Psychology with Counselling

Psychology with Counselling - BSc (Hons)

Psychology with Counselling provides insights into the mind, brain and behaviours and equips you with advanced skills, applicable to a range of specialist careers. We will train you to become a well-rounded psychologist, enabling you to build the skills to work effectively with clients and to understand how people think, feel and communicate. Our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programme prepares you for a career in helping others with a focus on the person-centred approach and insights into the skillset of a counselling practitioner.

Year of entry

2025 - for 2025 entry see here - for 2024 entry see here

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Psychology

UCAS code

C8B9

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Enquire about this course Clearing vacancies and entry requirements 2024 Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Psychology with Counselling at Keele University?

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Focuses on the person-centred approach to counselling, alongside other theoretical approaches

Acquire skills relevant to a career in professional counselling

Opportunity to gain professional experience with a placement year

A chance to broaden your horizons and study abroad at a partner university

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Course overview

With mental health at the forefront of society, explore the challenges facing research and practice in the sector, and the psychological approaches to improving public wellbeing. Delve into a breadth of topics from social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology, building a foundation of knowledge and insights into individual differences. You will learn about the appropriate methods for clients to talk about experiences and personal concerns, both from an emotional and psychological perspective.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)*, our contemporary programme explores the mind, brain, and behaviour through the investigation of psychological theories that underpin cognition, individual differences and social development. Examine various theoretical approaches within counselling, from Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy to other broad holistic approaches to wellbeing, with a focus on the person-centred approach. You will develop professional practitioner skills around compassion, care, active listening, and interpersonal communication.

Our programme equips you with essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, ensuring a thorough understanding of diverse psychological methodologies. You will have access to a range of facilities and equipment, including virtual reality headsets, brain stimulation devices, and our state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories.

Please note: this is not a practitioner training programme and does not qualify you to work with clients. If you wish to become a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist or counselling psychologist in the future this programme can lead on to these courses of study.

At Keele, you will advance your professional skills as a researcher and psychologist in the making. Whether you would like to pursue a career in industry or related fields, our programme equips you with core skills in communication, problem-solving and analytical thinking. You'll learn from real-world research projects, use industry-standard equipment and gain practical experience from placement opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad with a partner university, to learn about Psychology and Counselling in an international context.

*subject to passing your final year project and achieving a minimum 2:2 degree award

Next steps

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Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)*

BPS accreditation acknowledges that our Psychology programme meets the industry standards for contemporary practice. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the psychology profession, it is also the first step in your journey in progressing to postgraduate study, so you can become a chartered psychologist.

*subject to passing your final year project and achieving a minimum 2:2 degree award

Related courses

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Course structure

Modules for Psychology with Counselling

Our courses are designed to develop the skills, experience and expertise you'll need to succeed in your chosen career, informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student feedback and employer insights. The module details given below are representative of what we intend to deliver on the course.

Please note that modules may change to reflect best practice and academic development. This information should therefore not be seen as a definitive list of available modules.

Compulsory modules

First Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher
You will be introduced to research methods for psychology, including the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative design, as well as data collection, data analysis, and report writing. You will have a combination of in-person and asynchronous active learning, complemented by weekly 2-hour practical labs. The labs are applied in nature and you will get a deeper understanding of how qualitative and quantitative research works.

Understanding People
The core psychological topics in development, social, cognitive, and biological psychology, as well as individual differences, will be introduced. You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought in areas such as cognitive and social development, social influence, group processes, how we understand sensory information, memories, and the ways in which genes and hormones influence behaviour.

Exploring and Applying Psychological Topics
Building on ‘Understanding People’, this module expands on core psychological topics as well as more specialist areas, such as health, forensic, sport, business, educational, and clinical psychology. You will be given opportunities to explore and reflect on different areas of psychology you may not yet be aware of and consider how this could inform your future career routes.

