Psychology and Counselling

BSc (Hons)

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

UCAS code

CB89

Start dates available

  • September 2026
  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • September 2026
  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • September 2027
University of Staffordshire Courses

11th for Psychology

The Guardian University Guide 2026

11th for Student Satisfaction

Complete University Guide 2026 - Psychology

Focus on your own personal development

with our practical and supportive approach

As more young people and adults seek mental health support, the demand for expert help has never been greater. Now you can explore the rapidly growing career opportunities in this specialist field by taking our Psychology and Counselling degree. It’s ideal if you’re interested in working with people facing difficult circumstances, with the course introducing you to the world of therapeutic practice.

Why choose University of Staffordshire for Psychology?

  • 8th for Student Satisfaction in Psychology (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 8th for Academic Support in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • 5th for Assessment and Feedback in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Top 20 for Learning Opportunities in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Top 20 for Student Voice (National Student Survey 2024 - Psychology)

 

Course overview

As our Psychology and Counselling course combines both psychology and counselling, you’ll have the experience of two different disciplines. With further study, you can go on to become a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

The skills you develop, including how to interact with and listen to people, will also be very useful for a wide range of other roles. It could include becoming an education support worker, wellbeing mentor or working within the care system.

We offer a very practical and supportive approach, which will take you through the theory side and then enable you to put it into action using real life scenarios.

You will learn about different psychological theories, including cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred and psychodynamic therapy. You’ll also develop a real understanding of ethics and what it means to the counselling world.

The course includes a focus on each student’s own personal development. Feedback from students shows they learn so much about themselves through this journey. You will also work in a skills group, with the chance to take on roles as the counsellor and client.

During your studies, you’ll have access to our fantastic Science Centre facilities, such as our observation and counselling suites, cognitive research cubicles, simulation machines and psychophysiology equipment.

The degree is accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), which means you can undertake postgraduate training to become a professional psychologist.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Work placements

You have the option to take either a work placement module or to spend a year on a placement.

The placement (sandwich) year is becoming an increasingly popular choice, with students overwhelmingly positive about the experience.

It could involve working in a community setting, school or with a charity. Typical roles may include being a wellbeing practitioner, life coach or phone support worker.

Throughout your placement, you’ll have a workplace supervisor and regular contact with the University. The fee for a placement year will vary - please get in touch if you would like more information about this.

As more young people and adults seek mental health support, the demand for expert help has never been greater. Now you can explore the rapidly growing career opportunities in this specialist field by taking our Psychology and Counselling degree. It’s ideal if you’re interested in working with people facing difficult circumstances, with the course introducing you to the world of therapeutic practice.

Why choose University of Staffordshire for Psychology?

  • 8th for Student Satisfaction in Psychology (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 8th for Academic Support in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • 5th for Assessment and Feedback in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Top 20 for Learning Opportunities in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Top 20 for Student Voice (National Student Survey 2024 - Psychology)

 

Course overview

As our Psychology and Counselling course combines both psychology and counselling, you’ll have the experience of two different disciplines. With further study, you can go on to become a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

The skills you develop, including how to interact with and listen to people, will also be very useful for a wide range of other roles. It could include becoming an education support worker, wellbeing mentor or working within the care system.

We offer a very practical and supportive approach, which will take you through the theory side and then enable you to put it into action using real life scenarios.

You will learn about different psychological theories, including cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred and psychodynamic therapy. You’ll also develop a real understanding of ethics and what it means to the counselling world.

The course includes a focus on each student’s own personal development. Feedback from students shows they learn so much about themselves through this journey. You will also work in a skills group, with the chance to take on roles as the counsellor and client.

During your studies, you’ll have access to our fantastic Science Centre facilities, such as our observation and counselling suites, cognitive research cubicles, simulation machines and psychophysiology equipment.

The degree is accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), which means you can undertake postgraduate training to become a professional psychologist.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

As more young people and adults seek mental health support, the demand for expert help has never been greater. Now you can explore the rapidly growing career opportunities in this specialist field by taking our Psychology and Counselling degree. It’s ideal if you’re interested in working with people facing difficult circumstances, with the course introducing you to the world of therapeutic practice.

Why choose University of Staffordshire for Psychology?

