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Do you want to discover how people can be empowered to live a happier, healthier lifestyle that encourages resilience against the stresses and strains of daily living?
You'll explore the relationship between theoretical psychology and counselling psychology and consider the theories, skills and techniques used in counselling psychology. In doing so you will consider the therapeutic alliance and the impact of counselling psychology in the wider social, political, pluralistic, economic and international context.
This four-year course includes an initial full-time Foundation Year and offers an alternative route into university and gaining a degree.
This route is for you if you do not have the necessary qualifications or don’t yet feel ready to begin degree-level study, or are returning to education and would like some support to get up to speed with learning in a university setting.
The Foundation Year in Psychology will allow you to develop your academic skills and confidence as well as introduce you to key concepts, debates and skills that will support and inform your subsequent years of undergraduate study.
Following successful completion of your Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto Year 1 of our Counselling Psychology BSc (Hons).
During your Foundation Year, you will undertake modules to enable you to enhance your academic skills and equip you with the tools you’ll need to study with confidence. You’ll carry out a personal project so you can study an area of interest related to your chosen future subject specialisation.
You’ll be introduced to the main perspectives, investigation methods, key theories, research and controversies across the main areas of psychology. You'll study quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and learn about the application of psychology in a professional context in each of the British Psychological Society (BPS) professional areas.
Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto the first year of our Counselling Psychology BSc (Hons) degree.
We’ll teach you about the wider issues affecting the counsellor and the client, focusing on their interpersonal relationship and the personal development needs of both.
You’ll develop an understanding of what causes psychological distress, but you’ll also explore positive aspects of human behaviour, uncovering what underpins optimal human functioning. Our lecturers have real-world experience in designing, developing, delivering and evaluating counselling interventions and counselling and behaviour change initiatives.
We’ll give you plenty of opportunities to get hands-on professional experience through work-based experience and volunteering opportunities that will help you to develop a deeper understanding of vulnerable people and disadvantaged groups. You can even complete your work-based experience abroad or take advantage of one of our Study Abroad opportunities.
In your third year, you’ll get the freedom to tailor your course to your interests, helping you to carve the path towards your future career which may be as a Chartered Counselling Psychologist or perhaps working in one of the other professional areas of psychology or in traditional graduate employment.
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This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) (link opens in a new window/tab) which makes you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership on successful completion of the course.
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You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
During your Foundation Year, you'll study four core modules.
You'll be introduced to the key skills to develop your confidence in your abilities to be an independent, reflective learner. Prepare for your degree and learn the different ways of presenting academic information, as well as skills such as how to use library and online resources, planning, note-taking, evaluative skills and avoiding plagiarism.
Understand how to identify and evaluate sources of academic information and how to use these to support an argument.
Develop organisational, time management and stress management skills to enable you to approach your level 4 studies with confidence and you'll learn to reflect on assessment feedback and identify relevant support services to help you in your academic career.
Study an area of psychology which is of particular interest to you. Explore and agree on your topic area of interest through workshop tuitions and one-to-one supervision, to produce a systematic plan and to agree a format for assessment.
You'll be given the opportunity to explore assorted topics that your project can focus upon. You'll focus exclusively on existing academic literature and other secondary sources to produce your project. Formats of how you would like to present your project work are negotiable and may include a written report, presentation or oral examination, film or a series of blog posts.
You’ll be introduced to the main perspectives, investigation methods, studies and controversies in key areas of psychology.
Explore the history of psychology and its themes including cognitive behaviour, sociology, biology and developmental theories.
You'll learn through lectures, discussions and group workshops and become familiar with key concepts through individual research.
Get a foundation in quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in psychology, focusing on research terminology and design, data collection, data handling and analysis.
Learn about the application of psychology in a professional context, considering research, ethics and professional issues in each of the British Psychological Society (BPS) professional areas.
You'll be taught through a blended approach to learning, including lectures, discussions and group work.
During your first year, you'll study four core modules.
You'll look at the philosophy, history and development of the three major schools in counselling psychology - psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive-behavioural.
We'll outline the theoretical frameworks and techniques they use.
Discover the knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics required to practise successfully as a counselling psychologist.
You'll develop an awareness and understanding of client issues, British Psychological Society (BPS) and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical guidelines and the law.
You'll also think about counselling psychology in a cultural, pluralistic and international context.
Issues of diversity and equality are integral elements of the module content.
You'll learn about the core areas in psychology - biological, cognitive, developmental and social.
We'll look at the historical and cultural context and origins of modern psychology, including international and cultural perspectives.
Biological
You'll learn about brain structure and functions such as pain, fear, eating, drinking and sleeping.
Cognitive
We'll cover attention, memory, and problem-solving.
Developmental
We'll look at lifelong development, personality and temperament, behavioural genetics, resilience and vulnerability, constructivist and constructionist theories, information processing approach, the role of education and ecological systems theory.