Distress and Mental Health
Unfortunately, we all experience distress at times, and our mental health can suffer. What insights can psychology offer? This module will introduce different ways we can think about mental health, as well as how we might use psychological approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing, and what challenges mental health research and practice are facing in order to move the field forward.

Optional modules

Science Communication
What use is psychological science if people don't trust or benefit from its findings? The relatively new field of science communication recognises the importance of HOW communication is designed and structured in order to facilitate maximum public engagement. This module is organised into themed weeks, such as: Finding your voice week (practicing), Dragon’s Den week (pitching), Movie week (long format) and It’s all about you week (employability). You will learn techniques for designing science communications, use these techniques to produce fascinating and compelling psychological science communications, and understand your communication skills strengths while identifying areas for further development.

Compulsory modules

Next Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher
Building on ‘First Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher’, you will be introduced to more advanced topics in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative topics include data collection skills, such as interviews or focus groups, as well as analysis techniques such as thematic analysis or discourse analysis. Quantitative topics includes factorial ANOVA, planned comparisons, etc. Content will be delivered via in-person teaching and asynchronous active learning and is complemented by practical labs where you can practice your skills.

Understanding People in Depth
Building on ‘Understanding People’, you will study theory and findings associated with developmental, social, cognitive, and biological psychology and individual differences. Topics on this module may include parenting, emotional development, attitudes, identity, perception, attention, and biological systems underpinning mental processes and behaviour. This module will highlight historical, individual and cultural developments in psychology, as well as integrating psychological sub-disciplines to give a more holistic understanding of human psychology.

Introduction to Person Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
In this module, you will be introduced to two different therapeutic approaches; Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). You will begin exploring how PCT and CBT are used in counselling practice through understanding and applying theory to practice. You will also develop your personal and professional awareness and competencies in therapeutic settings to support you with critically reflecting on how PCT and CBT theories fit with your own experiences and beliefs and how these approaches can help you understand and support individuals in distress.

Wellbeing & Mental Health in the Community
In this module, you will be introduced to different communities and how mental health and wellbeing might vary depending on the community. You'll be taught about the short-term and long-term consequences of mental health and wellbeing for individuals but also society more broadly. You will also start to think about what you can do as a researcher to help your community.

Optional modules

Health Psychology
Why do people behave the way that they do around their health?
You will learn about key theories and models from health psychology that help us to understand the psychological aspects of health, the main methodological approaches we use to study health psychology, and how we can develop health interventions to promote aspects of health. You will also learn more about the inequalities in health that exist in society, and what we might be able to do to tackle them.

Neuroimaging & Cognitive Neuroscience
One of science’s biggest unanswered questions regards how complex cognition, behaviour, and consciousness arise from the structure and activity of the brain. This module will introduce methods and applications of cognitive neuroscience as a way to study brain-behaviour relationships, how to test psychological theories of cognition, and understand the effects of brain injury and disease. You will learn about brain imaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) and EEG, etc. In addition, you will learn to apply each method to theoretical, applied, or clinical issues.

Child Psychology in Practice
Psychology is used in many fields and professions which seek to improve the lives of children. One of the most common ways is in interventions, which are designed to address developmental, social, or educational issues. This module will introduce you to the foundational principles of intervention design and evaluation and how psychology has been applied in a variety of contexts, which may include: how children learn, healthy and unhealthy relationships, children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), amongst others.

Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands.

Please note: You cannot take both Flexible Work Placement (Level 5) and Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)

Compulsory modules

Being a Psychology Researcher
The dissertation module, which runs over Autumn and Spring Semesters, offers the opportunity to put into practice all the scholarship and research methods skills developed over the Psychology Course. Successful completion of the Final Year Project is a prerequisite for a psychology degree to confer British Psychological Society Chartership, which is necessary to pursue any professional career in psychology. You will design, conduct and write-up a piece of original empirical work.

