This BSc Hons Psychology & Counselling program from the University of Strathclyde prepares students for further study in psychology, counselling, or counseling psychology. It combines psychology coursework with a COSCA-accredited Certificate in Counselling Skills, providing a foundation for employment in support roles or professional training in these fields. The program features a practical counselling skills component and emphasizes person-centered-experiential counseling and psychotherapy.

BSc Hons Psychology & Counselling - COSCA Accredited Course | University of Strathclyde

Degree Overview:

This three or four-year joint honours programme offers a route for students to combine psychology and counselling studies. Person-centred-experiential counselling and psychotherapy is internationally recognised and one of the leading therapeutic approaches to mental health and well-being. The combination with psychology will enable students to approach a range of clients across a broad spectrum of psychological distress. Both of these are accepted as prerequisites for entry into professional training courses in psychology or counselling.

• Applicants with A-level qualifications or equivalent may qualify for direct entry to Year 2.
Other applicants will be required to successfully complete a foundation year on our BA Psychology programme.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Students on the four-year course will take Year 1 of the BA Psychology programme.

Year 2:

• Psychology:
• Social & Health Psychology
• Cognition & Neuropsychology
• Introduction to Research Design & Analysis
• Counselling:
• Theories of Counselling/Psychotherapy
• Positive & Humanistic Psychology
• Mental Health Difficulties

Year 3:

• Psychology:
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Individual Differences
• Social Psychology
• Counselling:
• Person-Centred Theory
• Personal Development
• Counselling Skills Laboratory

Year 4:

• Psychology:
• Honours Development
• Honours Cognition
• Honours Psychobiology
• Dissertation in Psychology
• Counselling:
• Counselling Skills Practicum or Counselling Research Practicum
• Dissertation

Major Projects:

• Counselling Skills Laboratory: Contains a skills practice component which is part of the final assignment.
Although this doesn't equip students to practice as therapists, it does appeal to employers and further training institutions, because it develops improved listening skills which are advantageous in a wide range of psychological interventions.
• Psychology Dissertation: Requires a substantial empirical study in psychology or counselling, evidencing all aspects of the research process.

Facilities:

• Students have access to general computer and experimental labs as well as specialised labs including:
• Customized counselling suite
• Eyetracking labs
• Driving simulator
• Psychophysiological equipment
• Motion tracking lab

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include:
• Written exams
• Multiple choice exams
• Reports
• Presentation skills
• Dissertation

Teaching:

• The psychology course content is primarily lecture-based, supported by tutorials, laboratory practicals and supervised research work.
• The counselling part is delivered using a combination of large group formats (lecture/workshop/group work) and small group formats (tutor groups/skills practice) plus online learning inputs.
Students will be expected to supplement class time with directed and self-directed learning. Students will also be required to conduct a listening session that demonstrates their listening skill with someone in the community.

Careers:

• This course provides students interested in a more applied focus to their psychology degree with foundation training in counselling skills and theory.
• Such a background will allow graduates to:
• Proceed to postgraduate education in Psychotherapy/Counselling or Counselling Psychology, or Psychology
• Enter the workplace in support work or other roles that require basic psychological helping skills, referred to as 'embedded counselling' roles
• Students who gain a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society will be eligible for research assistant and assistant psychology roles or access to further professional training in psychology.

Other:

• The practical counselling skills element of the programme was well implemented and centred around the person-centred principles of congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
This began with learning how to engage in self-awareness, active listening, ethical principles such as confidentiality, and with progressive practice within peer triad group work.

Students from Scotland Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. England, Wales & Northern Ireland Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes). MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. International £19,600 University preparation programme fees Available scholarships We have a wide range of scholarships available. Additional costs PVG scheme Must pay for own PVG (£59) if 4th Year placement requires one but students can choose placements without this requirement. Visa & immigration International students may have associated visa and immigration costs.

Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation