STUDY

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

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Course options: Professional Placement, Study Abroad
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: CB89
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three years full-time.
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level).
Course options: Professional Placement, Study Abroad
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: CB89
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three years full-time.
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level).

Overview

Psychology enables you to study the workings of the human mind and how this is revealed in human behaviour, both consciously and unconsciously. As a psychology student, you will be introduced to psychological theories and will learn to critically evaluate them so that you can reach your own well-informed conclusions about the nature and origins of human and non-human behaviour. Counselling is the process of assisting someone to resolve psychological issues or difficulties, so understanding why humans behave as they do is critical to the efficacy of any intervention. 

You’ll have access to excellent facilities and equipment. We have recently invested £320k in new hardware and software for our psychology laboratories and we also have a laboratory in the new £13m state-of-the-art Health and Wellbeing Building officially opened in June 2023. 

Studying psychology enables you to develop a diverse range of transferable skills which are valued highly by employers. We are proud to be ranked 1st in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for Psychology (Guardian University Guide, 2023). 

On this course, you will be equipped with a thorough grounding in each of the major fields in psychology: social psychology; developmental psychology; biological psychology; and cognitive psychology. In addition, you will explore abnormal psychology, contemporary and historic issues in psychology and individual differences. This will be underpinned by thorough training in research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, and exploration of the scientific method. You will be encouraged to evaluate a range of theories and research evidence, helping you to become a critical thinker whilst encouraging you to reach your own informed conclusions. In addition, you will also explore the skills required to be a counsellor, the use of theory in a counselling context, humanistic and psychodynamic perspectives, and will have an introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) which means that on successful completion of your degree, you will be eligible for graduate based chartership (GBC) of the BPS. GBC of the BPS is a mandatory requirement for access to practitioner psychology training programmes including postgraduate clinical and counselling psychology courses. The BSc Psychology and Counselling degree does not confer a counselling qualification but provides the foundational knowledge and skills for further study, including our MSc in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Counselling, that can help build a career in counselling as well as other professions in health care, social care and industry.

Further information about the University's relationship with the British Psychological Society (BPS) is available in the PSRB register.

Psychology at the University of Suffolk

Psychology students in seminar

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

1st

in the UK for graduates in a career 15 months after graduation for Psychology

The Guardian University Guide 2023

9th

in the UK for graduate prospects for Psychology

The Complete University Guide 2024

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

The Complete University Guide 2023

Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend' - more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our Block and Blend video.

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Lecturer teaching in seminar

Foundations in Biological and Cognitive Psychology is a mandatory module for all students taking a psychology degree route. Together with the “Foundations in Social and Developmental Psychology” module, level 4 students will attain a holistic underpinning to the major approaches in psychology. The module will cover conceptual and historical issues of behavioural, biological and cognitive approaches to psychology.

Social Psychology is concerned with the scientific study of human social behaviour, experience and thought. Developmental Psychology is concerned with the scientific study of systematic changes in human psychology across an individual’s lifespan, particularly cognitive, perceptual, social and emotional development in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. This module provides an introduction to key theories and approaches in Social and Developmental Psychology.

This module is designed to provide students with two essential aspects of further psychological study. Firstly, an introduction to psychological research methods; including a consideration of methodology and data analysis for both quantitative and qualitative data.  Secondly, this module will also equip students with the essential academic study skills required for their degrees.

Counselling theory is the foundation of all effective counselling practice and this module will draw on a selection of therapeutic modalities to illustrate the interplay of theory and practice. This module will use elements of Transactional Analysis and other humanistic and psychodynamic modalities to explore an awareness of the therapeutic relationship and a good interaction of theory and clinical practice.

This module looks at key dimensions of counselling theory and practice, for example ethics, clinical supervision, and issues of difference and diversity, in the context of the therapeutic relationship. The module raises students’ awareness of the multi-dimensionality of the counselling profession, and students are encouraged to reflect on their understanding and development; and to consider the impact of their own values and beliefs on their emotional lives and developments as students on a psychology and counselling programme.

The skills component of the module introduces students to a range of counselling skills that are fundamental to all approaches or will help in other work with clients in therapeutic contexts. This module aims to expose students to a range of Counselling skills and give them the opportunity to experiment with these skills. The learning in this module is based on gradually building role play scenarios, and it interacts with the other modules during the year so that as theoretical perspectives are understood and personal development increases, so counselling skills will develop.

In terms of the self-awareness component, an essential aspect of a counselling training is that students reflect not only on knowledge learnt but also on the internal emotional life of themselves and others. This element enables an ongoing experiential process group and completion of a learning journal which both support and illuminate the work done in other parts of the course.

Biological psychology (biopsychology) looks at psychological processes from a biological perspective, dealing with issues such as behaviour genetics, endocrinology and physiological psychology. Cognitive psychology studies how information is processed by the brain and sense organs. It is concerned with issues of how people perceive, understand, make decisions about and remember information.

This module will build on the broad introduction at Level 4 and seek to provide research-based accounts of social and developmental behaviour in key areas, such as people in groups, prejudice and discrimination, aggression, social influence, emotional and social development, life-span adult development and developmental social psychology. 

