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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BSc (Honours) Psychology with Counselling

: Course code: Q84

Psychological therapies are rooted in psychological understanding, so this degree provides a strong foundation in psychology with a specific focus on how counselling works and how it can help people change. You’ll consider how counsellors and psychologists use theories and evidence to contribute to debates about how we understand mental health conditions, diagnosis and treatment options, and how psychology is critical to understanding mental health, relationships, education and employment.

This course is accredited by:

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Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

How long it takes

Covers the key concepts, theories, methods and debates in psychology and counselling
Gives you an appreciation of different perspectives within psychology and the ability to evaluate them critically
Explains how psychological theories and research are applied in practical or professional contexts, particularly within counselling practice
Can be the first step towards professional accreditation as a psychologist.

Whilst accredited by The British Psychological Society, this degree does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor, psychotherapist or clinical or counselling psychologist. To work therapeutically with clients requires further training – for which this degree is excellent preparation.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Full-time study – 3 years

Part-time study – 6 years

Time limit – 16 years

See How long it takes

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 by choosing one of three options – an introduction to psychology and counselling, the social sciences or to health sciences. You’ll follow this with your first core psychology module.
At Stage 2, you’ll study two modules focusing on counselling and mental health, plus a second core psychology module.
Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll take an applied approach to the study of counselling and forensic psychology, and complete your degree with a third core psychology module.

Our modular study approach allows you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your other commitments. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll begin with a choice of an introduction to psychology and counselling or the science of human health. Next, you’ll explore how psychologists study our thinking and behaviour, and how academic research can be applied in real-life settings. This will give you a firm foundation to progress to more specialised study in counselling and psychology, as well as developing essential study skills.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll start your degree with one from:
Exploring psychological worlds: thinking, feeling, doing (D110)	60
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)	60
You’ll complete Stage 1 with:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2 you’ll begin by examining counselling approaches to real world issues such as relationships, depression and trauma. You'll study mental health in contexts such as the criminal justice system and the service user movement. You’ll also expand on the core areas of psychology introduced in Stage 1, learn the research methods used by professional psychologists, and undertake research projects.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)	60
You’ll complete Stage 2 with:
Investigating psychology 2 (DE200)	60

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3 you’ll begin with a module in counselling and forensic psychology, which takes an applied approach to issues such as counselling vulnerable clients and working therapeutically with offenders. You’ll complete your degree by exploring the relationship between questions psychologists ask and the methods chosen to answer them. As part of the final core psychology module, you'll carry out an independent research project.

Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)	60
You’ll complete Stage 3 with:
Investigating psychology 3 (DE300)	60

If you'd like to complete your studies at a faster rate, you can choose to study at the equivalent of full-time intensity (120 credits per year over three years). With this option, you must start your qualification in October. You can study two 60-credit modules at the same time starting in October or stagger your studies by studying one 60-credit module in October and the other in February.

If your circumstances change, don't worry. You don’t have to stick to full-time study. You can adjust your study intensity each year to fit your evolving needs.


Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with either:
Exploring psychological worlds: thinking, feeling, doing (D110)	60
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)	60
You'll complete Stage 1 with:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)	60
You'll complete Stage 2 with:
Investigating psychology 2 (DE200)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)	60
You'll complete your degree with:
Investigating psychology 3 (DE300)	60

The below sets out what modules you’d complete each year if you choose to study at the equivalent of part-time (60 credits a year over six years).


Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with either:
Exploring psychological worlds: thinking, feeling, doing (D110)	60
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)	60
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll complete Stage 1 with:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll complete Stage 2 with:
Investigating psychology 2 (DE200)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with:
Investigating psychology 3 (DE300)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 25 July 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BSc (Honours) Psychology with Counselling uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Finding external/third-party material online
Specialist software, such as SPSS software for statistical analysis
Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
Group-work
Practical work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Psychology with Counselling.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology with Counselling

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£21,816	£5,934 (21%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£14,544	£3,956 (21%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£7,272	£1,978 (21%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £21,816

Saving with The Open University £5,934 (21%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £14,544

Saving with The Open University £3,956 (21%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £7,272

Saving with The Open University £1,978 (21%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Career relevance

This degree is relevant to a broad range of careers, including those within the health and social care system, and organisations in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Knowledge of human behaviour, counselling and related ‘people skills’ are recognised by employers as real assets in working with individuals and teams. You’ll gain a theoretical basis in counselling as well as a broad understanding of psychology that will prepare you to work in a variety of ways with a diverse range of people.

Please note that this psychology degree with a specialism in counselling theory does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor, psychotherapist or counselling or clinical psychologist. To work therapeutically with clients requires further training – for which this degree is excellent preparation. For example:

Counselling psychology is a branch of chartered psychology with its own training route. The first step is a BPS-accredited psychology degree like this one.
Counselling – if you are interested in a career in this area you will need to do professional training in counselling with practice-based elements. In partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) we offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (W09) and a Foundation Degree in Counselling (X09).

Accreditation

Graduates achieving a 2.2 or better for this qualification are eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) conferred by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Other careers

As a graduate of psychology and counselling you’ll have an impressive breadth of knowledge and skills that are highly attractive to employers across a wide range of fields. These include:

advertising
marketing
education
the health professions
human resources
management
research.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Skills for career development

As well as specific knowledge and skills in psychology and counselling, this degree course will help you to develop transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers.

communication
numeracy
effective team working
independent and critical thinking
IT and data handling
analysing and evaluating diverse sources of information, including qualitative and quantitative data
designing and carrying out research projects, and presenting findings
problem-solving and reasoning
application of learning to real world problems and situations.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This include online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the website are available to see at any time, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:

professional psychologist (clinical, counselling, educational forensic, health occupational, sports)
psychotherapist or counsellor

lecturer
teacher
health care worker
human resources officer
youth services worker

police officer
prison officer
advertising planner
careers adviser
retail manager

You can study for this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach allows you to adjust your study intensity each year based on your needs and commitments.

3-year degree

If you want to complete your qualification in three years at roughly the same rate as a student at a traditional university, you can choose to study at the equivalent of full-time intensity.

You'll study 120 credits a year.
You'll need to study around 32–36 hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, explore our 3-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

6-year degree

Part-time study is roughly equivalent to studying at half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a traditional university.

You'll study 60 credits a year.
You'll need to study around 16–18 hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, check our 6-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

Register for this course

Start dates

Feb 2025 - Registration closes 09/01/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 05/12/2024

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