Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

Unlock the science of wellbeing with this hands-on Psychology with Counselling degree. 

Build the essential counselling skills to support those experiencing mental health crises, neurodivergence, and illness with our Psychology with Counselling degree. You’ll investigate psychological theories, research, and counselling practices – and how they all work together. You will study topics like:

• counselling approaches
• counselling skills and the therapeutic relationship
• counselling assessment
• applied child psychology
• neurodiversity
• psychopathology and deviant behaviour.

We’ll combine cutting-edge research with practical training, helping you excel in your studies and your career. What’s more, you’ll do all this while accessing specialist facilities, small class sizes, and a dedicated support network.

Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate membership (GMBPsS) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), a crucial stepping stone for further professional training in psychology.* You will also achieve a CPCAB-accredited Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills – the second-to-last step in becoming a professional counsellor.* And within the following 15 months, you’ll join 96% of St Mary’s (SMU) students in employment, vocation or further study (HESA, 2024).

*We’re securing accreditation/approval to offer these options. Everything is on track, and we’ll update this page very soon.

Why St Mary’s?

A practical, careers-first Psychology with Counselling degree

Our Psychology with Counselling course is hands-on. With SMU, you’ll attend workshops, guest talks, and field trips led by professionals from the mental health and counselling sectors. As a result, you’ll build the practical skills, understanding, and network to be career-ready.

You can complete exciting work placements through multiple modules.

• Counselling Skills in Action: you will gain supervised hands-on experience in local community settings such as charities, care homes, and educational settings.
• Contributing to the Community: here, you’ll focus on community-based work and can help local mental health or community support services.
• Experience and Employment in Education: you can gain experience in education settings, working with school counsellors, or supporting students with psychological or behavioural needs.

State-of-the-art psychology facilities

You’ll use state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories while building practical experience. Our facilities enhance your learning experience and prepare you for a career in psychology-related fields.

• Psychology laboratories: these are perfect for experimental research in areas like cognitive psychology, behavioural studies, and biological psychology. You can use equipment for tracking eye movement, monitoring physiological responses (such as heart rate and skin conductance), and conducting computerized cognitive assessments.
• Computer labs: you’ll use the latest software to complete essential research tasks like statistical analysis.
• Library services: our online and physical library facilities will help you stay up-to-date with research and evidence-based practices in psychology and counselling.

Gain an extra qualification from a leading awarding body

The Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) is the UK’s leading awarding organisation specialising in counselling. We’re on track to become a CPCAB Recognised Centre. Once this is done, you can complete the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills qualification as part of your Psychology with Counselling BSc.

A small university, a strong support network

Even though we’re a London university, we’re a small one. SMU’s a community. With small classes, you’ll get more – and meaningful – time with research-active lecturers and counselling practitioners. Therefore, we ensure personalised attention and mentoring throughout your counselling course.

At SMU, we genuinely care about your journey. We offer a strong, well-rounded support network, including:

• personal tutors
• mental health advisors
• tailored employability services
• specialised support for students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re:

• 1st in London for Academic Support (National Student Survey (NSS), 2024)
• Top 5 nationally for Academic Support (NSS, 2024)
• Top 10 in the country for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024).