Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, graduates are prepared for careers in mental health, counseling, and related fields. The program emphasizes self-awareness, empathy, and ethical practice, preparing students to work effectively with individuals and teams.

You will study key counselling approaches such as person-centred, cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapies. While developing an understanding of common and complex mental health disorders, you will also develop key counselling competences such as communication and listening skills, empathy, self-awareness, establishing boundaries and working ethically within a therapeutic setting. Taught by specialised academics and qualified counsellors, you will also develop a core understanding of the fields of cognitive, biological, developmental and social psychology, as well as transferable skills in experimental design and statistical analysis. A combination of Psychology with Counselling can be recognised as a real asset by employers because these subjects develop knowledge and people skills that are invaluable when working with individuals and teams. For example, a Doctorate in Counselling or Clinical Psychology which will lead to Chartered Psychology Status.

Outline:

Year 1

• Psychology Research Methods 1 (30 credits): This module is a core requirement for students taking psychology in level 4.
• Foundations of Psychology (30 credits): This module introduces students to theories and ideas of psychological science in core areas of research.
This module allows students to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge of these core areas, as well as many specialist sub-areas of psychology (e.g., biological psychology, learning, sensory and perceptual processes, memory, thought and knowledge, language, social, developmental, neuropsychology, individual differences, clinical).
• Historical and Philosophical Concepts in Psychology (30 credits): This module will set modern psychology in its historical and philosophical context.
Key scientific ideas and perspectives will be introduced and then applied specifically to psychology. No previous experience of history or philosophy will be assumed. Donders, Wundt, Ebbinghaus, James, Freud, and Jung) and also broader philosophical movements (e.g. rationalism, empiricism). Having established such historical issues, contemporary issues in philosophy of psychology will be developed (e.g. reductionism and biological explanation, realism/anti-realism, modularity, free will and determinism, consciousness and the mind-body problem). A central aim of the module is to allow students to develop their critical analysis skills. It deals with key dimensions of identity in contemporary life such as gender; work; sexuality; race; ethnicity; understandings of mental health; connections with places such as nations, cities and the globalised world; spirituality and religion. It places the ongoing process of constructing the self in the foreground in attempts to understand people's behaviour and development more generally. and ‘how does the self arise?' Students' employability is enhanced through the development of presentation skills as well as the ongoing development of analytical and critical skills through discussion and written work.

Year 2

• Psychology Research Methods 2 (30 credits): This module builds on the introduction to research methods and inferential statistics offered in PS4001 Research Methods 1.
It will cover more advanced research designs — involving multiple independent variables — and more advanced inferential statistics such as analysis of variance, regression analysis and factor analysis. It will also introduce students to qualitative research methods and data analysis. Students will learn to develop and implement multifactorial experimental designs through practical research exercises and a project.
• Social and Developmental Psychology (30 credits): The module covers a broad range of key theories and empirical research in social and developmental psychology.
You will study current theory and practice in psychology across a range of topics that focuses on the person in psychology. You will develop the core practical skills necessary for effective counselling (e.g. active listening, empathy and nonverbal communication). You will explore real-life case studies and how theoretical concepts are applied in practical scenarios, fostering an understanding of how diverse approaches can be effectively employed.

Optional Year:

• Students can choose to take an additional year to study abroad, undertake a work placement overseas, or a mix of both.

Sandwich Year:

• This course has a sandwich year option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year.
During this sandwich year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.

Year 3

• Psychology Research Project (30 credits): This module will provide the opportunity to study and employ different methodologies in psychology by evaluating the strengths and limitations of different research designs.
Students will execute an empirical research project on a topic agreed in consultation with a Psychology staff supervisor. Supervisory sessions with an academic supervisor will guide students to conduct a literature review, formulate a research question, design a research study, and consider research ethics relating to their study, culminating in data collection and writing up of a research report which satisfies APA guidelines. Therapeutic methods are introduced, with specific focus on the person-centred approach and integrative counselling. Tailored counselling strategies for distinct disorders are outlined through illuminating case studies.
• Personal Development and Therapeutic Process (30 credits): This practical module examines students' personal growth and therapeutic techniques in counselling and psychotherapy.
The module underscores the importance of a counsellor's self-awareness, self-care, continuous learning and emotional well-being in nurturing successful therapeutic outcomes using a client/user-centred approach. Through practical sessions and group-based work, students will explore the role of personal values, biases, and triggers in shaping counsellor-client interactions and relationships. Cultural competence is also spotlighted, urging students to navigate diverse clients with cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.

Optional Modules (choose one)

• Advanced Developmental Psychology (30 credits): This is an optional module for Level 6 students who wish to expand their knowledge about child development.
The module will cover a broad range of issues in developmental psychology including both examples of typical and atypical development, such as reading development and dyslexia, children's relationships and bullying, language in typical and atypical populations, sensory impairment, children's understanding of number and dyscalculia, children with Williams Syndrome, among other themes. The module will involve a combination of keynote lectures, interactive lectures and guided independent study during which current theories, methodologies and research will be discussed and critically evaluated. In addition, transferable skills will be fostered through student led interactive discussions and tasks.
• The Psychology of Health and Wellbeing (30 credits): The module will engage students with the main themes of contemporary health psychology and positive psychology with a particular focus on theory, research, intervention, and application.
In addition, students will gain an understanding of the role of positive emotions, optimism, spirituality, flourishing relationships, and community engagement in promoting health, well-being, and happiness. They will also become aware of the crucial roles health psychology and positive psychology have to play in the development and evaluation of physical and psychological health promotion interventions. Video material will be used to illustrate clinical cases when available. Part II – Neuro-rehabilitation. This will include active participation in lectures and the reading of the indicated material. In the second semester, earlier theoretical knowledge is applied to the study of collective memory (the memory of people across generations) – a foundational form of social knowledge involved in the construction of identity. The study of social/collective memory raises some political issues. Course material comprises film and television documentary, which will broaden and deepen existing knowledge of 20th century events.

Assessment:

• Year 1: Coursework 43%; exam 57%
• Year 2: Coursework 47%; practical 10%; exam 43%
• Year 3: Coursework 92%; practical 8%

Teaching:

• Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
• Guided independent study (self-managed time)
The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience.
• Dr Aiman El Asam (Course Director)
• Dr Sabira Mannan
• Dr Kristin Hanson

Careers:

• Mental health problems are a significant and growing issue, with an estimated one in four people experiencing mental health problems at some point in their lives.
• Graduates may work in the charity and care sector, advocacy and victim support services, National Health Service or as mental health support workers.
• Graduates are well placed to pursue postgraduate education such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counselling psychology to become a Chartered Psychologist.
• Life on the Course: Students participate in a variety of activities, including conferences, workshops, and guest lectures.
The department also hosts an annual psychology conference.

• Home (UK students)
£9,250 Foundation Year £5,760
• International
Year 1 (2025/26): £18,500 Year 2 (2026/27): £19,200Year 3 (2027/28): £19,900Year 4 (2028/29): £20,700 A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits.

Kingston University

Overview:

Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.

Services Offered:

Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Guidance and resources for academic success.

Career Services:

Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Wellbeing Services:

Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Library and Learning Resources:

Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.

Student Union:

A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:

Active Student Union:

Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.

Location Advantages:

Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.

Key Reasons to Study There:

TEF Gold Rating:

Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.

Future Skills Focus:

Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.

Strong Industry Links:

Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.

Diverse and Inclusive Environment:

Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Study:

A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.

Research:

Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.