Psychology and Counselling at Staffordshire University

To help you build a deep understanding of the human mind you’ll study social psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, research methods and cognitive psychology.  The course is perfect if you are interested in working with people experiencing difficult circumstances and is an ideal basis for further study to qualify as a counsellor.

Completing this degree means you can apply directly to Masters or postgraduate counselling courses that lead to British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation. If you decide not to pursue the further training necessary to become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist, you will still develop key academic competences, such as self-understanding, communication and relationship skills that are vital to employment success.

Students on all undergraduate Psychology courses at Staffordshire University can opt to undertake a placement (sandwich) year; a structured work experience opportunity which enables you to develop and implement psychology specific and transferable skills whilst getting experience in a professional working environment. 

Placements take place between levels 5 and 6 of our undergraduate degrees and last for a period of 9 months, from September to June. The Placement Year is an assessed, pass/fail year that would be added to your existing programme of study. The assessment is by written reflection and submission of a placement activity log. Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to secure their own work placement – we will of course support you through the selection, application and approval process.

Throughout your placement period you will be supervised by a Workplace Supervisor, (usually your line manager) and you and your supervisor will have regular contact with the University through an allocated University Placement Supervisor. Contact with both you and your workplace supervisor may at times be via phone or Skype, and you will also receive at least one planned visit by your University Placement Supervisor to the workplace towards the beginning of the Placement.