Social
Learn about the history of psychology, social thinking, beliefs and judgements, attitudes and behaviours.
You'll get a foundation in professional development skills in psychology.
This includes individual difference psychology - looking at personality and the assessment of human psychology - and professional working practices.
You'll learn about conceptual and historical issues and the role of psychology in understanding issues of diversity in the workplace.
You'll develop skills valued by employers, particularly during the Professional Development Block.
You'll have meetings every two weeks with your personal tutor to support you and your professional skill development.
Get a foundation in quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis.
You'll learn about effective study design, ethical working practices, analysis and handling of qualitative and quantitative data.
You'll start using tools for data collection such as online surveys and E-Prime, and SPSS for analysis.
You'll take part in psychological research designed by yourself and by others.
Develop skills valued by employers and needed for investigative work throughout your degree.
During your second year, you'll study four core modules.
Get a deeper understanding of the major theoretical schools and their derivatives.
You'll consider 'the great psychological debate' and evaluate therapeutic interventions to see what works for different people in different conditions.
You'll also develop skills required to deliver effective counselling.
We'll cover methodological and ethical issues related to psychological research and apply psychology to world issues.
You'll consider conceptual and historical issues in the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology.
Build upon the knowledge and professional skills you gained in your first year.
You'll be prepared with the skills that are valued by employers and as such you will complete a professional placement.
You'll also be introduced to the concept of professional learning through work and approaches to scoping out and sourcing projects with employers, professional bodies and projects linked to civic or community challenges or student identified skills development.
Build on and extend your skills in quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis.
You'll take part in psychological research designed by yourself and others. T
We'll cover ethical issues in conducting psychological research, the design, control and analysis of experiments with more than one independent variable and learn how to use relevant software to collect data.
You'll learn how to analyse quantitative data, including distributions and transformation of data, two-way analysis of variance, post-hoc analyses and linear regression.
You'll use specialist software (e.g. SPSS, G*Power) to perform and interpret statistical analyses.
We'll also look at issues in qualitative research, including ethical issues, how to collect and analyse qualitative data using discourse analysis, grounded theory, interpretative phenomenological analysis and narrative analysis.
During your final year, you'll study three core modules and will be required to choose two option modules.
Complete an original investigation within a field of psychology you're particularly interested in.
Your project forms the culmination of the various research methods modules preceding it.
You may choose any research methods appropriate to your particular area of enquiry.
Get a deeper understanding of the range of issues presented by the client.
Consider the different methods used such as integrative and eclectic, the stepped approach, time-limited therapy, guided self-help, group therapy, biblio-therapy and internet-therapy.
We'll also look at future issues and directions, such as positive psychology, disadvantaged groups, Eastern philosophies and career directions.
Your assessments are set within client case studies, designed to explore the contemporary ethical, social, political, pluralistic, cultural and international context of counselling psychology.
You'll get flexible opportunities to enhance your professional skills and graduate choices.
We'll tailor the module to your development as you apply theoretical understanding to a context of your choice.
It could include a work-based project within your professional setting or a skill-development approach addressing specific gaps in your portfolio.
You'll chart the timeline of an employee from career counselling to retirement.
You'll consider the influence psychology has in areas including career counselling, job design, recruitment, motivation, teamwork, leadership, disability, unemployment and retirement.
You'll look at the relevant history, seminal and contemporary theories, practical applications and future issues.
You'll get an introduction to psychopathology, diagnostic systems and psychological approaches to distress.
You'll consider potential causes of mental ill-health and their prevalence among varying populations, for example, age, race, and culture.
You'll look at mental health conditions and their proposed psychological treatments.
You'll critically evaluate interventions in terms of cost, outcomes and service user experience, and look at potential barriers to treatments and ways to overcome them.
You'll also cover the British Psychological Society's (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct and BPS activities related to mental health and the principles of social justice - access, equity, diversity, participation and human rights.
You'll critically examine cognitive-experimental psychology.
Influences include Marxism, postmodernism, feminism, psychoanalysis, social constructionism and discursive psychology.
You'll apply and analyse these influences on areas of difference and inequality such as gender, sexuality, race, social class, health, mental health, criminality and work.
Get an introduction to cyberpsychology, looking at psychological phenomena related to technology.
Investigate how digital technologies have influenced individuals and groups in society.
You may cover topics including relationships online, computer games, addiction, cybercrime, children, young people and online behaviour and personality online.
You'll cover topics related to forensic psychology.
These include theories of crime, violent and sexual offenders, treatment, female offenders, personality disorder, risk assessment, forensic mental health and suicide and self-harm.
You'll explore how psychologists model human behaviour and how to modify this in the context of health within a relevant population.
You'll analyse and debate issues and problems in health psychology.
You'll differentiate interactions between the psychological, social and biological functions that lead to illness and compare and evaluate the relevant factors.
We'll cover UK and international perspectives and look at ethical issues in health psychology.