This module provides students with the skills to carry out quantitative research of sufficient quality and rigour to complete their own independent studies.  Students will attain a holistic underpinning to the major research skills utilized within psychology.

All researchers require a basic understanding of qualitative research methodology. This module develops the knowledge gained in the Psychological Research Methods Module, and provides students with the skills to carry out research of sufficient quality and rigour to complete their own independent studies.

The humanistic tradition has developed a wealth of models for counselling. Each one contributes unique perspectives to the field and adds to the formation of a professional identity. This module will build on theories learned in year 1 and 2 so far, introduce new perspectives, and focus on core aspects of specific humanistic counselling approaches. This offers students the opportunity to expand their theoretical knowledge, while also giving some insight into clinical practice.

The psychodynamic approach to counselling rests on the premise that adult behaviour and emotional life is significantly affected by experiences gained during earlier formative years. The module builds on the theory of the first year Introduction to Counselling Theory module and will consider our emotional roots in early life. Of particular interest in understanding relational styles are Attachment Theory and the British Object Relations School. While studying these ideas the student will also be working towards integrating them into a framework for practice.

Abnormal Psychology seeks to explain unusual or maladaptive behaviour through the examination of rigorous, research-based subject matter. The concept of ‘abnormal’ can be problematic given negative connotations with ‘not normal’ and this will be a key area of debate: the essence of normality and the appropriateness of labels which may have important ramifications for how people suffering psychopathology are in some way perceived as ‘not normal’ or as inferior members of society.

This module seeks to primarily explore and touch upon individual differences in personality and intelligence. The module also aims to introduce students to other elements of differential psychology for example creativity, cognitive styles, motivation and leadership.

Research is an important and integral part of your degree, and the Research Dissertation gives students the opportunity to expand learning and develop interests in a particular topic. Students will critique research by others and will reflect on their own work, moving students from a theoretical knowledge of research toward a more informed level of skill and application. 

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic modality that is increasingly widely available. Its growing popularity in recent decades is due in part to its robust claims to evidence of effectiveness for a variety of psychological problems and mental health disorders. This module introduces and explores the fundamental concepts, principles and methods that underpin CBT. While the field has expanded considerably since its inception and now includes a wide range of approaches to practice, the primary focus of this module will be on those principles, theories and methods that provide the foundations of CBT. These include the role of cognition and behaviour in emotional experience and distress, and the role of context in shaping experiences of mental health and ill-health. The module will also consider how these foundational approaches have been adapted to meet the needs of a growing number of mental health issues in our population.

This module builds on the theory and skills learned at level 4 and 5. It aims to give students a     dedicated opportunity to further integrate the knowledge they have acquired, and to advance their awareness of professional issues and responsibilities they are likely to encounter in a counselling context. The module encourages students’ self reflexivity through practice based learning; in addition it aims to continue to develop students’ awareness of self in relationship with others, as is key for the upholding of an effective therapeutic alliance.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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The Health and Wellbeing Building
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Watch our Psychology course video
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The Library
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SU Social Space

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities open to psychology degree holders including, and not limited to: 

  • Psychologist 
  • Psychotherapist 
  • Social Worker 
  • Counsellor 
  • Educational Psychologist 
  • Human Resource Manager 
  • Teacher 
  • Research roles 
  • Media roles 
     

Although some of these roles will be available to you with a psychology undergraduate degree, many require further study at postgraduate level. Some professional training e.g. Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology has a mandatory entry requirement for graduate based chartership of the British Psychological Society, which your degree, when successfully completed, would confer. 

Your Course Team

Dr Rachel Grenfell-Essam

Rachel is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Associated Routes Programmes.

Rachel Grenfell-Essam staff profile photo

Dr Jennifer Coe

Dr Jennifer Coe is a Lecturer in Psychology.

Jennifer Coe staff profile photo

Dr Emmanouil Georgiadis

Manos is an internationally known expert in applying motivational constructs in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Manos Georgiadis staff profile photo

Birgit Ewald

Joint Course Leader for the Counselling BA, Birgit is an experienced therapist, clinical supervisor and trainer. She has a special interest in mental imagery.

Birgit Ewald staff profile photo

Dr Nick Lewin

Nick specialises in Post-Freudian theory and clinical case discussion. He also teaches on the MSc programme.

Dr Rachael Martin

Dr Rachael Martin is the Course Leader for the MSc Applications of Psychology

Rachael Martin staff profile photo

Dr Kate McCulloch

Kate is a Lecturer in Psychology.

Kate McCulloch staff profile photo

Dr Abbie Millett

Abbie is an experienced educator and is Lecturer in Psychology.

Abbie Millett staff profile photo

Sarah Beane

Psychology Technical Learning Instructor Sarah joined the University of Suffolk in 2021.

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Sharon Versey

Sharon is Academic Administrator for all undergraduate Childhood and Education courses.

Sharon Versey staff profile photo

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,250

per year
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,090

per year

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The University of Suffolk is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
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How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
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"The University of Suffolk empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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