Psychology with Counselling

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), our BSc Psychology with Counselling degree at Aberystwyth University combines the study of core psychological knowledge with the academic foundations of counselling. On our course, you will be introduced to a range of therapeutic approaches and techniques, including person-centred, cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic approaches to counselling. As a student on this course, you will take a hands-on, reflective approach to your learning and development. You will develop practical research skills, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and specialist counselling-related skills, which you will develop through practical sessions, role play and one-to-one supervision across the scheme.

Our ethos is to teach in a way which enables you to develop conceptual and theoretical knowledge to solve problems in real-world scenarios. During the three-year course, you will explore and learn about human development and the intricacies of what makes us humans tick and how we navigate the complex internal and external environment as well as the foundations and fundamentals of counselling.

At Aberystwyth, we offer a wide range of modules that allow you to explore the varied aspects of Psychology and counselling. Students on our Psychology and Counselling degree have access to exciting research tools to understand brain and cognitive activity as well as behavioural measurements equipment.

Students on our Psychology and Counselling course will be joining one of the largest departments in the university. The Department of Psychology consistently ranks in the top 10 in the UK (United Kingdom) for student satisfaction and teaching quality. The Department prides itself on the high level of academic and pastoral support led by the academic team which ensures that you succeed in your studies and have the best university experience.

You will cover core areas of psychological knowledge required for BPS accreditation. These include research methods, cognitive, social, biological, developmental and individual differences. You will also complete a counselling-related research project in your third year.

During your first year, you will be introduced to the core concepts, themes and approaches within psychology and counselling which include: individuals, groups, and behaviours; professional development and organisational behaviour; brain, behaviour and cognition; counselling and the counselling relationships; introduction to psychotherapeutic approaches; counselling skills; ethical and reflective practice for counsellors.

During your second and final year you will develop your understanding and use of qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis techniques; deepen your understanding of core domains in Psychology, including cognitive, neuroscience, developmental psychology, individual differences, and social psychology; situate key psychological knowledge and apply to domains such as clinical and health psychology; critical reflective practice in counselling; integrative approaches to counselling; undertaking an independent counselling-related research project.

Our BSc Psychology with Counselling is an excellent foundation if you are considering a career in the social care or helping professions. The BPS accreditation will enable access to postgraduate and professional training in clinical and counselling psychology.