Psychology (Counselling) BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  If you are interested in pursuing a career in counselling, counselling or clinical psychology, or another helping profession where interactive skills are essential, this course is one of only a few national programmes that is designed specifically for you.

  Our Psychology and Counselling course will introduce you to the central concepts of both psychology and counselling before moving on to explore the subject in more depth, according to your interests. You will have the opportunity to study areas as diverse as positive psychology, parapsychology and neuroscience of mind.

  We will support you to achieve your career and study ambitions, which is why if you complete our Employability Plus Gold programme or Changemaker Gold certificate alongside your studies and if you haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating* we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you, or support you into postgraduate study.

  Course

  Highlights

  • This course is accredited by BPS (British Psychological Society)
  • Provides you with the Graduate Basis for BPS Chartered Membership and eligibility for MSc and professional doctorates in Psychology (2:2 degree classification or higher)
  • Experiential learning in small groups
  • Teaching staff with extensive professional experience
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  

  This course offers you various volunteering opportunities, careers events and workshops which will enhance your employability once you have graduated.

  You will have an opportunity to develop your understanding of the key theories and concepts in psychology and counselling, learning basic counselling skills and gaining an understanding of the professional context of counselling work. The applied nature of counselling psychology will be emphasised throughout the programme.

  In addition to a focus on counselling concepts, issues and skills, this course will allow you to analyse and understand human behaviour, thought and emotions, from many different psychological perspectives. If you are looking to become a counsellor then this course provides you with a basis for professional level training.

  If you are studying this course full-time you will take 120 credits each academic year. You will study a mix of core subjects and can choose from a range of modules which reflect your interests. At each level, you will take a core year-long module in Counselling combining three key elements:

  • key concepts and ideas
  • the development of self-awareness
  • the development of counselling skills

  Stage one

  At stage one, the core Counselling module is Introduction to Counselling which explores key concepts and research approaches in counselling, while developing your awareness of different counselling settings and developing your presentation skills. You are given an excellent grounding in counselling and psychology that you will continue to build upon throughout the course. Volunteering is particularly recommended as it helps to develop your personal and professional skills. Please note that if you do select the Volunteering module you will need to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

  Stage two

  Stage two aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in the main theoretical models used in counselling (person-centred, CBT and psychodynamic) and an opportunity to develop your counselling skills and awareness of the therapeutic process through theory, group work and practicing with your peers.

  You will also have the option of studying either a module on the psychology of wellbeing or taking a work-based placement: The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational Settings. Please note that if you do select this work-based placement module then a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.

  Stage three*

  In stage three, you will undertake a module in counselling psychology theory and counselling skills which will introduce you to a range of issues worked with by counsellors. The knowledge and skills gained will be applicable in a range of therapeutic professions. You will also undertake an empirical dissertation, under the guidance of a psychology or counselling lecturer with particular expertise in your chosen area. You will immerse yourself in a topic of your choosing, subject to staff and ethical approval, and exercise the research skills you have acquired through the course.

  *Please note that Stage Three modules are currently being reviewed and may be subject to change.

  It is important to note that this is primarily an academic course rather than a professional training course, and that those who complete the course will not be qualified as counsellors or counselling psychologists. However, on successful completion of the course, with a 2:2 or above, you should have the knowledge, skills and experience to enable you to pursue professional training in counselling or counselling/clinical psychology at postgraduate level.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Accreditation

  Our Psychology and Counselling course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)*, conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership, provided that you achieve the minimum of a second class honours in your degree. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

  * Accreditation applicable to undergraduate Single Honours Psychology degrees and Joint Honours degrees where Psychology is the major subject.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    This course prepares you for postgraduate training in counselling and counselling psychology as well as other areas. Upon completion of such a postgraduate course you can also obtain ‘chartered’ status as a counselling, clinical, educational, occupational, health or forensic psychologist.

    Continue your studies and become a qualified counsellor by studying our MSc in Counselling Children and Young People or our MSc Counselling.

