During your Foundation Year, you will build essential academic, employability, and digital skills needed for higher education, while gaining an introduction to key concepts in psychology and counselling.
In the following year, you will deepen your understanding of the theoretical frameworks that underpin psychology and counselling. This will help you connect theory with practice, with a strong emphasis on research-informed approaches and the professional skills required in the field.
At Level 5, your studies will explore more advanced concepts and perspectives, including diversity, human development, and cultural context. You will develop an understanding of how individuals, families, communities, and societies differ, and why these differences matter.
In your final year, the focus shifts to research and independent study. You will apply your knowledge to solve real-world problems in psychology and counselling, with an emphasis on sustainability, social impact, community engagement, and long-term personal and professional growth.
Year 0 (Foundation)
In your Foundation Year, you will study a range of modules designed to prepare you for degree-level learning. These include Academic Integrity and Assessment, Foundations in Psychology, and Fundamentals of Counselling. You will also develop employability and study skills through modules such as Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour, Personal Development and Career Exploration, and Study Strategies and Academic Development.
Year 1
In the first year, you will begin to explore core areas of psychology and counselling. Modules include Applied Communication Skills, Counselling as a Therapeutic Method, Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Criminology, Research and Ethics in Psychology, and Social Psychology.
Year 2
Your second year focuses on more advanced and specialised topics. You will study Biopsychology, Cognitive Psychology, Counselling in a Diverse Context, Multi-Agency Approaches to Risk Management, Personality and Individual Differences, and Psychopathology.
Year 3
In your final year, you will further develop your expertise and prepare for your future career. Modules include Career Paths in Psychology and Counselling, Contemporary Issues in Psychology, Integrative Approaches to Counselling, and The Use of Data in Psychology. You will also complete a Psychology with Counselling Project, which carries a higher credit value and allows you to undertake independent research.
Please note: The modules listed above reflect the current course structure and may be updated as part of regular reviews. However, the overall learning outcomes and subject focus will remain broadly consistent.
This course uses an authentic assessment approach, meaning each module is designed around realistic, real-world scenarios. This helps you progressively achieve the learning objectives of both individual modules and the overall programme. In many modules, you will have the opportunity to develop and apply your own business ideas, giving you valuable feedback and time to refine your work.
Assessments are structured to help you demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to the business environment. These may include essays, reports, real-life simulations, presentations, projects, and group debates.
You will also be expected to dedicate time outside of classes to complete research, homework, and collaborative tasks. Independent study is an essential part of the course, and your lecturers will provide guidance to help you manage your learning effectively.
Assessment methods at Beesmarter are reviewed each year and may be updated in response to student feedback, course content developments, or recommendations from an External Examiner. The External Examiner is an independent academic from another higher education institution who helps ensure that assessment standards are maintained.
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FAQs
1. What skills will I develop on this course?
The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (with Foundation Year) equips you with a wide range of transferable and subject-specific skills. These include strong communication and interpersonal abilities, research and data analysis skills, ethical and professional awareness, and core counselling techniques. You will also build self-awareness, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of human behaviour—skills that are highly valued in areas such as mental health and support services.
2. Is this degree worth studying?
If you are interested in mental health, human behaviour, and supporting others, this degree can be a valuable choice. It provides a solid academic foundation while opening up a variety of career pathways. The inclusion of a foundation year and career-focused modules also helps strengthen your academic abilities and improve your employability.
3. What career opportunities are available after graduation?
A degree in psychology with counselling can lead to roles across sectors such as mental health, education, social care, and criminal justice. Possible career options include mental health support worker, youth mentor, wellbeing practitioner, or case manager. The course also prepares you for research roles or further study in areas like counselling, psychotherapy, or clinical psychology.
4. What are the entry requirements?
To apply, you must be aged 18 or over and hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points). You will also need an English qualification, such as GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B1. Applicants aged 21 and over who do not meet the standard requirements can still apply and may benefit from the foundation year. If you do not meet the English requirement, you can take an English test at a Beesmarter campus.
5. What are the benefits of this course?
This degree combines academic study with practical, real-world application. You will explore key psychological theories alongside counselling approaches in a reflective and applied way. The course also supports your career development through employability training, mentoring, and placement opportunities, while encouraging personal growth and ethical practice.
6. Is the course accredited?
The course meets high academic and quality standards and is accredited by Bath Spa University. For the most up-to-date information on accreditation and future progression routes, you can contact the admissions team.