Expand+How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spre...

Hide-How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.

A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.

Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.

Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,228*.

Our current fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year's full-time study, is £6,456*.

At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £19,368*.
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*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs
Study costs
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Expand+There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their po...

Hide-There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Expand+Psychological therapies are rooted in psychological understanding, so this degree provides a strong foundation in psychology with a specific focus on how counselling works and how it can help people change. You’ll consider how counsellors and psych...

Hide-Psychological therapies are rooted in psychological understanding, so this degree provides a strong foundation in psychology with a specific focus on how counselling works and how it can help people change. You’ll consider how counsellors and psychologists use theories and evidence to contribute to debates about how we understand mental health conditions, diagnosis and treatment options, and how psychology is critical to understanding mental health, relationships, education and employment.

Key features of the course

Covers the key concepts, theories, methods and debates in psychology and counselling

Gives you an appreciation of different perspectives within psychology and the ability to evaluate them critically

Explains how psychological theories and research are applied in practical or professional contexts, particularly within counselling practice

?Can be the first step towards professional accreditation as a psychologist.

Whilst accredited by The British Psychological Society, this degree does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor, psychotherapist or counselling or clinical psychologist. To work therapeutically with clients requires further training – for which this degree is excellent

Expand+This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 by choosing one of two options – an introduction to the social sciences or to health sciences. You’ll follow this with your first core psychology module.

At S...

Hide-This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 by choosing one of two options – an introduction to the social sciences or to health sciences. You’ll follow this with your first core psychology module.

At Stage 2, you’ll study two modules focusing on counselling and mental health, plus a second core psychology module.

Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll take an applied approach to the study of counselling and forensic psychology, and complete your degree with a third core psychology module.

See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.

Expand+Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning grad...

Hide-Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Expand+Skills for career development
As well as specific knowledge and skills in psychology and counselling, this degree course will help you to develop transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers.

communication
numeracy
e...

Hide-Skills for career development
As well as specific knowledge and skills in psychology and counselling, this degree course will help you to develop transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers.

communication
numeracy
effective team working
independent and critical thinking
IT and data handling
analysing and evaluating diverse sources of information, including qualitative and quantitative data
designing and carrying out research projects, and presenting findings
problem-solving and reasoning
application of learning to real world problems and situations.

Career relevance
This degree is relevant to a broad range of careers, including those within the health and social care system, and organisations in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Knowledge of human behaviour, counselling and related ‘people skills’ are recognised by employers as real assets in working with individuals and teams. You’ll gain a theoretical basis in counselling as well as a broad understanding of psychology that will prepare you to work in a variety of ways with a diverse range of people.

Please note that this psychology degree with a specialism in counselling theory does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor, psychotherapist or counselling or clinical psychologist. To work therapeutically with clients requires further training – for which this degree is excellent preparation. For example:

Counselling psychology is a branch of chartered psychology with its own training route. The first step is a BPS-accredited psychology degree like this one.

Counselling – if you are interested in a career in this area you will need to do professional training in counselling with practice-based elements. In partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) we offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (W09) and a Foundation Degree in Counselling (X09).

Accreditation
Graduates achieving a 2.2 or better for this qualification are eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) conferred by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Other careers
As a graduate of psychology and counselling you’ll have an impressive breadth of knowledge and skills that are highly attractive to employers across a wide range of fields. These include:

advertising
marketing
education
the health professions
human resources
management
research.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.