BSc Psychology with Counselling

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling at the University of Sunderland explores how people think, feel, and behave, while developing essential counselling and communication skills. This programme allows students to study core areas of psychology alongside specialised modules in counselling, such as developing therapeutic relationships, counselling theory, and applying interventions in real-life settings. The course integrates psychological theory with counselling practice to prepare students for mental health and helping professions.

In the first year, students follow a shared pathway with other psychology degrees, covering key topics such as Developmental, Social, and Cognitive Psychology, and Brain and Behaviour. As the course progresses, students can choose counselling-focused modules to align with their career interests. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this degree provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an important step toward professional accreditation.

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and small group tutorials. Students receive one-to-one academic support and employability guidance throughout their studies. Assessments vary across modules and may include essays, research reports, case studies, oral presentations, academic posters, online quizzes, portfolios, and exams. Students may also complete applied tasks such as designing behaviour change interventions or writing expert witness reports.

Founded in 1901 as Sunderland Technical College and gaining university status in 1992, the University of Sunderland is a dynamic public university with campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong. The institution is well-known for its focus on employability, inclusive education, and strong industry links. It offers a supportive environment that encourages practical learning and innovation across diverse academic disciplines.

The university’s modern facilities, libraries, and interactive learning spaces create an engaging academic experience. Many courses, including Psychology with Counselling, incorporate live case studies, placements, and industry engagement. Students benefit from staff who bring both research expertise and professional counselling experience to their teaching, helping learners connect theory to real-world practice.

Grade Requirements:

• 104–120 UCAS Tariff points from A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
• GCSE or equivalent passes in English Language and Mathematics are required.

English Proficiency:

• IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no component below 5.5.
• Equivalent English language qualifications (such as PTE or TOEFL) may also be accepted.

The annual tuition fee for international students enrolled in the BSc Psychology with Counselling programme at the University of Sunderland is £16,500 for full-time study. Tuition fees may increase by up to 10% annually.

The University of Sunderland offers various undergraduate scholarships and bursaries. One of which is the Global Leaders Scholarship, which gives up to a £5,000 discount on tuition for eligible international students. There is also the University of Sunderland Scholarship, which awards £3,000 to selected new undergraduates. Many scholarships and bursaries are awarded automatically once eligibility is confirmed, but students should review the Scholarships, Discounts and Specialised Grants pages for full eligibility rules and deadlines.

Graduates of the BSc Psychology with Counselling programme are equipped with strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills suitable for a range of roles in psychology, counselling, and related fields. Career paths include:

• Therapist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Mental Health Practitioner
• Behavioural Health Specialist
• Human Resources Specialist

Applications for the BSc Psychology with Counselling course at the University of Sunderland are made through UCAS. For assistance with your application or course guidance, reach out to one of our professional counsellors at AHZ.