Each week you'll look at a different contemporary health issue in the context of behaviour and health outcome. These could include physical activity in pregnant women and the general population, and smoking in lower social economic status groups.
You'll write critically about a selected and approved area in more depth than is possible in other assessed essays.
You'll develop your ideas for the negotiated essay with the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in your area of interest.
You'll have up to three hours of supervision.
Get a broad overview of stress and illness, and how biological processes are influenced by stressful events.
We'll cover stressors, stress appraisal, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter processes, the immune system, cardiovascular disease, affective disorders, addiction, epigenetics, coping strategies, navigating stigma and seeking help.
In groups, you'll do informal presentations on your progress during the module.
You'll also get a personalised podcast on Panopto revolving around your group work, enabling further clarification and points of discussion.
Explore how we impact the environment and how the environment impacts us from a psychological perspective.
You'll look at psychological approaches to understanding, assessing, and modifying peoples’ environmental awareness and behaviours.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals underpin the module content.
You'll use examples of sensory illusions, cognitive biases and disorders to explore important cognitive mechanisms and their neurological basis.
We'll use sensory illusions such as Kanizsa figures and rubber hand illusions to illustrate the perceptual system.
Processing disorders such as prosopagnosia and object agnosia will help you understand how sensory information is integrated.
We'll showcase the systems underlying human thinking through cognitive biases.
Experience matters. That's why we embed professional work placements within the majority of our standard undergraduate degrees.
Careers and Placements will work with you to find a placement or help you to arrange your own, whether that's in Leeds, another part of the UK or even abroad. You will be able to take part in a series of workshops, events and live ‘employer challenges’ to boost your confidence and prepare you for your placement.
During your placement, you could have an opportunity to gain degree-relevant work experience, build your knowledge of career sectors and secure valuable employer references and industry contacts. This experience will help you to shape your career decisions and find the right path for you.
Recent work-based experience have included working in the health and social care professions, supporting children with Leeds Children’s Services, supporting the rehabilitation of people with drug dependency and shadowing psychologists at NHS Leeds. Our placement partners include Leeds Mind, Leeds Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service, Oxfam and Samaritans.
To find out how we can help you make your career ambitions a reality, visit:
A variety of assessment methods are used, matched to the learning outcomes for your programme, allowing you to apply and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills that you have developed.
For more details on specific assessment methods for this course contact [email protected]
Your time on campus, learning through in-person teaching, is at the heart of your academic experience and the way we deliver our programmes. This is supported and further enhanced by additional engagement activities and opportunities provided online and through digital teaching materials. This blended approach seeks to ensure a positive learning and teaching student experience.
Your programme of study has been carefully designed around a three-phase model of delivery:
Preparation, Live and Post teaching and learning and the digital materials used will vary by course, but will be designed to help you structure your learning, take a full and active part in your course, and apply and test your developing knowledge and skills.
At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.
Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:
We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.
We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:
To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.
We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:
Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.
Information about the large range of qualifications we accept, including A-Levels, BTECs and T Levels, can be found on our entry requirements page. If you need additional advice or are taking qualifications that are not covered in the information supplied, please contact our Admissions Office.
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| UCAS tariff | 64 |
| GCSE requirements | GCSEs in English Language and Maths at grade C or 4 (or higher) will be required |
Applications are welcome from mature students with few formal qualifications.
Any previous relevant work experience and learning will be assessed and, where appropriate, we may offer an alternative way to assess suitability to study.
This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.
Tuition fees cost £9,535 a year for this course in 2025/2026. Students who enrolled in 2024/2025 will also be charged £9,535 for academic year 2025/2026.
Tuition fees for part-time study are charged a pro-rata amount of the full-time equivalent.
Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years.
Tuition fees for 2026/2027 entry will be set in summer 2025.
Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration.
Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study.
We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include:
For full-time undergraduate courses, you apply through UCAS. That's the University and Colleges Admissions Service.
On your application form, you'll need to know our institution code - it's L24 - and the course code. If you click through to the UCAS website using the button below, it'll take you to the right place with all the information you need.
You'll need to write a personal statement - we've prepared a guide to help you.
Applications are now open for courses starting in September 2025. The UCAS application deadline for courses starting in September 2025 is 29 January 2025.
There's lots more information about the application process on the UCAS website, or you can get in touch with our admissions team who will be happy to help:
This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.
Providing you with the opportunity to develop the professional skills and experience you need to launch your career is at the heart of everything we do at Leeds Trinity University.
You’ll gain an excellent grounding for counselling and related health and social care professions, including social work, care work, social services and teaching. If your aim is to become Chartered Counselling Psychologist or to become a Chartered Psychologist in any of the other professional area of psychology, this course will prepare you for postgraduate study. It will also prepare you for traditional graduate employment.
After you graduate, Careers and Placements will help you as you pursue your chosen career through our mentoring scheme, support with CV and interview preparation and access to graduate employability events.
To find out how we can help you make your career ambitions a reality, visit:
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