Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the practice of counselling psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy. The programme incorporates specialist modules in counselling and psychotherapy, providing students with a deep understanding of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for practice in the field.

Course Information

• The course covers all core elements of psychological study as required by the British Psychological Society (BPS), including lifespan development, research methods, social, biological, and cognitive psychology.
• Students will study specialist modules in counselling and psychotherapy, developing their academic knowledge of therapeutic psychology and practical therapeutic skills.
• The course includes 90 hours of practical counselling skills and personal and professional development, enabling students to pursue professional qualifications after the degree.

Features and Benefits

• Specialised study: Students will explore the therapeutic aspects of psychology, preparing them for careers in counselling or clinical psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, or related psychotherapeutic professions.
• Teaching expertise: Students are taught by a large and diverse teaching team with specialist lecturers in various psychology specialisms.
• Enhanced student support: The programme provides personal tutors and programme support tutors to work closely with students throughout the course.
• Outstanding facilities: Students have access to specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice, including EEG and fNIRS for brain imaging, and TMS and tDCS for non-invasive brain stimulation.

Year 1

• Core Skills for Mental Health Practice: Students will focus on preparation for professional practice in mental health and wellbeing contexts, developing core topics such as professional identity, use of self, and practitioner wellbeing.
• Counselling and Psychotherapy in Context: Students will explore the structure and processes of counselling and psychotherapy, introducing core psychological theories and considering how they are connected to counselling and psychotherapy models and practice.
• Therapeutic Skills and Reflective Practice: Students will learn key concepts behind core therapeutic approaches and develop essential counselling and psychotherapy skills through role play and personal development activities.
• Research Methods in Psychology 1: Students will gain insights into the importance of good quality research in psychology, learning basic methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Year 2

• Cognitive and Biological Psychology: Students will critically explore key areas of cognitive psychological theory and research, including discussion and evaluation of theory and methodological issues.
• Social and Developmental Psychology: Students will examine theoretical, methodological, and applied aspects of social and developmental psychology across the lifespan.
• Difference and Diversity in Therapeutic Practice: Students will explore how psychology, psychotherapy, mental health, and wellbeing are shaped by social, conceptual, historical, and cultural influences.
• Research Methods in Psychology 2: Students will build on their research skills, designing ethical quantitative and qualitative research, recruiting participants, collecting data, and applying appropriate analysis techniques.

Year 3

• Counselling and Psychotherapy Futures: Students will revisit the theme of professional identity, applying theory and research to critically reflect on skills development and manage transition into professional practice.
• Preparing for your Dissertation: Students will take ownership of the research development process, designing a feasible piece of applied psychology research that meets Faculty and British Psychological Society guidelines and Code of Ethics.
• Working with Psychological Distress: Students will focus on understanding, planning, and working with psychological distress, exploring how distress is viewed through contemporary and socio-cultural perspectives.
• Intermediate Therapeutic Skills: Students will develop their knowledge of working with psychological distress, critically exploring key concepts behind core therapeutic approaches and developing intermediate-level counselling and psychotherapy skills.

Study and Assessment

• Study: The course consists of lectures, seminars, and independent study, with a focus on practical skills and personal development.
• Assessment: The course is assessed through coursework, including essays, reports, case studies, and individual and group presentations.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 128 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date
• UK students: Level 3 qualifications, including GCE A levels, Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma, and Access to HE Diploma
• International students: IB Diploma, IELTS, and country-specific entry requirements

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees: Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalised
• Funding: Information on funding options and scholarships is available on the university's website

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation
• Career paths: Graduates can pursue careers in therapeutic fields, such as clinical, counselling, or educational psychology, or apply for professional training as a counsellor, psychotherapist, or mental health practitioner
• Transferable skills: Graduates can also use their transferable skills to work across sectors, including education, law, social care, public services, human resources, and human performance

Your City, Your Community, Your Campus

• Life in Manchester: Manchester offers a diverse and welcoming setting for studies, with a history of driving progress and a thriving community of bold creatives, sport obsessives, and pioneers in science, engineering, health, education, business, and law
• Campus facilities: The university's city-centre campus offers modern learning spaces, a lively Students' Union, and fantastic social hubs and sporting facilities
• Student community: Manchester Met is home to one of the UK's largest and most diverse student communities, with over 130 clubs and societies, an ever-changing social calendar, and a free advice centre for every student.