    Choose to pursue a career as an educator as as an academic psychologist, conducting research and teaching in higher education.

    Psychology degrees provide an excellent grounding for a diverse range of non-psychological careers. The listening and communication skills developed on this degree course will be highly valuable in a range of health and social care professions.

    
• Requirements

  Typical offers are BBC at A Level or DDM at BTEC.

  In addition to the standard entry requirements, applicants require GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above. Equivalences are not accepted, apart from Access applicants who must take 12 credits of Maths Level 2 or 9 credits of Maths Level 3 as part of their Access course.

  If you would like more information on how to make an application as a Home or EU student, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Enquire online
  Online enquiry form

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Placement
  • Stage 3

  • Psychology in Practice (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY1001

    Core Module Y
  • Introduction to Psychology (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY1003

    Core Module Y
  • Becoming a Psychologist (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY1006

    Core Module Y
  • Introduction to Counselling (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY1009

    Core Module Y
  • Positive Psychology (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY1011

    Core Module Y
  • Psychology for Life (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY1012

    Core Module Y

  • Research Methods and Statistics (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2005

    Core Module Y
  • Cognitive Psychology (10 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2010

    Core Module Y
  • Biological Psychology (10 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2011

    Core Module Y
  • Developmental Psychology (10 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2013

    Core Module Y
  • Personality Psychology (10 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2014

    Core Module Y
  • Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology (10 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2015

    Core Module Y
  • Social Psychology (10 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2016

    Core Module Y
  • Counselling: from Theory to Practice (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2018

    Core Module Y
  • The Human Animal (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2006

    Core Module N
  • The Psychology of Well Being (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2007

    Core Module N
  • The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational Settings (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2025

    Core Module N

  If a student opts to take the optional placement year, the module PSY2028 becomes a compulsory module. Students must have successfully completed 100 credits at Stage 2 in order to undertake placement.

  • The FHS Placement Year Experience (40 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2028

    Core Module Y

  • Counselling Psychology Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: PSY4008

    Core Module Y
  • Counselling in Context1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3028

    Core Module Y
  • The Psychology of Mental Health (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3004

    Core Module N
  • Parapsychology & Anomalous Experiences (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3007

    Core Module N
  • The Psychology of Health (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3013

    Core Module N
  • Educational Psychology (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3023

    Core Module N
  • Psychology of Spirituality, Religion and Wellbeing (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3027

    Core Module N
  • Lifespan Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3053

    Core Module N
  • Neuroscience of Mind (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3054

    Core Module N
  • Applying Positive Psychology (20 Credits)
    Module code: PSY3055

    Core Module N

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  • as part of the course, you will have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement
  • students have access to excellent facilities and resources for research
  • you will be taught by internationally and nationally recognised researchers in several topics including parapsychology, mental health and wellbeing and qualitative psychology
  • Counselling modules will be taught by experienced counsellors and therapists
• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Opportunities

    Further your study

    Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

    Counselling MSc

    Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MSc

    
  • Student Stories

    Sian Carroll

    “I chose the University of Northampton initially for the course because I wanted to pursue a clinical psychology route and the counselling aspect really appealed to me.

    “The campus and psychology department (compared to others I had visited) had a homely, family feel that helped me to transition easier after moving 130 miles from home.

    “I’ve had the most amazing support from lecturers during my degree, both academically and personally, that I could never thank them enough.

    It’s interesting, the lecturers know how to make it fun and it has inspired me to continue my career in psychology. I’ve loved doing my degree at Northampton and I’m sorry to be leaving!”

    
  • Research

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages. 

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module

  Additional costs

  Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500

  Additional costs

  Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Part Time Study

  Courses offered on a part time basis are an excellent way of gaining a qualification around a busy home life or job. The University of Northampton recognises that many of our students have family and work commitments and offer various courses on a part time study basis, working flexibly around your requirements.

  A lot of our courses can be completed part-time, so you can fit your studies around your life. The majority of part-time and professional courses start in October. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure we have your details before your course starts.

*Course data provided by Unistats