Course Overview
Course summary
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development, bringing together like-minded students to think about the ‘big ideas’ within your discipline. You'll also take modules from areas closely related to your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the Foundation year, you'll be able to move on to study for the Psychology and Counselling BSc Honours degree over a further three years of study.
Our Psychology and Counselling BSc Honours is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It provides you with a broad contemporary education in psychology and counselling within a vibrant, global learning environment situated in the heart of London.
Our course team includes qualified and practising counsellors and psychotherapists who are passionate about sharing their experience, knowledge and skills of therapy.
Our programme of study has been designed to meet the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. This aspect will prepare you for postgraduate training on the path to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
In addition to psychology, you’ll study counselling and psychotherapeutic theories and approaches, and you’ll have the opportunity to develop practical skills such as active listening and effective questioning. Our course is also designed to help you to think creatively and critically, developing the problem-solving skills that will enable you to apply psychology and counselling to address a wide range of personal, professional and societal needs.
There will also be trips organised throughout the course, with previous trips including visits to the Freud Museum, the Wellcome Trust, and the Bethlem Museum. In addition to this, film nights will be organised, focusing on the themes of psychology and counselling.
Our Psychology and Counselling BSc offers the opportunity to follow your own interests through an attractive range of option modules. A distinctive feature of the option modules we offer is that the majority are focused on professional practice. This provides you not only with a chance to specialise, but also to investigate potential career paths as a graduate psychologist.
On graduation, you’ll be suitably equipped to embark on professional training in counselling psychology and psychotherapy, as well as to work in a wide range of professional settings. Our Psychology and Counselling BSc provides a pathway towards personal and professional growth and development.
Top reasons to study with us
- Development of practical skills and reflective practice – you’ll be able to practise skills such as active listening, reflecting, paraphrasing, and summarising
- Professionally trained course team – you’ll be taught by staff who are qualified and practising psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors
- Work experience opportunities – you’ll be able to choose work experience from a wide range of settings, and you have the option to undertake a professional work placement year
Course structure
Learning takes place through a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent study, including lectures, seminars and project work. Your experience will be further enriched by opportunities for research participation, counselling skills practice and work-based learning.
You’ll focus on active and often collaborative project work, which includes carrying out research practicals, allowing you to engage first hand with research practice and the knowledge base of our discipline. It also includes other kinds of enquiry-based learning, in which you learn through tackling realistic problems similar to those faced by practising counselling psychologists.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Psychology in Everyday Life
- Society, Risk and Crime: Sociological Perspectives
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- History, Memory and Belonging
- Contemporary Themes in Psychology
There are no optional or elective modules offered at Level 3, as the focus is on the development of key academic skills through a broad understanding of social sciences and humanities.
Credit Level 3
Subjects of study include:
- Biological Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
- Social Psychology
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Counselling Skills and Practice
- Data Analysis for Psychology
- Humanistic Approaches in Psychotherapy
- Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Therapy
- Cultivating Employability Skills for Career Success
- Diverse and Alternative Approaches to Psychotherapy
- Emotional Life
- Societal Responses to Climate Change
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Psychology and Counselling with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Psychology and Counselling with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Client Issues and Processes in Therapy
- Professional Issues in a Critical Context
- Project in Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Disorders
- Consciousness
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Music and the Mind
- Occupational and Work Psychology
- Political Psychology
- Psychology of Education
- Sexology
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It has been designed to meet the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided that the minimum standard of a Lower Second Class Honours is achieved and the empirical project has been passed. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Careers
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Taught by professionals
You’ll be taught by staff who are qualified and practising psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors.
Transferable skills
You'll gain the knowledge and experience to work in roles such as counselling psychologist, counsellor and psychotherapist.
Graduates in work or further study
92% of students are in work and/or further study 15 months after the course. (Source: Discover Uni, accessed in December 2020)
Career development
Our Psychology and Counselling BSc Honours course is accredited by the professional body that oversees psychology in the United Kingdom, the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Providing you meet the minimum standard of a Lower Second Class Honours level you are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership of the BPS. GBC is the first stage necessary for becoming a chartered practitioner in the areas of counselling psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, health psychology, occupational psychology and sport and exercise psychology.
If wishing to train as a qualified counsellor, graduates are well prepared to undertake a further professional qualification, such as Counselling PgDip following successful completion of this degree. As well as careers in psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, the Psychology and Counselling course is suitable for careers in teaching, health and social care, human resources, advertising, marketing and business.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Coach
- Counselling psychologist
- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
Graduate employment
Graduates from this course have found employment in areas including:
- NHS
- Education
- Private practice
- University counselling services
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Jo Birkett
Lecturer
After completing training in various therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and body-orientated psychotherapy, Jo Birkett earned a Master's in Counselling Psychology and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist from the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology in 2018. Jo developed a keen interest in trauma and community-based approaches to mental health, and her current research pursuits encompass psychologically informed interventions and community initiatives that support wellbeing.
Jo possesses a strong passion for teaching and thrives on engaging with new students through teaching, research supervision, and her role as a personal tutor. Her commitment to decolonising and diversifying the psychology curriculum reflects her dedication to promoting inclusivity and broadening perspectives in the field.
Students learn to embrace the complexities of the human experience through their studies in counselling and psychology. It’s an enriching journey, both personally and professionally.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Professional accreditation
Our Psychology and Counselling BSc Honours course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Fantastic central London location
Based in our Cavendish Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city.
Build your skillset
You'll develop practical skills in active listening and effective questioning, as well as studying counselling and psychotherapeutic theories and approaches.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels - DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate - 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma - MPP
- BTEC Diploma - MM
- Access - 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Shamini Satkunam
Psychology and Counselling BSc Honours - 2021
Healthcare Assistant
I would like to say a big thank you for creating the Psychology and Counselling course. I have been working as a healthcare assistant in a priory psychiatric hospital since graduating. I have found myself using not only the theoretical knowledge learnt during the course but also the practical skills needed to communicate with vulnerable patients/people. In particular, the 'Reflective practice and listening skills in counselling psychology' and 'Mindfulness in Psychotherapeutic Practice' modules have been useful to incorporate as an HCA in a psychiatric hospital. I did not expect to use these skills so soon!
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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