  • 8th for Student Satisfaction in Psychology (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 8th for Academic Support in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • 5th for Assessment and Feedback in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Top 20 for Learning Opportunities in Psychology (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Top 20 for Student Voice (National Student Survey 2024 - Psychology)

 

Course overview

As our Psychology and Counselling course combines both psychology and counselling, you’ll have the experience of two different disciplines. With further study, you can go on to become a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

The skills you develop, including how to interact with and listen to people, will also be very useful for a wide range of other roles. It could include becoming an education support worker, wellbeing mentor or working within the care system.

We offer a very practical and supportive approach, which will take you through the theory side and then enable you to put it into action using real life scenarios.

You will learn about different psychological theories, including cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred and psychodynamic therapy. You’ll also develop a real understanding of ethics and what it means to the counselling world.

The course includes a focus on each student’s own personal development. Feedback from students shows they learn so much about themselves through this journey. You will also work in a skills group, with the chance to take on roles as the counsellor and client.

During your studies, you’ll have access to our fantastic Science Centre facilities, such as our observation and counselling suites, cognitive research cubicles, simulation machines and psychophysiology equipment.

The degree is accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), which means you can undertake postgraduate training to become a professional psychologist.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Work placements

Students on all undergraduate Psychology courses at Staffordshire University can opt to undertake a placement (sandwich) year; a structured work experience opportunity which enables you to develop and implement psychology specific and transferable skills whilst getting experience in a professional working environment.

Placements take place between levels 5 and 6 of our undergraduate degrees and last for a period of 9 months, from September to June. The Placement Year is an assessed, pass/fail year that would be added to your existing programme of study. The assessment is by written reflection and submission of a placement activity log.

Throughout your placement period you will be supervised by a Workplace Supervisor, (usually your line manager) and you and your supervisor will have regular contact with the University through an allocated University Placement Supervisor. Contact with both you and your workplace supervisor may at times be via phone or SKYPE, and you will also receive at least one planned visit by your University Placement Supervisor to the workplace towards the beginning of the Placement.

Course content

During the first year, you will practice the counselling skills needed to examine the professional issues that make counselling and allied professions such a challenging yet rewarding career route. In your second and third years, you will continue to build on these practical skills.

In your final year, you’ll complete a research project. Previous examples have included exploring how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected children and how early attachment can influence other relationships.

To help you build a deeper understanding of the human mind, you will study social psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, research methods, and cognitive psychology. Alongside your psychology studies, you'll develop your counselling knowledge and skills through modules including Foundations in Counselling, Counselling Theory to Practice and Personal, Professional Perspectives in Counselling. 

The academic team who teaches counselling modules are qualified and accredited practicing counsellors. They will lead your lectures, seminars, and practical sessions in our multi-million-pound Science Centre.

A crucial part of becoming a psychologist is learning to understand, conduct, and analyse scientific research. As with all high-quality undergraduate psychology degrees, this means our courses feature modules that focus on teaching these skills. We take great care in closely guiding students through this learning process (via small group teaching, group work with peers, support clinics, and step-by-step guides) supporting our students in preparation for the increasingly data-driven world.

Practical experience with industry-standard SPSS statistics software teaches students to answer a wide variety of research questions by interrogating complex datasets.

During the first year, you will practice the counselling skills needed to examine the professional issues that make counselling and allied professions such a challenging, yet rewarding career route. In your second and third years, you will continue to build on these practical skills.

In your final year, you’ll complete a research project. Previous examples have included exploring how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected children and how early attachment can influence other relationships.

To help you build a deeper understanding of the human mind, you will study social psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, research methods, and cognitive psychology. In addition, we offer modules orientated towards counselling. These include Core Counselling Skills, Counselling Theory, Ethics and Personal Development, and Personal and Professional Perspectives in Counselling.

The academic team who teach counselling modules are qualified and accredited practicing counsellors. They will lead your lectures, seminars, and practical sessions in our multi-million-pound Science Centre.

A crucial part of becoming a psychologist is learning to understand, conduct, and analyse scientific research. As with all high-quality undergraduate psychology degrees, this means our courses feature modules that focus on teaching these skills. We take great care in closely guiding students through this learning process (via small group teaching, group work with peers, support clinics, and step-by-step guides) supporting our students in preparation for the increasingly data-driven world.

Practical experience with industry-standard SPSS statistics software teaches students to answer a wide variety of research questions by interrogating complex datasets.

