The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year is designed for students who would benefit from additional academic preparation at the beginning of their degree. This programme offers a supported entry route into counselling-related career pathways, including further study in psychotherapy or Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). Once accredited, the degree also provides eligibility to apply for the British Psychological Society’s independent training route in counselling psychology and can support progression to a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

During the Foundation Year, you’ll build the academic confidence and essential study skills required for successful undergraduate study. This includes developing abilities in numeracy, research techniques, and collaborative working, alongside introductory modules in both psychology and counselling. After completing the Foundation Year, you’ll progress to core areas of psychological study such as social, cognitive, biological, and developmental psychology, as well as research methods. In parallel, you’ll study counselling-focused modules, which may include counselling psychology, foundational counselling techniques, mental health and wellbeing, psychological assessment, and managing therapeutic practice.

Completing this specialised undergraduate programme at Arden opens up a wide range of future career and further study opportunities within psychology and counselling. Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from access to modern digital learning platforms and ongoing support from a dedicated academic team made up of internationally recognised practitioners, published researchers, and PhD-qualified experts in psychology.