Psychology and Counselling

Psychology and counselling is a degree that combines the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes with the practical and theoretical foundations of counselling as a helping profession. Psychology provides the empirical understanding of how people think, feel, behave and develop, grounding your knowledge in research and evidence. Counselling develops your understanding of therapeutic relationships, the theories of psychological distress and change, and the ethical and professional frameworks within which counsellors practise.

At the University of Westminster, the three-year full-time BSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which means it provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership that is required for further training as a psychologist. You will study the core areas of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social, biological and clinical psychology, alongside counselling theory and skills, ethics in helping relationships and the application of psychological knowledge to counselling practice. The degree includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you opportunities to develop professional experience and to encounter different approaches to psychological and counselling practice in different national contexts.

Westminster's London location provides access to a wide range of mental health, counselling and psychological services.

Graduates of psychology and counselling degrees pursue a range of careers. Some go on to further training as counsellors or psychotherapists, which typically requires a recognised postgraduate counselling qualification and supervised practice. Others pursue postgraduate training in clinical, educational or occupational psychology.

The broader graduate labour market also values the analytical, interpersonal and communication skills that the degree develops.