MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
BSc (Hons) Mental Health
Swansea
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling degree that provides a robust foundation in mental health, human behaviour, and therapeutic approaches. While a standalone degree explicitly titled "BSc (Hons) Mental Health" is not directly advertised, this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programme comprehensively covers the theoretical, practical, and conceptual issues pertinent to understanding the mind, brain, behaviour, and mental well-being. It is designed for individuals fascinated by psychological processes and driven by a passion for helping others, preparing them for a range of roles where an in-depth understanding of mental health is crucial.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling program at UWTSD is structured to build a scientific understanding of the mind, brain, behaviour, and experience, alongside developing practical counselling skills. In the first year, students are introduced to the basics of psychology, including counselling theories, fundamental research skills, and an introduction to mental health and personality. The second year delves deeper into advanced psychological theories, further counselling skills, integrative approaches, and real-world practical issues through case studies. Core modules often include "The Brain, Biology and Cognition," "Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences," and "Counselling Theory and Approaches." In the final year, optional modules may cover specialized areas such as "Mental Health in Children and Young People," "Biological and Cognitive Neuroscience," "CBT and New Cognitive Therapies," and "The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination." Assessment is varied, encompassing skills-based assessments, case studies, essays, presentations, examinations, portfolios, and a dissertation.
Research Focus: The research focus within UWTSD's Psychology and Counselling programme, which encompasses mental health studies, is geared towards developing a scientific understanding of the mind, brain, behaviour, and how these interact with complex environments. The programme aims to develop students' knowledge of counselling as a social function mediated by individual, societal, and global contexts. Students are trained in essential research skills across all years, enabling them to critically evaluate evidence and engage with academic debate. The final year typically culminates in a dissertation thesis, allowing students to conduct independent research in a chosen area of mental health, psychological phenomena, or counselling theory, often under the guidance of research-active and practitioner-based lecturers. This focus ensures graduates are equipped to contribute to the evidence base in mental health and psychological well-being.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD places significant emphasis on preparing its Psychology and Counselling graduates for professional careers, including those related to mental health. While the BSc itself is an academic foundation rather than a clinical qualification, the program integrates opportunities for counselling skills development and workplace experience. The BPS accreditation ensures the curriculum meets high professional standards recognized by employers. Graduates are highly regarded across various sectors due to their strong analytical skills, excellent data handling capabilities, and developed interpersonal skills. The university emphasizes that psychology graduates possess a valuable mix of "good people skills and excellent number and data handling skills," making them flexible and well-regarded by businesses and other industries, including those in the mental health sector.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing that mental health and human behaviour are influenced by diverse individual, societal, and global contexts. The curriculum explores various psychological theories and therapeutic approaches, many of which have international origins and applications. By studying topics that range from neuro-scientific processes to social and cultural psychology, students gain an understanding of how mental health issues manifest and are addressed across different cultural settings. This global outlook prepares graduates to work with diverse populations and to critically engage with mental health research and practices on an international scale, fostering adaptability and relevance in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 13500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: International students applying for undergraduate programs at UWTSD are eligible for Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievements and help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are available for international students who meet the academic criteria, making it an excellent opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
A BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Counselling from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) provides graduates with a robust understanding of human behaviour, psychological principles, and foundational counselling skills, making them well-suited for a variety of roles, particularly those within the mental health and social care sectors. While a degree explicitly titled "BSc (Hons) Mental Health" is not a distinct offering, this accredited program provides a comprehensive grounding in mental health theory and practice, preparing individuals to support well-being across diverse settings. Graduates develop critical thinking, research, and interpersonal skills that are highly valued across professional fields.
Mental Health Support Worker: Providing direct support to individuals experiencing mental health issues, helping them manage their conditions, promoting independence, and facilitating access to services. This often involves working in community settings, residential care, or hospitals.
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP): Working within NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) services, delivering low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions and guided self-help to individuals with common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. This role usually requires further specific training after the degree.
Assistant Psychologist: Working under the supervision of a qualified clinical or counselling psychologist, assisting with psychological assessments, interventions, and research. This is a common stepping stone for those aspiring to become chartered psychologists, which requires postgraduate study.
Counsellor (after further training/accreditation): Utilizing core counselling skills to provide therapeutic support to individuals facing various personal challenges, grief, or relationship difficulties. While the BSc provides foundational skills, a postgraduate diploma or Master's degree and professional accreditation are typically required to practice independently.
Social Worker: Supporting vulnerable individuals and families, assessing needs, coordinating care, and advocating for clients' well-being. This role often involves working with individuals experiencing mental health crises or complex social challenges, and usually requires a Master's in Social Work (MSW).
Charity Worker/Support Officer: Working for mental health charities, providing information, advocacy, and support services to individuals and families affected by mental illness, often through helplines or community programs.
Youth Worker/Education Support Assistant: Supporting the emotional and social development of young people in schools, colleges, or community settings, often addressing early signs of mental health difficulties or behavioural challenges.
Rehabilitation Support Worker: Assisting individuals recovering from mental illness, addiction, or physical injury to regain independence and improve their quality of life through structured support plans.
Research Assistant (Psychology/Health): Supporting academic or clinical research projects in psychology, mental health, or neuroscience, involving data collection, analysis, and literature reviews.
Human Resources Officer (with a focus on well-being): Applying psychological principles to improve employee well-being, manage workplace stress, and foster a supportive organizational culture within HR departments.
