BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Program Overview

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling program. This degree is designed to provide students with a deep, scientific understanding of the mind, brain, behaviour, and human experience, coupled with foundational counselling skills. The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is a crucial indicator that it meets the academic requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS, a necessary first step for those aspiring to become a Chartered Psychologist. The course is ideal for individuals fascinated by psychological processes and passionate about helping others, preparing them for a wide array of careers where an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and therapeutic approaches is essential. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and a critical engagement with contemporary issues in psychology and counselling.

Curriculum: The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling curriculum at UWTSD is structured to provide a thorough grounding in the core areas of psychology as required by the BPS, while also developing practical counselling skills. In the initial year, students typically cover foundational modules such as "Introduction to Psychology," "Counselling Skills for Psychology," "Brain, Cognition and Perception," "Research Methods in Psychology," and "The Social Psychology of Behaviour." The second year delves into more advanced psychological theories and research, including "Developmental Psychology," "Individual Differences," "Critical Social Psychology," "Counselling Theory and Approaches," and further "Research Methods." The final year allows for some specialization through optional modules (e.g., "Mental Health in Children and Young People," "Forensic Psychology," "Neuroscience") and culminates in a compulsory "Dissertation" or "Independent Research Project," where students conduct original empirical research in an area of their interest. Assessment methods are varied, including essays, presentations, examinations, practical reports, and portfolios.

Research Focus: The research focus within the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling program at UWTSD is rooted in fostering a scientific and critical understanding of psychological phenomena and counselling practices. The curriculum is research-informed, meaning that teaching staff, many of whom are active researchers and practitioners, integrate their expertise and current findings into the learning experience. Students are trained in rigorous research methods from the outset, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, preparing them to critically evaluate existing evidence and conduct their own empirical investigations. The culminating dissertation provides a significant opportunity for students to pursue independent research in a chosen area of psychology or counselling, potentially contributing to areas such as mental health, well-being, social psychology, cognitive processes, or therapeutic outcomes, under the guidance of experienced supervisors.

Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a strong emphasis on the employability of its Psychology and Counselling graduates, ensuring the program develops skills highly valued by employers. While direct mandatory placements are not always a standard component of this specific BSc program, the curriculum is designed to embed practical skills and foster professional development. The inclusion of "Counselling Skills" modules provides a practical dimension, preparing students for further professional training or roles requiring strong interpersonal and helping skills. The BPS accreditation signifies that the program meets professional standards, enhancing graduate recognition in the field. Furthermore, the university often facilitates opportunities for students to engage with local organizations through voluntary work, projects, or guest speakers from various sectors (e.g., mental health services, charities, education), providing real-world context and networking opportunities.

Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a strong global perspective by examining psychological theories, research findings, and counselling practices that have relevance across diverse cultural and societal contexts. The curriculum explores how human behaviour, cognitive processes, and mental health are influenced by various factors, including cross-cultural differences. By engaging with a broad range of psychological concepts and ethical considerations, students are prepared to understand and work with diverse populations in an increasingly interconnected world. This global outlook fosters adaptability and criticality, equipping graduates to contribute to psychology, counselling, and mental health initiatives both within the UK and internationally, applying their knowledge to address universal human challenges.