Delve into the complexities of the human psyche

Acquire the tools needed to make a positive impact on emotional wellbeing.

Want to become a counsellor, therapist, psychological wellbeing practitioner, teacher or HR Professional? Or work in a specific field of psychology? Then our Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons) programme is the ideal degree for you.

You will join the Kingston School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences where you will have a wealth of opportunities outside the classroom to further your learning and gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.

For example, Kingston University has close links with schools, hospitals, and clinics. This means our Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons) degree course provides plenty of opportunities to learn in real-life environments and add valuable work experience to your CV. In addition, the option of a one-year paid work placement will boost your employability further.

Psychology at Kingston University

Learn more about studying undergraduate psychology at Kingston University and hear from our students and staff.

The high level of the programme team's responsiveness to the student voice is commendable. A proactive approach is adopted to continually evaluate, develop and enhance the programmes based on student input.

Commendation given by the BPS during our latest review (2024)

Why choose this course

Mental health problems are a significant and growing issue, with an estimated one in four people experiencing mental health problems at some point in their lives.

The importance of counselling to the wellbeing of individuals and society is increasingly recognised. This has led to an increased demand for mental health services, and a corresponding increase in the number of job opportunities available for graduates in this field.

This dynamic degree therefore explores the complexities of the human psyche, arming students with the tools to make a positive impact on emotional wellbeing. You will study key counselling approaches, such as person-centred, cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapies. You will also gain key counselling competencies, such as communication and listening skills, empathy, self-awareness, establishing boundaries and working ethically within a therapeutic setting.

Taught by specialised academics and qualified counsellors, you will learn about common and complex mental health disorders. In addition, you will develop a core understanding of the fields of cognitive, biological, developmental and social psychology, and gain transferable skills in experimental design and statistical analysis.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that you could go on to become a Chartered Psychologist if that is your chosen career path. This is an ongoing accreditation.

Graduates, with a minimum of a 2:2, from this course are eligible to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the BPS. This is a necessary first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. You would then take further training in a specific field of psychology that you want to work in. This could then lead to a career as a Chartered Psychologist in your chosen field, for example forensic psychology.

Prepare for global impact

Kingston School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences offers courses in economics, law, psychology and criminology. Our degrees are underpinned by a vibrant research culture and delivered by a blend of practitioners and academics who are dedicated to equipping you with the employability skills to thrive in your career.

School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences

Course content

Take a look at some of the content and modules that you may have the opportunity to study on this course. Please note: Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year - Social Sciences

If you would like to study this degree at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.

Year 1

In your first year, you will acquire a broad foundation of knowledge around key theories and ideas of psychological science. You will begin to critically analyse historic perspectives, contemporary issues and ways of thinking about identity. You will be introduced to key strategies which are used in psychological research.

Core modules

Year 2

In the second year, you will examine the relationship between brain function and our understanding of cognition and behaviour. You will study current theory and practice that focuses on the person in psychology. You will also be introduced to counselling and psychotherapy in practice, developing practical skills and exploring real-life case studies.

Core modules

Optional year

You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement overseas (or even a mix of both).

Professional placement year

This course has a professional placement year option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year. During this professional placement year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.

Year 3

In your final year, you will research a chosen topic for your dissertation. You will explore the relationship between mental health issues and the practice of counselling and psychotherapy across the lifespan. Through practical sessions, you will focus on your personal development and aspirations, while expanding your knowledge of therapeutic techniques used in counselling and psychotherapy.

Core modules

Discover the Department of Psychology

Hear from our academics as they explore what it's like to study in the department, the facilities and resources available to you, and the opportunities and skills you can develop during your studies.

International students: direct application

Are you an international student? Have you decided Kingston is the place for you? If so, you can apply for this course directly, rather than having to go through UCAS.

Start your direct application now

What career opportunities does this course offer?

Graduates from this course may go on to work in the charity and care sector, advocacy and victim support services, National Health Service or as mental health support workers.

Others pursue postgraduate education such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counselling Psychology to become a Chartered Psychologist. Further training and education can lead to Chartered Psychology status in other areas (e.g. Health, Forensic, Educational), or becoming a counsellor, psychological wellbeing practitioner, teacher or HR Professional.

Future Skills

Our Future Skills programme is embedded within all our undergraduate courses and throughout the whole Kingston experience. These skills will help you to become a future-proof graduate by equipping you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills. You’ll also understand how to demonstrate and articulate to employers how these future skills give you the edge.

Future Skills page

Teaching and assessment

Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.

Fees and funding

Fee category	Annual Fee
Home (UK students)
	£10,050*
Foundation Year:	£10,050
International
Year 1 (2027/28):	£20,500
Year 2 (2028/29):	£21,300
Year 3 (2029/30):	£22,100
Year 4 (2030/31):	£22,900

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student.

Please visit the Fees and Funding page for more information.

For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

*For full-time programmes lasting more than one academic year, a tuition fee is payable for each academic year of the course.

Your annual tuition fee covers your first attempt at all modules required for that academic year. Any re-study or repeat of modules will incur additional charges, calculated according to the number of credits taken.

Home students (UK): Tuition fees are subject to inflation-linked increases in line with government policy. Updated fees will be confirmed in line with the maximum fee cap set by the Government or the Office for Students (OfS) for each academic year. This means your fee may increase for each academic year of study, but only up to the maximum amount permitted for that year.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

International students: Full-time taught international student fees are subject to an annual increase, which is published in advance for the full duration of your programme.

Fee category	Annual Fee
Home (UK students)
	£9,790*
Foundation Year:	£9,790
International
Year 1 (2026/27):	£19,200
Year 2 (2027/28):	£19,900
Year 3 (2028/29):	£20,700
Year 4 (2029/30):	£21,500