During the first year, you will practice the counselling skills needed to examine the professional issues that make counselling and allied professions such a challenging, yet rewarding career route. In your second and third years, you will continue to build on these practical skills.

In your final year, you’ll complete a research project. Previous examples have included exploring how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected children and how early attachment can influence other relationships.

To help you build a deeper understanding of the human mind, you will study social psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, research methods, and cognitive psychology. In addition, we offer modules orientated towards counselling. These include Core Counselling Skills, Counselling Theory, Ethics and Personal Development, and Personal and Professional Perspectives in Counselling.

The academic team who teach counselling modules are qualified and accredited practicing counsellors. They will lead your lectures, seminars, and practical sessions in our multi-million-pound Science Centre.

A crucial part of becoming a psychologist is learning to understand, conduct, and analyse scientific research. As with all high-quality undergraduate psychology degrees, this means our courses feature modules that focus on teaching these skills. We take great care in closely guiding students through this learning process (via small group teaching, group work with peers, support clinics, and step-by-step guides) supporting our students in preparation for the increasingly data-driven world.

Practical experience with industry-standard SPSS statistics software teaches students to answer a wide variety of research questions by interrogating complex datasets.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Applying Psychology 30 credits
Becoming A Researcher 1 30 credits
Foundations In Counselling 30 credits
Foundations In Psychology 30 credits
Steps To Success 1 N/A

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Applying Psychology 30 credits
Becoming A Researcher 1 30 credits
Foundations In Counselling 30 credits
Foundations In Psychology 30 credits
Steps To Success 1 N/A
Year 3 compulsory modules
Psychology Placement Year 120 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Applying Psychology 30 credits
Foundations In Psychology 30 credits
Steps To Success 1 N/A
Year 2 compulsory modules
Becoming A Researcher 1 30 credits
Foundations In Counselling 30 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Counselling Theory To Practice 30 credits
Developmental And Biological Psychology Across The Lifespan 30 credits
Steps To Success 2 N/A
Year 4 compulsory modules
Becoming A Researcher 2 30 credits
Psychology Option Choice 1 30 credits
Year 5 compulsory modules
Personal And Professional Perspectives In Counselling 30 credits
Society And The Mind 30 credits
Year 6 compulsory modules
Psychology Option Choice 2 30 credits
Psychology Project 30 credits
Steps To Success 3 N/A

Entry requirements

What do I need?

UCAS

96 UCAS points

A Levels

CCC

BTEC

MMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM

A foundation year is available for applicants who do not have the appropriate entry qualifications for direct entry to the degree level course. The foundation year for this course has a long track record of success in providing a smooth transition to our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree or any one of our other psychology-based courses.  

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What do I need?

UCAS

96 UCAS points

A Levels

CCC

BTEC

MMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM

A foundation year is available for applicants who do not have the appropriate entry qualifications for direct entry to the degree level course. The foundation year for this course has a long track record of success in providing a smooth transition to our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree or any one of our other psychology-based courses.  

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

What do I need?

UCAS

96 UCAS points

A Levels

CCC

BTEC

MMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma – Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – grade MMM

A foundation year is available for applicants who do not have the appropriate entry qualifications for direct entry to the degree level course. The foundation year for this course has a long track record of success in providing a smooth transition to our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree or any one of our other psychology-based courses.  

We welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Facilities

As a student on our psychology courses you will have access to a range of psychology technical laboratories which house equipment such as eye tracking, equipment to record physiological measures (e.g. heart rate), virtual reality, driving simulator, temperature-induced pain stimuli, an array of experimental software, and dedicated counselling facilities. This equipment allows us to take scientific measures to underpin theoretical content within psychology.

Throughout your course, you will be introduced to technical equipment as part of your taught sessions. Examples of this could include interactive demonstrations on eye tracking and the Observation Suite, and seminars where students make use of pain inducing stimuli and physiological measures to understand how we can scientifically induce and measure stress. You will also regularly use the counselling facilities throughout the course to develop your counselling skills.

Additionally, when you conduct your own research project in Year 3 you’ll have the opportunity to use the psychology laboratories and equipment to facilitate and enhance your research. Examples of how you may wish to use technical equipment in your research as a Psychology and Counselling student could include:

  • Measuring physical stress responses during counselling sessions
  • Can virtual reality aid in the counselling process for treating phobias?

