University of Sunderland

BSc Psychology with Counselling

University of Sunderland

Course overview

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.

Entry requirements

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.

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 £1,500

  • First 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 £500

  • Global 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 £1,200

  • Interview 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 £1,000

  • Sunderland 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 £1,500

  • The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships

    Up to £750.

Career opportunities

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

Cost of study

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.

Admission

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.

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