“I think university life helped me to develop my confidence and independence which readied me for the start of my career.”
BSc (Hons)Psychology with Counselling and Mental Health
Apply on UCAS- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
Why study psychology with counselling and mental health with a foundation year
Combine your skills in psychology and counselling to influence behaviour change and recovery on our BPS accredited degree.
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
- 0thin the top 20 best student cities (StudentCrowd, 2023)
- If you’re looking to study our psychology with counselling and mental health degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress.
- Top 10 in the UK for mental wellbeing in counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy studies, out of 60 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Solent ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for satisfaction with assessment in psychology (out of 116 institutions) (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
- Develop a strong grounding in psychology, while also building the knowledge to pursue high-level study in the areas of counselling, mental health support and mental well-being.
- Opportunity to gain L2 and L3 Counselling Skills certificates - external qualifications that are embedded within this course.
- Access our range of specialist facilities, including experimental cubicles, psychophysiological recording equipment, eye-tracking facilities and psychology labs.
- Our academic team has vast industry and teaching experience. And our close industry links and guest lectures mean that your teaching will always be guided by research, and real-world knowledge.
- You will have the chance to present at psychology conferences. Charities and private companies provide live briefs and mentoring for specific course modules.
- This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in mental health support, therapy, counselling, social work, research and criminal justice.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
If you want to explore psychology but not quite ready to study at degree level, studying a foundation will mean you'll study a range of topics that are central or highly relevant to the study of the social sciences. During the foundation year, you’ll begin to develop the academic writing and independent learning skills to help prepare for undergraduate study.
You’ll also begin to learn the basics of thinking and writing in social sciences. The foundation course has an applied focus – students are encouraged and enabled to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems, such as mental health, psychological wellbeing and everyday problem-solving.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you'll be eligible to BSc (Hons) Psychology with Councelling and Mental Health.
This degre course is accredited by The British Psychological Society. The curriculum explores the scientific methods used to assess, understand and address various psychological issues - such as depression, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder - and the risk factors related to the development of psychopathological disorders.
Students build an understanding of counselling and psychotherapy theories, examining the latest advancements and techniques, and exploring the role of empathy, compassion and mindfulness in counselling.
As well as studying the core principles of the application of psychology within the context of counselling and mental health, students are able to specialise in their final year in fields such as behaviour change, applied psychopathology, CBT and mindfulness-based approaches, and psychology and technology.
Students have opportunities to present at and attend psychology conferences. Charities and private companies provide live briefs and mentoring for specific units.
Recent guest speakers have included a sleep laboratory researcher, police advocates, practicing counsellors, and a specialist reading intervention teacher.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Approved centre
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Professional membership
Students can join the BPS as student members while studying this course.
Specialist facilities
Undergraduate psychology students have exclusive use of specialist facilities.
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
The foundation year is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject specific knowledge before starting the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling and Mental Health degree.
The degree is ideally suited to those who wish to pursue a career in clinical or counselling psychology, mental health support or psychological wellbeing.
What does this course lead to?
Studying the foundation degree can help you on to the path of studying the full BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling and Mental Health degree.
The degree has a strong focus on employability and students have the opportunity to carry out a work placement in their final year, helping to gain vital practical experience and increasing industry connections.
The course provides an excellent starting point for further specialist training in clinical or counselling psychology, mental health support or psychological wellbeing. It can lead directly onto postgraduate training if students wish to work towards registered or chartered status as a psychologist.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
The course team have a wide range of professional expertise and experience, undertaking both research and applied consultancy projects throughout their careers. Their interests include forensic psychology, sports performance, psychological wellbeing, adolescent attitudes to alcohol, behavioural interventions for autism, the impact of hearing impairment in the classroom, parent–child bonds and romantic relationships.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students on this degree have full access to our range of specialist facilities, including experimental cubicles, specialist psychophysiological recording equipment and eye-tracking facilities.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
We use key sociological concepts – such as identity, power and social institutions – to explore a range of topics that shape our society including education, the family and healthcare.
Crime and Risk in Society
During this module, you’ll focus on an area of crime and justice that enables you to examine offending in our communities. Exploring a range of different types of crimes, you’ll use sociological approaches and crime theories to understand criminal behaviour. You’ll consider where and when crime takes place, as well as identify factors that contribute to criminal acts. Drawing on real crime cases, you will use a range of academic and popular sources to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the elements within society that work together to maintain social control.
Media Project in Social Sciences
This module invites you to examine and question the ways in which online social media; television; newspapers, and other media sources communicate and represent contemporary topics and issues in the social world.
Investigating in the Social Sciences
The module will introduce you to the methods used by social scientists to carry out research. You will learn about examples of research from different disciplines within the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology and medicine.
Psychological Approaches to Mental Health
This module will introduce the topic of mental health and will explore the different psychological approaches - such as biological, psychological and social - which psychologists use to understand positive and negative aspects of mental health.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Essays
- Group presentations
- Individual presentations
- Formal time assessments
- Written exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out moreStudy support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
Studying psychology gives you a broad range of skills that can open up opportunities with a wide variety of employers. Around two-thirds of psychology graduates are in employment in the UK six months after graduating, while almost a quarter undertake further study or combine further study with work.
The scientific aspects of Solent’s psychology programme provides useful tools for careers in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT and research. Postgraduate study and training is essential if you want to become a chartered psychologist or register as a practitioner psychologist with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Roles could include mental health support worker, psychological wellbeing practitioner, assistant psychologist, therapeutic practitioner, research assistant,NHS information analyst.
You could earn:
Psychotherapist
Typical salary: £43,742 to £50,056
Starting salaries for trainee psychotherapists* in the NHS usually start at around £35,392 (Band 6 of the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates). Qualified NHS psychotherapists typically earn £43,742 to £50,056 (Band 7). Rates for practice work are typically between £40 and £100 per session.
*To practise as an adult psychotherapist, you should complete an accredited psychotherapy training programme. The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) accredits a number of postgraduate psychotherapy training programmes.
High intensity therapist
Starting salary: £33,706
Trainee high intensity therapists* usually start on £33,706 (Band 6) of the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates. After qualification, salaries within the NHS progress to Band 7, which ranges from £41,659 to £47,672. With experience you can progress to senior roles that include additional management and specialist responsibilities. Salaries at this level (Band 8) range from £48,526 to £65,262.
* To practise as a high intensity therapist you'll usually need to complete a British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) Level 2 accredited postgraduate diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy - high intensity IAPT.
Counselling psychologist
Typical salary: £40,057 to £45,839
Counselling psychologists* starting as a trainee within the NHS will typically be on band 6 of the Agenda for Change (AfC) Pay Rates, which ranges from £32,306 to £39,027. Once qualified, salaries typically range from £40,057 to £45,839 (band 7). Salaries for senior psychologist roles can rise to between £47,126 and £53,219 (band 8a).
*To practise as a counselling psychologist in the UK you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), which involves training at postgraduate level.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“I think university life helped me to develop my confidence and independence which readied me for the start of my career.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations and recognitions
Accredited by:
Approved centre
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are:
Compulsory costs
- Students whose research and/or placement involves working with children will be expected to apply for DBS disclosure.
- The L2 and L3 Counselling Skills certificates external qualifications will incur an additional cost of £20 for L2 and £60 for L3 (correct at November 2024)
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- Those wishing to progress on to BA (Hons) Social Work or BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice must also have GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C.
- We will consider mature students who have not recently undertaken a formal course of study at A-level, or equivalent, but can demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience, that's indicative of their ability to complete the course successfully.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For more information about qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year