Program Overview

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Introduction to the BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling Program

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program at Birmingham City University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology and counselling. This program is accredited by the British Psychological Society and offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge.

Program Overview

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program is a full-time, three-year course that covers a wide range of topics in psychology and counselling. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in psychology, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in counselling.

Key Features of the Program

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society
• Full-time, three-year course
• Covers a wide range of topics in psychology and counselling
• Includes practical experience and training in counselling skills
• Opportunities for professional placement and research experience

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program, applicants must meet the following admission criteria:

• 112 UCAS Tariff points (standard offer)
• 80 UCAS Tariff points (accelerate offer)
• GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above
• A Level, BTEC, or other level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects

International Qualifications

International students must meet the equivalent admission criteria, including:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma (28 points or above)
• EU/International students must also meet the English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or above)

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program are as follows:

• UK students: Ł9,790 per year (2026/27)
• International students: Ł18,570 per year (2026/27)

Course Structure

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program consists of the following modules:

• First Year: Doing Psychological Research 1, Perspectives within Psychology, Foundations for Counselling 1, Doing Psychological Research 2, Counselling Theories, Psychology in Practice
• Second Year: Social, Cultural and Community Psychology, Lifespan Psychology, Foundations for Counselling 2, The Human Brain: Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods and Analysis in Psychology
• Final Year (BSc): Counselling Skills 1, Independent Psychology Project, Debates in Psychology
• Final Year (MSci): Starting Out in Counselling Practice, Professional Counselling Practice, Applying Theory to Practice in Counselling, Legal and Ethical Applications of Counselling, Working with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Distress and Trauma, Multidisciplinary and Diversity Issues in Counselling Practice

Optional Modules

Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• Psychopathology
• Infancy
• Stress and Health
• Positive Psychology and Wellbeing
• Counselling Ethics
• Counselling Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Work and Organisational Psychology
• Psychology of Addiction
• Psychology of Eating Behaviours and Body Image
• Decolonising Psychology
• Ageing, the Brain and Society
• Applied Interpersonal Skills
• Gender and Sexualities
• Developmental Psychology Conditions
• Psychology of Policing and Criminal Justice
• Professional Skills in Psychology

Research Areas

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Facilities and Staff

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program is based at the City Centre Campus, which features state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Psychology labs
• The Curzon Building
• Library and learning resources
• Student hub and support services

The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active staff, including:

• Dr Greg Westerman-Hughes (Course Lead)
• Julia Gillies-Wilkes (Assistant Lecturer)
• Dr Anusnighda (Lecturer in Psychology)
• Dr Nazli Akay (Lecturer in Psychology)

Employability

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in psychology and counselling. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a range of fields, including:

• Counselling and psychotherapy
• Psychology research and academia
• Health and social care
• Education and training
• Human resources and management

Enhancing Employability Skills

The program includes a range of modules and activities designed to enhance employability skills, including:

• Professional placement and research experience
• Training in counselling skills and practice
• Opportunities for networking and professional development
• Support from experienced and research-active staff

Conclusion

The BSc/MSci Psychology and Counselling program at Birmingham City University is a comprehensive and accredited program that provides students with a strong foundation in psychology and counselling. With its wide range of modules, research areas, and facilities, this program is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in psychology and counselling.