BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year
A four-year, full-time BSc (Hons) degree with a foundation year for students who want to study psychology alongside counselling. It covers human behaviour, psychological theory, counselling approaches, mental health, diversity, research methods, ethics and risk management. It may suit adults returning to education who want to develop a broad grounding in psychology and counselling-related subjects.
Awarded by Bath Spa University
About this course
This four-year full-time degree combines the study of psychology with counselling theory and practice. It begins with a foundation year designed to build academic, digital, communication and employability skills while introducing core ideas in psychology and counselling.
The degree then examines how people think, develop, behave and relate to others. You will consider developmental, social, cognitive and biological perspectives, alongside personality, individual differences and psychopathology. Counselling study covers counselling as a therapeutic method, integrative approaches and working in diverse cultural and social contexts.
You will also develop research skills, including the ethical use of evidence and data in psychology. The final stages include independent research and a psychology with counselling project, allowing you to bring together the knowledge and skills developed across the course.
What you will study
The foundation year covers academic integrity and assessment, foundations in psychology, fundamentals of counselling, study strategies, applied communication, professional behaviour, job-search techniques and career exploration.
Later study includes:
• Counselling as a Therapeutic Method • Developmental Psychology • Forensic Psychology and Criminology • Research and Ethics in Psychology • Social Psychology • Biopsychology • Cognitive Psychology • Counselling in a Diverse Context • Multi-Agency Approaches to Risk Management • Personality and Individual Differences • Psychopathology • Contemporary Issues in Psychology • Integrative Approaches to Counselling • The Use of Data in Psychology • Independent research and a Psychology with Counselling Project
Modules
Year 0 (Foundation Year)
- Academic Integrity and Assessment
- Foundations in Psychology
- Fundamentals of Counselling
- Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour
- Personal Development and Career Exploration
- Study Strategies and Academic Development
Year One (Level 4)
- Applied Communication Skills
- Counselling as a Therapeutic Method
- Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology and Criminology
- Research and Ethics in Psychology
- Social Psychology
Year Two (Level 5)
- Biopsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Counselling in a Diverse Context
- Multi-Agency Approaches to Risk Management
- Personality and Individual Differences
- Psychopathology
Year Three (Level 6)
- Career Paths in Psychology and Counselling
- Contemporary Issues in Psychology
- Integrative Approaches to Counselling
- The Use of Data in Psychology
- Psychology with Counselling Project
Assessment
Assessment methods include essays, reports, real-life simulations, presentations, projects, group debates, reflective writing and portfolio-based assessments.
Entry requirements
Applicants aged 18 or over need a Level 3 qualification equivalent to either 60 credits or 80 UCAS Tariff points.
Applicants aged 21 or over who do not meet the standard entry requirements may apply by demonstrating their willingness and commitment to study the subject, along with relevant academic, professional or vocational experience.
English language requirements
GCSE English at grade 4/C or CEFR B1 is required. Applicants without this qualification can take an English test at a campus.
Careers
The course may support progression into roles and further training in criminal justice, policing, youth offending, probation, prison services and psychiatric accommodation. Other potential areas include education, career counselling, adult education, community support, mental health and addiction support, family support, safeguarding, housing, social care, children and families services, adult services, disability services and homelessness support.
It may also be relevant to work in health and welfare, case management, treatment planning, youth work, research assistance, health promotion, sports coaching and performance sports science.
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