Introduction to Psychology & Counselling
Psychology helps us to understand the human mind and Counselling is a “talking therapy” which enables us to make sense of traumatic situations and hopefully treat the symptoms which are created as a result of these events or situations.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Counselling or Psychology after graduation, or you simply want to understand more of the mysteries of the human mind, you find a Psychology & Counselling degree to be challenging, stimulating, and rewarding.
You’ll study modules such as counselling, mental health support, and mental wellbeing. You’ll also have the chance to study psychological topics such as cognitive psychology, behavioural neuroscience, and human development.
What are the Psychology & Counselling subjects?
Here are some of the subjects which come under the category of Psychology & Counselling:
- Psychology
- Counselling
- Psychology with Counselling
- Forensic Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Criminology and Psychology
- Philosophy and Psychological Studies
You’ll also have the choice of the type of Psychology degree you’ll study as many universities offer one or both a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and a BSc (Bachelor of Science).
Theoretically the BSc is more of a science based course, but in practice, you should check the modules on offer at each university you’re interested in to make sure that you’re interested in what they’re teaching.
What are the career options for Psychology & Counselling graduates?
There are plenty of career options for graduates of Psychology & Counselling and they don’t have to involve becoming a practicing counsellor, psychologist or therapist.
Here are some of the common career paths for Psychology & Counselling graduates:
- Clinical psychologist
- Counsellor
- Educational psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Occupational psychologist
- Psychotherapist
- Youth worker
- Career adviser
- Advertising and marketing roles
- Market researcher
- Further education teacher
The reality is that Psychology & Counselling graduates go on to work in almost every sector because their skills, knowledge, and experience is highly valued by employers in a number of industries.
What skills will I gain during my Psychology & Counselling degree?
Due to the scientific nature of Psychology & Counselling degree subjects you’ll leave university with strong numeric and scientific skills.
However, you’ll also have a range of highly transferrable skills which will be useful in any future career path you follow.
These skills include:
- Written and verbal communication skills
- IT skills
- The ability to handle complex and large quantities of data/statistics
- Analytical research skills
- Problem solving skills
- The ability to work as part of a team and individually
- A non-judgemental outlook
- A willingness to work with all kinds of people
- Observation and listening skills
- Patience, tolerance and sensitivity
- An understanding of your own attitudes and responses
- A belief that all clients are able to make positive changes
- An appreciation of confidentiality issues
There are plenty of industries that seek graduates with these skills and you could find yourself working in any role from marketing manager to human resources consultant.
Where can I study a Psychology & Counselling subject?
There are universities all over the UK which offer Psychology & Counselling subjects as part of their courses.
Universities include:
- Southampton Solent University
- University of Northampton
- University of Chichester
- Staffordshire University
- University of South Wales
- Middlesex University
- University of Roehampton
- University of Sunderland
