BA (Hons) Counselling (Top-Up) Full-time
University of SunderlandOn campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
As counselling becomes more professionalised, practitioners are expected to evaluate their own practice, apply research, and contribute to the field’s development. The BSc (Hons) Counselling (Top-Up) course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in this changing environment. You’ll explore a range of counselling techniques and learn how to apply them in various professional settings.
You’ll gain the skills needed for different counselling careers, such as educational counselling (helping with learning and social challenges), forensic counselling (focusing on psychological issues related to criminal behaviour), and clinical counselling (supporting mental and physical health). Many of our graduates have gone on to work in diverse fields, including the voluntary sector, the NHS, education, and specialist areas such as substance misuse, sexual abuse, and bereavement. Some choose to set up their own private practice, while others apply their counselling skills in
Key highlights
- Develops skills to evaluate your own practice and apply research
- Explores a range of counselling techniques across professional settings
- Prepares you for educational, forensic and clinical counselling careers
- Graduates work in the NHS, education and the voluntary sector
- Some graduates go on to set up their own private practice
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6 — 6.0 IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) — standard University of Sunderland requirement (source: sunderland.ac.uk/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)
Scholarships
Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship
The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.
East Durham College Partnership Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500First Choice Travel Award
This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £500Global Leaders Scholarship
£6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).
Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.
Up to £1,200Interview Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Open Day Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
Up to £1,000Sunderland College Award
Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.
Tees Valley Travel Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships
Up to £750.
Careers this course leads to
- Counsellor
- Clinical counsellor
- Educational counsellor
- Forensic counsellor
- Substance misuse counsellor
- Bereavement counsellor
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.