Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy

As one of the very few undergraduate Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy joint honours degrees in the UK that offers the opportunity to qualify as a professional counsellor, this course prepares you to help people in distress explore their difficulties, express their feelings and work towards a deeper self-awareness.

On this British Psychological Society accredited course, you will explore human experience across a range of contexts and lifespans, from understanding the biological basis of behaviour to questioning the impact of social media on child development. Our expert lecturing team are active in research and practices and will ensure you feel supported throughout your degree.

You will have the opportunity to get involved in a range of extracurricular activities, including sessions led by experts in the fields of psychology and counselling.

Beyond the classroom, you will complete 100 hours of work experience in the community as a practising counsellor, which is a qualificatory part of the course. Our excellent links with regional and national charities, not-for-profit organisations and penal institutions will open doors to practical experiences that refine your skills and elevate your job prospects.

There will also be opportunities for you to focus on particular areas of interest, to tailor your learning to your own interests and career goals.

Course Overview

This course will see you develop the academic knowledge and practical skills you need to help make a difference in the lives of others. You’ll learn from industry-expert tutors through lectures, seminars and other learning opportunities.

Our standout Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy course adheres to the training requirements of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is one of the only Psychology with Counselling joint honours degrees that qualifies you as a professional counsellor without the need for further professional or postgraduate training.

Upon graduation, you will also be eligible to gain Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) and apply to be an individual member of the BACP.

In addition to 100 hours of work in the community, you’ll have the opportunity to develop key research skills and undertake specific counselling-focused research projects. You will also gain high-level soft skills such as empathy, conflict resolution and active thinking, which are in high demand in the workplace and will enhance your employability across various professions. Throughout your studies, you’ll be part of a small, close-knit and supportive learning community, ensuring you receive the guidance and encouragement you need to succeed.

What’s more, our psychology courses are ranked 1st in the North West and 11th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results).

On this course you will...
• Have the opportunity to explore and apply psychological literature to current issues, contexts and experiences.



• Develop key knowledge, skills and abilities to help you prepare to become a counsellor or psychotherapist, or develop a career in related psychotherapeutic professions.



• Be able to choose topics and areas that you want to learn more about to tailor your learning experience on your psychology degree.



• Be taught and given high-quality support and guidance by our expert lecturing team, who are active in research and practices.



• Have the opportunity to get involved in a range of extracurricular activities including sessions by experts in the field of psychology and counselling.



• Benefit from our excellent links with regional and national charities, not-for-profit and penal institutions to gain work experience and enhance your job prospects.

With campuses in the Lake District, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow, and London, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, supportive communities, and real opportunities.

With strong links to law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies, and employers nationwide, we connect your learning directly to your future career.

Ranked the No. 1 university in the Northwest and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97.5% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2026), Cumbria is a university focused on your future from day one.