Psychology and Counselling

Psychology and Counselling is a degree that combines the scientific study of mind and behaviour with the therapeutic knowledge and interpersonal skills involved in supporting people through psychological difficulties. Psychology provides the theoretical and empirical foundation: the study of how people think, feel, perceive, remember, learn, and behave, and the range of theories developed to explain both normal and atypical psychological functioning. Counselling applies that understanding in a relational context, providing the knowledge of therapeutic approaches and the interpersonal skills needed to assist someone in resolving psychological issues or difficulties effectively.

At the University of Suffolk, this three-year, full-time degree introduces you to psychological theories across the full breadth of the discipline and trains you to evaluate them critically so that you can reach your own well-informed conclusions about the nature and origins of human behaviour. You will also develop knowledge of counselling principles and practice, understanding how different therapeutic frameworks approach the task of supporting individuals in distress. The degree includes a sandwich year, work placements, and the option of a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in professional contexts and to develop the practical skills that both psychology and counselling demand.

Graduates of this combined degree are well prepared for a range of careers in mental health and support services, including roles in counselling, mental health support, youth work, social care, and community services. For those who wish to pursue clinical or counselling practice at a higher level, postgraduate training is required, and this degree provides a strong academic and practical platform for those pathways. Careers in research, human resources, education, and public health are also open to graduates of this degree, and many go on to postgraduate study in counselling, clinical psychology, or mental health.