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Health & people

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year

A degree with a foundation year, so you can start without A-Levels. Taught in person, usually 2 days a week.

Check your eligibility

Key course facts

Campus locations
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham Not every course runs in every city. We’ll confirm your nearest campus on your call.
Start dates
Enrolment is ongoing Term start dates run throughout the year, so you can apply now for the next available start.
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications needed for foundation year entry This applies when you apply as a mature student. You’ll have an interview or admissions assessment, and our Admissions team helps you prepare.
Duration
Usually 4 years A foundation year followed by a 3-year degree.
Timetable
2 days a week, in person Usually around 4 hours a day on campus, plus time for independent study and assignments.
Fees (UK students, 2026/27)
£9,790 a year, including the foundation year Eligible students can pay with a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England, which goes straight to the university, so there’s nothing to pay upfront. Fees can rise in later years.

Course availability, campuses and fees are set by each partner university and can change by intake. We confirm the details for your course before you apply. See how funding works.

Do you have a strong interest in human behaviour and mental well-being but lack the traditional qualifications to start a psychology degree? This course is designed to help you begin your journey, starting with a foundation year that strengthens your academic skills and prepares you for university-level study. The foundation year introduces essential skills in communication, critical thinking, research methods and digital literacy, making it ideal if you’re returning to education or switching career paths. It’s designed to build your confidence and ensure a smooth transition into the full degree.

Once you progress into the main degree, you’ll dive into the scientific study of the mind, behaviour and emotions, while developing core counselling skills. Topics include:

  • Key theories in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology
  • Mental health, well-being, and therapeutic approaches
  • Research methods and psychological assessment
  • Counselling techniques and ethics
  • Individual differences and psychological disorders

This course is perfect for those who want to understand how the mind works and use that knowledge to support others through counselling and emotional care. Whether you’re aiming to work in mental health services, community outreach, education, or preparing for further professional training, you’ll graduate with a solid foundation in psychology and the practical tools to make a difference. Whether you’re starting fresh or building on existing experience, this degree gives you a purposeful path into the world of psychology and counselling, with a foundation year designed to support you from the very beginning.

Understand how people think, feel and behave, and build the skills to support them.

Who this course suits

  • You’re interested in how people think, feel and behave
  • You’d like a career supporting people with their wellbeing
  • You’re a good listener and communicate with empathy
  • You’re thinking about future training as a counsellor or psychologist

Careers this course can lead to

  • Mental health support worker
  • Wellbeing support roles
  • Support worker in charities or the NHS
  • Learning mentor
  • Youth worker
  • HR or people support
  • Research assistant
  • Further training in counselling or psychology

To practise as a counsellor or psychologist, you’ll need further accredited training after your degree.

A typical week

On campus

2 days a week, around 4 hours a day

Lectures and seminars on psychology, mental health and counselling approaches, including counselling skills and ethics.

Independent study

Evenings, weekends or days off

Reading research, reflective writing and assignments on psychological theory and research methods.

Psychology & Counselling: your questions answered

Will I be a qualified counsellor when I graduate?

No. The degree teaches counselling theory and skills, but practising as a counsellor needs further accredited training, for example a course recognised by the BACP.

Can I become a psychologist?

Psychologist roles need further training after your degree, and some routes need a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society. Ask us whether this course is accredited for your intake.

Is there a lot of science and statistics?

Psychology uses research methods and some statistics, which are taught from the basics. Everyday numeracy is enough to start.

Will we discuss sensitive topics?

Yes. Mental health and wellbeing are central to the course, so some topics can feel personal or difficult. It’s worth thinking about this before you start.

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