The psychology resources are supported by dedicated psychology technicians who will deliver technical sessions and will train and support you in your use of the resources.

Science Centre

Our £30m Science Centre contains specialist labs that delve into all areas of psychology.

Watch video

Counselling Suite

The counselling suite contains four cubicles for practising counselling skills or conducting interviews with participants, and a base room for teaching and peer observation of counselling sessions. Read more

Find out more about our Counselling Suite. 

Psychology Simulation Facilities

Simulation equipment is available throughout the psychology laboratory areas and as stand-alone resources for facilitating research and teaching. Read more

Find out more about our simulation facilities.

Psychology Human Sciences Suite

The Psychology Human Sciences Suite has an impressive array of laboratory equipment which includes the Electroencephalography (EEG) Laboratory, the Pain Laboratory, and the Cardiovascular Laboratory. Read more

Find out more about our Human Sciences Suite. 

Psychology Cognitive Cubicles

The Psychology Cognitive Cubicles are a set of small cubicles used to run Psychology based tests on individual participants using specialist software. Read more

Find out more about our Psychology Cognitive Suite.

Psychology Eye Tracking Cubicles

The Psychology Eye Tracking Cubicles house desktop and portable eye trackers that allow us to track participants’ visual attention during psychology experiments. Read more

Find out more about our eye tracking cubicles.

Psychology Observation Suite

The Observation Suite contains an Observation Laboratory setup with a one-way mirror, video cameras and microphones to allow activities to be observed and recorded from the Control Room. Read more

Find out more about our Psychology Observation Suite. 

Careers

Psychology and counselling can open up a wide range of career opportunities across areas including mental health and wellbeing, education, social care, human resources and the charity sector.

Depending on your interests and career goals, you could go on to work in roles such as:

  • wellbeing mentor
  • support worker
  • rehabilitation worker
  • HR or recruitment professional
  • research assistant
  • social care professional
  • mental health support worker
  • counsellor, following further professional training

Further study and professional training

Some careers in psychology and counselling require further study and professional training. If you want to become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist, for example, you can progress to postgraduate study after your degree, including courses leading towards British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation.

Your degree can also provide a foundation for further postgraduate study towards careers such as clinical, counselling, educational or health psychology.

You don't have to look far for your next step. We offer a range of postgraduate psychology courses at the University of Staffordshire, including Health Psychology MSc, Psychotherapeutic Counselling MSc/PgDip, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PgDip, Clinical Psychology Professional Doctorate, and Health Psychology Professional Doctorate. 

Explore our postgraduate Psychology courses

Alongside your subject knowledge, you'll develop transferable skills including communication, research, self-awareness and relationship-building. These skills can be valuable across a wide range of careers, including those outside psychology and counselling.

You can find out further information about our graduates on our Graduate Stories page. 

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Psychology and counselling can open up a wide range of career opportunities across areas including mental health and wellbeing, education, social care, human resources and the charity sector.

Depending on your interests and career goals, you could go on to work in roles such as:

  • wellbeing mentor
  • support worker
  • rehabilitation worker
  • HR or recruitment professional
  • research assistant
  • social care professional
  • mental health support worker
  • counsellor, following further professional training

Further study and professional training

Some careers in psychology and counselling require further study and professional training. If you want to become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist, for example, you can progress to postgraduate study after your degree, including courses leading towards British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation.

Your degree can also provide a foundation for further postgraduate study towards careers such as clinical, counselling, educational or health psychology.

You don't have to look far for your next step. We offer a range of postgraduate psychology courses at the University of Staffordshire, including Health Psychology MSc, Psychotherapeutic Counselling MSc/PgDip, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PgDip, Clinical Psychology Professional Doctorate, and Health Psychology Professional Doctorate. 

Explore our postgraduate Psychology courses

Alongside your subject knowledge, you'll develop transferable skills including communication, research, self-awareness and relationship-building. These skills can be valuable across a wide range of careers, including those outside psychology and counselling.

You can find out further information about our graduates on our Graduate Stories page. 

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Psychology and counselling can open up a wide range of career opportunities across areas including mental health and wellbeing, education, social care, human resources and the charity sector.

Depending on your interests and career goals, you could go on to work in roles such as:

  • wellbeing mentor
  • support worker
  • rehabilitation worker
  • HR or recruitment professional
  • research assistant
  • social care professional
  • mental health support worker
  • counsellor, following further professional training

Further study and professional training

Some careers in psychology and counselling require further study and professional training. If you want to become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist, for example, you can progress to postgraduate study after your degree, including courses leading towards British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation.

