Psychology with Counselling Studies

Psychology with Counselling Studies brings together the scientific study of the mind and behaviour with an introduction to the theory and practice of counselling, one of the most direct applications of psychological knowledge to human wellbeing. Psychology as a science develops your understanding of how people think, feel, and act, drawing on biological, cognitive, developmental, and social perspectives and building rigorous skills in research and evidence evaluation. Counselling studies introduces you to the relational, ethical, and practical dimensions of therapeutic work, examining the major counselling approaches and the conditions under which they are effective.

At the University of Brighton, this three-year full-time degree includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities, giving you structured professional experience alongside your academic studies. The placements can provide exposure to real settings in which psychological and counselling knowledge is applied, from mental health services and educational environments to community organisations, and this direct experience complements the academic content in important ways. You will study the core areas of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social, biological, and abnormal psychology, alongside modules focused on counselling theory, therapeutic relationships, ethics, and the contexts in which counselling is delivered.

You will also develop your own reflective awareness, an essential quality in anyone working in a helping relationship.

Graduates are well prepared for roles in mental health support, counselling services, social work, education, youth work, and the voluntary sector. In the UK, practising as a fully qualified counsellor or therapist requires accredited postgraduate training and supervised practice hours after the undergraduate degree, and this programme provides a strong foundation for those routes. Careers in human resources, coaching, and organisational development are also pursued by graduates who want to apply their psychological and interpersonal skills in professional contexts outside clinical settings.