Course overview
Begin with a supported foundation year, then progress through a complete honours degree.
Combine the core psychology curriculum with counselling theory, mental health, therapeutic skills and an independent counselling research project.
Course overview
This BPS-accredited degree includes an additional foundation year for students who want more academic support before degree-level study. It covers social, cognitive, biological and developmental psychology alongside counselling approaches, mental health, therapeutic process and practical counselling skills.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year develops academic writing, research, critical thinking, communication and subject-specific confidence before progression to Level 4. Successful completion leads directly into the degree stages of the programme.
Blended learning
Arden lists Daytime blended, Evening blended delivery for this course. Teaching combines scheduled campus sessions with online resources and independent study through iLearn; the exact campus timetable is confirmed for the selected intake.
Curriculum
Explore the full Foundation Year and Levels 4, 5 and 6 module structure.
01Foundation Year
Foundation Year · 120 credits
120 credits
Foundation Year
Foundation Year · 120 credits
- Preparing for University Success20 credits
- Exploring the Social World20 credits
- Advancing your Academic Skills20 credits
- Examining Social Justice20 credits
- Planning for Your Future Success20 credits
- Investigation & Innovation Project20 credits
04Level 4
Level 4 · 120 credits
120 credits
Level 4
Level 4 · 120 credits
- Introduction to Studying Psychology20 credits
- Social Psychology20 credits
- Exploring Research in Psychology20 credits
- Developmental Psychology20 credits
- Biological Psychology20 credits
- Cognitive Psychology20 credits
05Level 5
Level 5 · 120 credits
120 credits
Level 5
Level 5 · 120 credits
- Qualitative Research Methods20 credits
- Quantitative Research Methods20 credits
- Positive Psychology20 credits
- Personality and Intelligence20 credits
- Approaches to Counselling Psychology20 credits
- Core Counselling Skills20 credits
06Level 6
Level 6 · 120 credits
120 credits
Level 6
Level 6 · 120 credits
- Psychological Assessment and Formulation20 credits
- Counselling Psychology, Mental Health and Illness20 credits
- Health and Psychological Wellbeing20 credits
- Managing the Therapeutic Process20 credits
- Counselling Research Project40 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment can include assignments, essays, reports, presentations, case studies, portfolios, roleplay and research work.
The counselling modules use applied tasks that connect psychological evidence with professional and therapeutic contexts.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Standard entry
- A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last three years, or an equivalent qualification.
Alternative entry
- Applicants without the standard qualification may be considered with at least two years of professional work experience, supported by a CV and reference.
- Applications through a non-standard route are assessed individually and may require a personal statement, interview, CV or references.
English language
- IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 80, or an accepted equivalent.
- Previous study in English may be accepted with suitable evidence of the medium of instruction.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Arden states that published fees relate to the intake on which the student enrols, rather than the application date.
Tuition fees may be reviewed for later intakes; confirm the final amount before enrolment.
Funding your study
This course is listed as eligible for Student Loans Company funding to help with tuition fees and other study expenses, subject to personal eligibility.
Study materials required for the course are provided through Arden's learning environment.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited.
Eligible graduates can gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS.
Develop core counselling skills and complete a 40-credit counselling research project.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Career directions
- Counselling psychology pathway
- Mental health services
- Psychological wellbeing support
- Community support
- Research
- Human resources
- Postgraduate psychology or counselling training
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Is the Foundation Year included in the degree?
Yes. This is a four-year honours degree with an integrated Foundation Year followed by Levels 4, 5 and 6.
How is the course delivered?
The UK-campus route is full-time blended learning. Arden currently lists Daytime blended, Evening blended attendance for this course, with online resources and independent study between campus sessions.
When can I start?
The current published application options are September 2026, November 2026. Campus and timetable availability should be confirmed for the chosen intake.
Who awards the degree?
The degree is awarded by Arden University.