Your degree can also provide a foundation for further postgraduate study towards careers such as clinical, counselling, educational or health psychology.

You don't have to look far for your next step. We offer a range of postgraduate psychology courses at the University of Staffordshire, including Health Psychology MSc, Psychotherapeutic Counselling MSc/PgDip, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PgDip, Clinical Psychology Professional Doctorate, and Health Psychology Professional Doctorate. 

Explore our postgraduate Psychology courses

Alongside your subject knowledge, you'll develop transferable skills including communication, research, self-awareness and relationship-building. These skills can be valuable across a wide range of careers, including those outside psychology and counselling.

You can find out further information about our graduates on our Graduate Stories page. 

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, small group and practical sessions. Small group sessions enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, small group and practical sessions. Small group sessions enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, small group and practical sessions. Small group sessions enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience.

Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is research-informed and 80% of our full-time staff in Life Sciences and Education are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Profile Image

James Vernon

Lecturer

After completing his MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, James splits his time between academia and his private counselling practice. His research interests are in the field of bereavement counselling especially in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

James's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

For the course starting on 20 September 2027 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,050 per year of study £17,285 per year of study

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,790 per year of study £17,085 per year of study

For the course starting on 20 September 2027 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,050 per year of study £17,285 per year of study

For the course starting on 20 September 2027 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £5,025 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in the fees:
  • DBS checks where required for compulsory modules 
  • loan of subject related requirement where required for
  • compulsory field trips.
  • DBS checks where required for compulsory modules 
  • loan of subject related requirement where required for
  • compulsory field trips.
  • DBS checks where required for compulsory modules 
  • loan of subject related requirement where required for
  • compulsory field trips.
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.
  • printing
  • travel costs to and from placements. We will have available placements within travel distance from the campus, or within proximity of your address
  • clothing suitable for placements and facilities
  • Optional field trips
  • DBS check where not required for a compulsory module
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.
  • printing
  • travel costs to and from placements. We will have available placements within travel distance from the campus, or within proximity of your address
  • clothing suitable for placements and facilities
  • Optional field trips
  • DBS check where not required for a compulsory module
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.
  • printing
  • travel costs to and from placements. We will have available placements within travel distance from the campus, or within proximity of your address
  • clothing suitable for placements and facilities
  • Optional field trips
  • DBS check where not required for a compulsory module
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

University Of Staffordshire Quote
The support from the psychology and counselling team is impeccable. 

I applied for this course because a counselling career within the NHS is my dream, specifically I want to help people, especially individuals with mental health difficulties. Therefore I knew this was the perfect course to give me an idea of the career I may enter!

I would say my favourite part of the course so far has been the counselling modules. This is because we have been able to put theory into practice. We have done this by engaging in counselling sessions where we practice counselling skills with peers on our course.

I would definitely recommend this degree. The course is so interesting, the modules are engaging and the support from the psychology and counselling team is impeccable. 

Beth Jaromski

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

University Of Staffordshire Quote

I have always known that I must complete a Psychology and Counselling degree. I started the journey when completing the introduction to counselling in 2005. Having two children meant that I was needed at home for a few years.

The course informs and influences my professional skills to further me into a promised career. Also, at the end of completing the counselling certificate, which I will hopefully be starting after I have graduated from this course, I will then be registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Staffordshire University has so much to offer students and as a mature student living locally it was my number one choice. I feel in a good position for the future as Staffordshire University offers many opportunities to make careers out of degrees.

Nicole McCrow

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

University Of Staffordshire Quote

I feel like I am developing a broad-range of knowledge as well as critical thinking. The staff really encourage you to think for yourself. It’s a friendly and welcoming environment. If you’re passionate about wanting to help and understand people, Staffordshire University is the place to be.

Andrew Keating

Graduate, BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Apply now to Psychology and Counselling

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 21 September 2026 Apply now
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 20 September 2027 Apply now

Apply now to Psychology and Counselling

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year 21 September 2026 Apply now
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year 20 September 2027 Apply now

Apply now to Psychology and Counselling

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Part-time 20 September 2027 Apply now

Not ready to apply yet?

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Psychology - X

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Research Excellence Framework 2021