Course summary

Traumatic experiences, prolonged suffering and developmental or existential crises can have a lasting impact on our psychological and physical health. This distress may present itself in many ways for example, as relationship difficulties, as problems with food and eating or as feelings of depression and anxiety.  Counselling and psychotherapy are terms for a wide variety of evidence-based talking and listening approaches that apply established theories to promote psychological change. This course provides you with the potential to pursue careers in mental health and the helping professions, as well as in other areas, where confident communication, strong interpersonal skills and teamwork are required. Each year, alongside the main discipline of psychology, you will study specialist modules in counselling and psychotherapy, where you will develop your academic knowledge of therapeutic psychology as well as practical therapeutic skills. You will be introduced to key therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic and Person-Centred Therapies and learn the core theoretical concepts in addition to some of the practical skills in these approaches. These practical skills may include, how to listen empathically and without judgement, how to question and help people explore their psychological difficulties. These skills are taught in triads through role play, where you will learn to speak in role, listen, observe, and give feedback to your peers. You will also engage with personal and professional development each year, both in groups and individually, as well as learn about practitioner wellbeing and how to develop self-care practices. The course covers 90 hours of practical counselling skills and personal and professional development, enabling you to pursue professional qualifications after the degree. Features and benefits Specialised study- You’ll explore the therapeutic aspects of psychology, helping to prepare you to begin a career in counselling or clinical psychology, counselling and psychotherapy or related psychotherapeutic professions. Teaching expertise - You’re taught by a large and diverse teaching team, with specialist lecturers with a wide range of psychology specialisms such as forensic, counselling, clinical, health, and neuroscience. Enhanced student support- We strongly believe in enhancing student wellbeing. You’ll have a personal tutor, and the programme support tutors will also work closely with you throughout the course. Outstanding facilities -You’ll have access to our specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice, which includes EEG and fNIRS for brain imaging, and TMS and tDCS for non-invasive brain stimulation. You will have access to experimental testing laboratories, including software for cognitive neuroscience. Rise programme - Go beyond your curriculum and engage with Rise and its unique skills-based workshops and projects. Gain additional credits and enhance your CV. Study Abroad Year- Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture at one of our partner universities in Spain, Italy, Sweden, Malaysia, USA, Canada or Australia. This opportunity is available after the completion of second year and gives you a global perspective on psychology. Our study abroad scheme offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, professional development and lifelong memories.   Placement Year - The placement year, available after Year Two, offers the chance to gain hands-on work experience in a professional setting, and apply the knowledge gained during your degree to real-world work situations. It not only gives you the opportunity to develop your transferable skills, network and learn about how psychology applies in various settings, but it will also help you to stand out to potential employers in future job applications.