Psychology with Counselling and Mental Health

Psychology with a focus on counselling and mental health is a degree that develops scientific understanding of the mind alongside an applied orientation towards the challenges of psychological distress and wellbeing. It takes the rigour of psychological science seriously, developing your ability to design and evaluate research, understand the evidence base for different therapeutic approaches, and engage critically with clinical and counselling psychology, while also developing practical knowledge of the mental health landscape in which many psychology graduates will work.

At Southampton Solent University this programme, which includes a foundation year providing an extended four-year route, is accredited by the British Psychological Society. This accreditation is significant: it provides the graduate basis for chartered membership that is a prerequisite for anyone wanting to pursue a career as a professional psychologist through the BPS accreditation pathways. The foundation year is designed for students who have the potential to succeed in psychology but who do not yet meet the standard entry requirements, providing a supported introduction to academic and scientific thinking.

The programme explores the scientific methods used to assess and address psychological conditions including depression, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder, alongside an examination of the risk factors associated with psychopathological disorders. You will develop skills in psychological research, clinical knowledge, and the understanding of mental health services and counselling approaches that characterises this specialism.

Graduates move into mental health support roles, community mental health services, counselling support work, research, and a range of roles in the NHS and voluntary sector. Those wishing to practise as clinical, counselling, or other chartered psychologists will need to continue to postgraduate study and supervised practice.