BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling Bachelor's degree at Staffordshire
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling at Staffordshire. You'll study core psychology alongside counselling practice, exploring specialisations such as clinical, cognitive, forensic, occupational, developmental and health psychology, as well as neuroscience and research methods.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Staffordshire, based in Stoke on Trent Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Allied health graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 100% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £37,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Psychology, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 720. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Adventures In Psychology 1Compulsory20 credits
Module details
In this core module you will be introduced to two key approaches within psychology: Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology. Over the course of the module, you will develop an understanding of the main issues and topics explored by both areas of psychology. You will learn about their contextual and historical influences, and gain experience using experiment and survey design tools within developmental and social psychology. This module will also give you the opportunity to gain insights o
- Adventures In Psychology 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
Are you ready for an adventure through concepts, principles and classic theories that inform some of the core areas in modern psychology? In this core module you will be introduced to some of the key psychological perspectives and consider how they can be applied to everyday life. You will be introduced to biological psychology, cognitive psychology and individual difference as part of this introductory module. You will learn about conceptual and historical issues across the content covered and
- Becoming A Researcher 1: Quantitative MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
How do psychologists come up with, and test, their ideas? This module introduces you to some of the quantitative (numbers-based) methods we use to conduct research. You will learn, through extensive practical experience, how to: decide on research questions and hypotheses; plan research studies; use software to collect and analyse data; and write up your findings in an academic report. You will also learn about some of the past and current debates surrounding psychological research, and engage i
- Becoming A Researcher 2: Qualitative MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to the theory underpinning qualitative research approaches and the design of qualitative research projects. You will explore a range of qualitative research designs and methods of data collection and how these can be applied to addressing research questions, while acknowledging relevant ethical considerations.
- Core Counselling SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you the basic skills used in beginning and maintaining a counselling relationship. You will have the opportunity to cultivate an understanding of the importance of an ethical approach in the counselling room as well as the basics of person-centred theory. We will also help you cultivate an ability to reflect on your experiences and practice through engaging with personal development.
- Pathways In Psychology And CounsellingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will consider how psychology is used in practice and how psychology and counselling can help people. Key major theoretical approaches within psychology and counselling will be identified, and their role in a variety of applied settings will be discussed. The module also aims to describe some of the main processes involved in using psychological interventions in a variety of settings and consider related methodological and ethical issues. You will be required to investigate the major
- Steps To Success 1Compulsory
Module details
This module will be the start of your PDP and career planning process as you proceed through your degree and it will act as one of the main support mechanisms in Level 4. Personal development sessions will start by helping you assess your current skills, identify skills for further development and track your development throughout your academic journey. You will also learn academic skills such as referencing, reflection, avoiding academic misconduct and structuring your writing. Your skills anal
Year 2 8 modules
- Counselling Theory, Ethics And Personal DevelopmentCompulsory40 credits
- Developmental And Biological Psychology Across The LifespanCompulsory20 credits
- Exploring Difference: A Quantitative ApproachCompulsory20 credits
- Steps To Success 2Compulsory
- Theory And Application Of Qualitative Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research approaches and provide you with experience of conducting and analysing qualitative research.
- People Behaving Badly: The Psychology Of Social IssuesOptional20 credits
- Psychology Of Social PerceptionOptional20 credits
- Psychology Research AssistantshipOptional20 credits
Year 3 12 modules
- Personal And Professional Perspectives In CounsellingCompulsory20 credits
- Personalised Psychology PortfolioCompulsory20 credits
- Psychology ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Society And The MindCompulsory20 credits
- Steps To Success 3Compulsory
- Advanced Quantitative Research MethodsOptional20 credits
- Behavioural MedicineOptional20 credits
- Children And PicturesOptional20 credits
- Health PsychologyOptional20 credits
- Neuropsychological DisordersOptional20 credits
- Parapsychology And Anomalous ExperiencesOptional20 credits
- Psychology Of Oppression And EmpowermentOptional20 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines psychology with counselling practice, grounding you in the science of mind and behaviour alongside therapeutic skills. A course like this typically progresses from foundational psychology, covering cognitive, social and biological systems, through research methods and statistics, which form the core of accredited psychology training. In your second year, you'll usually study areas such as developmental and social psychology, alongside advanced research design. The final year opens to specialist options, such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, child development and neuroscience, alongside an individual empirical dissertation. This structure builds from understanding how people think and behave towards applying that knowledge in counselling and therapeutic contexts.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking to combine psychology study with counselling training. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Part-time study allows you to balance academic work with employment or other commitments whilst developing knowledge in psychological theory and therapeutic practice.
Careers & job market
Across psychology courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 45% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,250 to £28,000, rising to £22,950–£32,400 after five years.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling is studied part-time at the University of Staffordshire, a University founded in 1971 and based on the Stoke on Trent Campus. Taught in English, the degree is a nationally recognised qualification from a UK degree-awarding body. The course carries Silver for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and BPS accreditation for psychological training.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 45% |
| a previous degree | 25% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code CB89). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Staffordshire →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Psychology graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £37,000 | £28,500 – £46,000 | 720 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £24,000 – £36,000 | 15 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £25,500 – £42,500 | 15 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 720. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Assistant / Graduate roleAssistant psychologist or research · 0–2 yrs
- 2Trainee / PractitionerDoctoral training or applied role · 2–6 yrs
- 3Qualified PsychologistChartered / HCPC-registered · 6–10 yrs
- 4Senior / ConsultantLeading services or research · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Psychology nationally
National figures for Psychology graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 720. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Psychology courses at the same study level.
Compared with 758 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 95% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Psychology graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Survey scoring and data cleaning
- Literature-search summaries
- Routine report scaffolding
- Standard statistical runs
More human than ever
- Clinical judgement and formulation
- Empathy and the therapeutic relationship
- Designing and interpreting studies
- Ethics with vulnerable people
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Psychology graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Schools
- Research & consultancies
- Charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Psychology graduates.
Psychology GraduateAcademicsPsychology Graduate: ABA Support for AutismAxcis Education RecruitmentPsychology Graduate for SEND school LincolnAspire PeoplePsychology GraduateTradewind RecruitmentPsychology Graduate TA – Special Needs School ExperienceStepintoteachingPsychology Expert Witness Lead: QA & TrainingSomek & AssociatesIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £37,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.0 out of 10: NSS 66.3% · in work or study 95% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Staffordshire
Psychology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Stoke on Trent Campus
1,636 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Psychology right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Staffordshire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Staffordshire; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Staffordshire’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Staffordshire and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Staffordshire
Psychology at other universities
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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