About the course

This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course is your first exciting step towards becoming a counselling psychologist, helping people deal with issues like bereavement, domestic violence, sexual abuse, traumas and relationship difficulties.

Psychology, Counselling & Therapies offers a unique approach, blending knowledge and practice from counselling and coaching psychology. You study classic and contemporary theories of counselling and psychotherapy - including psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive behavioural approaches - to gain a thorough understanding of the core areas. Alongside this, you learn how to apply your knowledge to everyday, real-life situations, taking different perspectives on psychological issues and problems.

The course gives you the skills you need to move on to professional postgraduate training leading to a wide range of inspiring and rewarding careers across the different fields of counselling and psychology.

Why choose this course?

• Benefit from a BPS-accredited degree taught by registered clinical psychologists, practitioners and researchers
• Learn from an academic team who are members of the Research Centre for Applied Psychology
• Develop the skills needed to be an effective counsellor, from role play and peer-coaching practice up to pre-practitioner level
• Explore issues, research methods and ethical considerations in counselling and coaching psychology as well as general psychology
• Gain insight into psychological practice in the NHS as well as awareness of the career paths the NHS offers
• Opt to take the course over four years and include a year’s placement in professional practice (see below), gaining experience and making contacts for the future
• If you need to acclimatise yourself to learning in higher education, you can take the degree with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees you entry to the undergraduate course. Alongside units to help build up your academic skills, you will also study Skill Development in Psychology, Psychological Understanding of Individuals in Society, Psychological Perspectives on Contemporary Issues and Examining Research in Psychology

"My experience during my placement year at Bedfordshire Police was amazing. I produced work that was shared within and outside the force about serious subjects in relation to mental health. I was given the opportunity to experience what it was like to work in other departments within the force as well. Additionally, I met some wonderful individuals along the way and worked with the best team who were very supportive. The placement year allowed me to learn what it was like to work in the real world and have an impact on people's lives behind the scenes. At the same time, my confidence was growing, and I felt more assured with the direction I wanted to go in career wise. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and have since continued to be a volunteer. I truly recommend taking a placement year! It's been the best experience and I never wanted it to end... or leave!" Talyia Hildebrand, BSc Psychology, Counselling and Therapies

I joined the University of Bedfordshire as a mature student in 2005 and graduated from with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 2008. After studying Counselling and Psychotherapy at Regents College in London, I returned to the University of Bedfordshire to carry out doctoral research and was awarded my PhD in 2015.