Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

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Understand the human mind and explore counselling theory and techniques while developing employability skills that would help you progress in a range of careers.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)
Condensed first year available

Course code

C801

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

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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 which are increasingly sought after by employers globally.

Develop an understanding across all areas of psychology and explore 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, within 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.

The January start for this course is condensed in the first year. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

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 2025

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, which are valued 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.
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).
Recognised as one of the Top 300 in World Rankings for Psychology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2022).
Enjoy the flexibility of switching to one of our other British Psychological Society -accredited degree programs in your second year if your interests or career aspirations change (subject to meeting progression requirements).

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in your first year. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Top 300

in World Rankings for Psychology

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2022

Accreditation and professional recognition

This degree is professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

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.

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

student wearing a cap with electrodes attached and 2 students checking them

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 final years.

Modules

Fundamental Concepts in Psychology - 20 Credits

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

Professional Practice in Psychology - 20 credits

Introducing Quantitative Research Methods - 20 credits

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

Psychology and Popular Culture - 20 credits

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 behaviours, public health campaigns, consumerism, racism and ageing.

Compulsory

Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing - 20 credits

Gain a comprehensive overview of mental health and wellbeing 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 wellbeing, including positive affect, resilience, happiness, and self-esteem, and learn about interventions aimed at promoting wellbeing in different applied populations.

Compulsory

Introducing Qualitative Research Methods - 20 credits

Discover the potential of qualitative research methods in this module, exploring their practical application in psychology, counselling, forensics, 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

Psychological Perspectives of Human Behaviour - 20 credits

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

Psychological Approaches to Counselling - 20 credits

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

Understanding Core Counselling Skills - 20 credits

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

Applying Psychological Perspectives of Human Behaviour - 20 credits

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

Developing Counselling Skills and Professional Standards - 20 credits

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

Research Methods and Project Planning - 20 credits

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.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Your final year prepares you for a seamless transition into the professional world by building upon your knowledge and skills from the first and second years. Additionally, engage in a research project under academic supervision, exploring an area of personal interest and further enhancing your expertise.

Modules

Project Design and Ethics - 20 credits

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

Independent Research Project - 20 credits

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

Contemporary Interventions in Counselling and Psychotherapy - 20 credits

Critically evaluate the evidence behind various counselling and psychotherapy approaches. Explore contemporary therapeutic models, such as third-wave cognitive behavioural therapies, National Institute of Health and Care (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

Applying Core Counselling Skills - 20 Credits

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

Working with Psychological Distress in Different Settings - 20 Credits

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

Optional Modules

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. Your Student Success Coach will be available for one-to-one bookable meetings throughout your degree (subject to availability) and will review and discuss your progress and continual personal development. Outside of contact time, your personal study hours will be guided by materials posted on your module web pages.

Many of our students undertake work experience and field trips to support their practical learning. We aim to arrange optional international field trips each year for our undergraduate psychology students². See 'Fees and funding' section for further information.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of your first year, you will progress onto your second year in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional 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'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in 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 will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments.

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.

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

Entry requirements

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UCAS details

1

Course name: Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

2

Course code: C801

3

Course location: Coventry University (Coventry)

Typical entry requirements:

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 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 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 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 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 above table 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 inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. 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 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.

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).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*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.

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

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 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 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.

Facilities are subject to availability. 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.

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).

This course can provide the necessary grounding to help you progress to undertake further training to become a qualified psychologist. In doing so you may be able to pursue a rewarding 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 or working with children as a developmental or educational psychologist. Qualifying as a psychologist will be subject to further training, application and registration which may incur additional costs and have eligibility criteria.

Where our graduates work

We aim to equip our graduates with highly sought-after employability skills required 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.

Further studies

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

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UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

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If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

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International students

International codes:
HLSU274

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with 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

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 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. To ensure that you fully understand any 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.

⁴Facilities

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 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. 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.