Psychology with Counselling Skills

Psychology and counselling skills together provide a rigorous academic education in the science of mind and behaviour alongside a grounded understanding of the interpersonal and therapeutic skills that are central to supporting people through difficulty. Psychology develops your ability to think scientifically about human experience, to evaluate evidence, and to understand the biological, cognitive, social, and developmental factors that shape how people think, feel, and act. Counselling skills introduce the relational and reflective dimensions of helping, exploring how effective communication, empathy, and self-awareness contribute to meaningful support.

At the University of Aberdeen, this four-year full-time joint honours programme develops both strands in genuine depth. You will cover the core areas of psychology, including cognitive and biological psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, individual differences, and research methods, alongside the study of counselling theory, communication skills, and the ethical framework within which counselling practice operates. The inclusion of a year abroad extends the programme to four years and gives you the opportunity to study within a different academic tradition, broadening your perspective on both psychology and counselling as internationally practised disciplines.

The programme develops skills in critical analysis, research design, and reflective practice that are valuable in a wide range of professional contexts. The typical entry tariff is 152 UCAS points, and the programme is studied full time.

Graduates from psychology with counselling skills programmes are well positioned for careers in mental health services, counselling and psychotherapy (usually after further training), social work, health psychology, educational psychology, human resources, and community support roles. Many continue to postgraduate study, which is typically required to practise as a psychologist or registered counsellor. Further study options include master's degrees in counselling and psychotherapy, clinical psychology doctoral training, and educational or occupational psychology programmes.