Modules

**Year one**
You will build knowledge in the foundations of psychology, counselling and psychotherapy as disciplines and develop key skills through lectures, workshops and problem-based learning. You will build knowledge of the history of psychology, research methods and analytical techniques as well as start to develop key counselling, academic and professional skills.
- Psychology in Action
An introduction to a range of theories and models from developmental, cognitive and biological psychology.
- Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
An introduction to the nature of psychological enquiry and research skills.
- Introduction to Data Analysis
An introduction to the processes involved in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Academic and Professional Skills
Begin working with others in a professional setting including covering issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Foundational Counselling and Coaching Skills
Develop basic counselling and coaching skills.
- Counselling Skills: Preparation for Practice
Develop a range of basic counselling skills.

**Year two**
You will start to develop a more in-depth understanding of research, theory and practice and develop important research and practical skills. You will build on the foundation of the skills developed in year one and begin to understand wider issues around therapeutic diversity and start to gain work experience within a therapeutic setting.
- Research Methods and Statistics
Become familiar with statistical techniques that deal with more than one independent variable at two or more levels, including within, between and mixed participant designs.
- Development, Brain and Cognition
Explore the potential impact on human development and behaviour of a range of factors.
- Social and Community Psychology
Apply theories of social psychology to understanding the experiences and behaviours of people within their community.
- Work Experience
An opportunity start your supervised counselling practice.
- Intermediate Counselling Skills
Develop a practical and professional understanding of ethical practice and decision making with attention to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework and relevant legislation.
- Understanding Therapeutic Diversity
Develop a complex understanding of several therapeutic approaches (including the person-centred approach) and critically compare them.

**Year three**
You will undertake an independent research project that will allow you to explore a topic of interest and pursue your own research question. You will also be able to further advance your knowledge and skills through further work experience and advanced counselling skills.
- Dissertation
Pursue an investigation on a topic of your own interest.
- Individual Differences: Abilities, Personalities and measuring differences
An introduction to the nature of individual differences in human behaviour across a wide spectrum of human development.
- Critical Psychology
Engage in a critical debate about the ideological basis of psychological knowledge, methods and applications.
- Advanced Counselling Skills
Develop a critical theoretical awareness and professional understanding of the theories and experiences of psychological and emotional distress.
- Work Experience 2
Another opportunity to start your supervised counselling practice.

Assessment methods

The assessment throughout the programme will include a blend of assessment activities such as written assignments, unseen in-class tests, presentations and reports, alongside innovative and employability focused tasks such as case study analysis, problem-based activities and reflective logs.

These methods are chosen to encourage knowledge development, practitioner skill development, and a range of transferable and professional capabilities such as communication skills, presentation skills, problem-solving, teamwork, numeracy and IT skills.