theory, philosophy and practice across diverse counselling contexts. You will focus on essential personal and ethical qualities while gaining in-depth knowledge and practice of core counselling skills. Opportunities will be provided to practice skills such as active listening and immediacy.

Compulsory

Science of the Mind – 30 credits

Enhance your knowledge of biological and cognitive psychology, exploring brain function and mental processes and their impact on behaviour. You will study neuroanatomy, experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience and see how they apply to global topics like behavioural disorders. This module aims to use more advanced quantitative research methodologies and analysis to examine these concepts.

Compulsory

Therapy Skills: Thoughts, Behaviour, and Ethics – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of psychological approaches to counselling, with particular emphasis on behavioural, cognitive and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Apply core counselling skills through simulated counsellor-client interactions (for example, peer-to-peer role plays) using cognitive-behavioural techniques. The module also aims to enhance your understanding of key professional and ethical standards.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Project Planning and Ethics in Psychology – 30 credits

You will start your independent research project process, with support from your project supervisor, in this module. You will apply knowledge of research methods and theory to design an independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. Learn about ethics across Coventry University (CU Ethics) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) before completing an online Coventry University research ethics application.

Compulsory

Independent Research Project – 30 credits

This module helps you develop skills and behaviours expected in professional settings. You’ll learn to carry out empirical research and write an independent piece on it with support from your project supervisor. You should develop a critical and further enhanced understanding of psychological research methodology.

Compulsory

Contemporary Interventions and Applying Counselling Skills – 30 credits

This module aims to deepen your understanding of psychological counselling approaches and evidence-based methods. You will cover current therapeutic models (for example, third-wave CBT and NICE-approved therapies) and alternative therapies (for example, play therapy and animal-assisted therapy). Emphasising theoretical perspectives and personal reflection, module content aims to develop your core counselling skills through simulated interactions, fostering personal and professional growth.

Compulsory

Adapting Counselling Skills for Psychological Distress – 30 credits

Enhance your core counselling skills and learn how to adapt these to address psychological distress (for example, anxiety and depression) in different contexts such as schools and hospitals, while also considering individual differences or the presenting situation (for example, grief and bereavement). You will apply your skills through simulated interactions and case studies. The module also explores professional pathways and graduate opportunities.

Compulsory

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

Explore everything from professional development and disease to psychology and health promotion, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.
Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.
Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Modules

Professional Development – 30 credits

Familiarise yourself with the professional and regulatory standards relevant to professional roles across the health, education and social care sectors. Explore the importance of effective communication and the purpose and benefits of self-evaluation and reflection in a variety of professional contexts. Evaluate how personal and professional values influence your practice while examining the specific barriers and facilitators to success in your chosen profession.

Compulsory

Health and Disease – 30 credits

This module introduces you to fundamental anatomy and physiology and explores their relationship with health and disease. You will apply your knowledge to investigate how health and care interventions address disease and evaluate how individual choices and health management decisions affect overall status. This module also helps you to understand academic requirements and develop the skills you need to navigate your future higher education studies with the best chance of success.

Compulsory

Psychology of Social and Emotional Development – 30 credits

This module examines life span development and supporting psychological theories to develop your understanding of human behaviour. It emphasises the importance of psychology in learning and behaviour by exploring the factors that influence human development. You will examine how the principles of developmental psychology underpin and inform practice across the health, education and social care sectors. Throughout these investigations, you will evaluate the relative merits of nature and nurture in accounting for human behaviour and life chances.

Compulsory

Promoting Health and Wellbeing – 30 credits

Develop your knowledge and understanding of contemporary public health issues. Examine the factors that influence health and wellbeing, such as lifestyle choices, nutrition, physical activity, and the wider social and environmental determinants of health outcomes. By exploring various approaches to public health and health promotion, you should develop the skills to appraise health promotion and improvement programmes. This module also helps you to understand academic requirements and develop the skills you need to navigate your future higher education studies with the best chance of success.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Forget stressful end-of-year exams. We focus on applied learning using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online study to get you ready for the real world. Instead of one big test, we assess your progress through coursework and phase tests. This better reflects the way you’ll likely work in your future career.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s about creating experiences that allow you to apply knowledge, gain confidence and feel prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

interactive, engaging lectures that help to make learning psychology relatable and relevant
regular ‘course hours’ that allow you to meet your lecturers and course director and build a sense of community within your subject area while engaging in immersive subject-specific content
case studies and simulated scenarios that allow you to apply your learning
workshops and seminars to collaborate, debate, problem-solve and explore content in more depth.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

written work such as essays and practical reports
phase tests
reflective journals
individual and group presentations
problem-solving scenarios such as case studies
posters and public information leaflets
podcasts, vlogs and other media projects.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

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.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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.

Applies to degree only

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

You’ll spend your foundation year at our CU Coventry Mile Lane building, just a short walk from Coventry city centre. You can still make the most of all the facilities at the main Coventry University campus whenever you like.

Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll move over to the Coventry University campus to study your degree.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

The degree is taught at Coventry University’s main campus.

Specialist teaching facilities include light and dark multi-sensory laboratories, ‘mock’ prison cells, an observation suite, and counselling rooms which allow 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 are used to develop your digital fluency.
EEG (electroencephalogram), eye tracking and virtual reality headsets allow you to understand and experience the neuro-cognitive aspects of human behaviour in different situations.

Careers and opportunities

This course should help you develop valuable skills that employers highly seek, such as strong communication, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and presentation and listening skills. These should help to prepare you for careers in applied psychology, research and more. It also lays the foundation for further training to become a qualified psychologist in various specialisms such as occupational, forensic or social psychology; clinical or counselling psychology focusing on mental wellbeing; health, sport, or neuropsychology for physical wellbeing; or developmental and educational psychology working with children.

Please note that qualifying as a specialist psychologist may involve additional requirements. For more information, take a look at the BPS Psychology Careers Guide.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself in the following roles:

Counselling
Bereavement or trauma support worker
Corporate wellbeing consultant
Psychological wellbeing practitioner
Crisis intervention worker
Pastoral or wellbeing officer
Rehabilitation worker
Support worker in social care or youth services
Human resources worker.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry, Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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, partnerships and memberships

Some 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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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 annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.