Course overview
Understand behaviour and develop supportive practice.
Explore psychological theory, human behaviour and counselling approaches while developing research, communication, ethical practice and applied support skills, beginning with an integrated Foundation Year.
Foundation Year
Develop the academic, employability and digital skills needed for higher education while gaining an introduction to psychology, counselling, professional behaviour and career planning.
Year One
Build core knowledge of psychology and counselling theory, examine how research informs practice and develop communication, ethical awareness and professional skills across social, developmental and forensic contexts.
Year Two
Deepen your understanding of cognition, biology, personality and psychopathology while exploring diversity, cultural context, risk management and the ways individuals, families and communities experience support.
Year Three
Apply research, data and integrative counselling perspectives to contemporary issues, plan your professional development and complete an independent Psychology with Counselling project.
Curriculum
Four years from academic foundations to independent research.
00Year 0
Foundation Year
120 credits
Year 0
Foundation Year
- Academic Integrity and Assessment20 credits
- Foundations in Psychology20 credits
- Fundamentals of Counselling20 credits
- Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour20 credits
- Personal Development and Career Exploration20 credits
- Study Strategies and Academic Development20 credits
01Year 1
Level 4
120 credits
Year 1
Level 4
- Applied Communication Skills20 credits
- Counselling as a Therapeutic Method20 credits
- Developmental Psychology20 credits
- Forensic Psychology and Criminology20 credits
- Research and Ethics in Psychology20 credits
- Social Psychology20 credits
02Year 2
Level 5
120 credits
Year 2
Level 5
- Biopsychology20 credits
- Cognitive Psychology20 credits
- Counselling in a Diverse Context20 credits
- Multi-Agency Approaches to Risk Management20 credits
- Personality and Individual Differences20 credits
- Psychopathology20 credits
03Year 3
Level 6
120 credits
Year 3
Level 6
- Career Paths in Psychology and Counselling20 credits
- Contemporary Issues in Psychology20 credits
- Integrative Approaches to Counselling20 credits
- The Use of Data in Psychology20 credits
- Psychology with Counselling 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 is designed around realistic activities that connect academic knowledge with professional situations. Formative feedback supports your development before graded work.
Methods can include essays, reports, simulations, presentations, projects, group debates, reflective writing and portfolio-based assessments.
Independent research, homework and group work form an important part of the programme. Assessment methods are reviewed regularly with external academic oversight.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Applicants aged 18+
- A Level 3 qualification equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points.
- GCSE English grade 4/C or CEFR B1. An English test at a partner campus may be available if you do not hold this qualification.
Applicants aged 21+
Applicants without the standard qualifications may be considered where their academic, professional or vocational experience and commitment demonstrate readiness for the course. The same English requirement normally applies.
Application process
- Complete the application form.
- Provide supporting documents when requested.
- Attend a panel interview covering listening and speaking, and complete a personal reflection statement for writing assessment.
- The course provider makes the final admissions decision.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Fees shown apply to new and continuing Home students from August 2026.
Tuition fees may increase in later years in line with government policy and inflation.
Funding your study
Eligible students may be able to apply for a UK Government Tuition Fee Loan to cover course fees.
A Maintenance Loan may also be available to help with living costs while studying. Eligibility depends on personal circumstances, the course and the provider.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Develop communication and interpersonal skills, research and data interpretation, ethical awareness, critical thinking, self-reflection and a foundation in counselling techniques and human behaviour.
This course is validated by Bath Spa University but is not accredited by the British Psychological Society or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. It does not by itself qualify graduates to practise as a psychologist or counsellor; further accredited training and supervised practice may be required.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Criminal justice
- Police and probation support
- Youth offending services
- Prison and secure-unit support
- Risk-management services
Education
- Education support worker
- Pupil referral and special-school support
- Career support
- Adult education
Advice and community work
- Mental health support worker
- Addiction support worker
- Family support worker
- Safeguarding and housing support
Social care
- Children and families support
- Adult and disability services
- Homelessness support
- Case manager
Health, welfare and sport
- Wellbeing support
- Health promotion
- Mental health technician
- Sports coaching support
Research
- Research assistant
- Community research support
- Further postgraduate study
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
What skills will I develop?
You will develop communication, research and data interpretation, critical thinking, ethical awareness, self-reflection and foundational counselling skills, alongside a broad understanding of human behaviour.
Is the course accredited by the BPS or BACP?
No. The course is validated by Bath Spa University, but the published course information states that it is not accredited by the British Psychological Society or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Will this degree qualify me to practise as a psychologist or counsellor?
No. Completion of the degree does not automatically provide professional psychologist or counsellor status. Regulated or practitioner roles normally require further accredited postgraduate or practitioner training and supervised practice.
How and when is the course taught?
The course is full-time and taught on campus, with weekday and/or evening schedules subject to availability at the chosen location and intake.