Professional Skills for Researchers
Building on the skills developed in previous years, this module will support you in the final steps to being a psychology researcher. The module is designed to enhance your broad employability skills that are transferrable beyond academia, such as using AI ethically, data protection/handling, ethical awareness, science communication, etc. In addition, the module will provide you with advanced skills to support with conducting your dissertation, providing skills around research design, data collection (e.g. advanced Qualtrics skills, PsychoPy skills, etc), and analysis support.

Grand Challenges in Psychology
This final year module serves as the culminating and integrative experience of our undergraduate degree programmes. In this capstone module you will extend your appreciation of how psychology and psychological science have developed culturally and historically to get us to where we are now. Indicative topics include: consciousness and cognition; the use of psychology for manipulation and control; the replication crisis and open science; understanding conflict and entrenched beliefs; and psychology in the criminal justice system. These topics will be explored in a way that extends and synthesizes your previous learning from across the breadth of the programme.

Exploring and Applying Person Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Building on the 2nd year module, you will develop a range of basic counselling skills in a safe and structured environment. You will focus on your own personal and professional development, helping you to begin to develop the necessary therapeutic skills for working in helping relationships. You will practice listening and interpersonal communications skills necessary for utilizing both PCT and CBT approaches.

Wellbeing & Mental Health Practice
In this module, you will be introduced to advanced psychological approaches to predicting and protecting wellbeing and mental health. In this module, you will reflect on different wellbeing and mental health interventions and apply them to your own day to day living and the impact these have on your quality of life. This will inform the assessment where you reflect on the different interventions and explore one intervention in depth.

Optional modules

Gender and Sexualities
You will participate in a series of interactive classes and online activities which examine the theories and methods used to examine gender and sexuality from a psychological perspective. Indicative content may include, for example, inequalities associated with particular identities, barriers for different gender identities and sexualities, stereotypes, specific gender and sexuality community issues and intersectionality. You'll be encouraged and supported to engage in up to date debates and insights, and critically evaluate psychological research and theory in gender and sexuality.

Psychology in Education
Psychology in Education is designed to develop your understanding of psychological research, theory and practice in education. Discussion of current issues where psychology can be applied will encourage you to think about key people in education, issues around diversity and wellbeing in addition to thinking about learning. You will learn to apply your psychological knowledge to propose interventions to enhance educational experiences or consider how challenges within educational settings can be solved and how the effectiveness of interventions can be measured.

Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands.

Professional Experience in Education
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.

Please note: You cannot take both Flexible Work Placement (Level 5) and Flexible Work Placement (Level 6). You also cannot take both Flexible Work Placement (Level 6) and Professional Experience in Education.

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"Conducting research and experiments in any field that you have an interest in, where you could possibly have an impact on the world, is definitely the most rewarding part of the course."

Peirce, Psychology

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Placement Year

Gain hands-on experience with an optional placement year in between years two and three of your degree programme. This valuable character-building experience will help you to prepare for the workplace by spending a year in industry, developing skills and knowledge, whilst drawing on psychological principles, theories and methods. With this experience, you will become well prepared for employment and strengthen your prospects for life after university.

International Year

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions in between years two and three of your degree programme. This exciting opportunity enables you to explore different cultural perspectives, establish international networks and gain new experiences whilst building your personal and professional attributes, supporting your career prospects.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

Summer Research Assistantship Scheme

Our summer research assistantship scheme is a paid opportunity during the second or third year of your degree programme that allows you to work alongside Keele staff on a research project, gaining valuable work experience. From data analysis to problem-solving, you will acquire crucial skills in research, preparing you for employment or postgraduate study.

Please note: There is an application process for this scheme and the number of projects available will vary each year.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB

BTEC: DDM

T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: BCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one A Level

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and AB in two A Levels

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

T Level

Merit in any T Level

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels, or 30 points.

Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels, or 28 points.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCC in three Advanced Highers

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects in any other Standard XII

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

80% in the Esame di Stato

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a secondary certificate

You will also need: 10 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced Levels

You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three subjects in the STPM

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 Levels

You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

72% overall

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB and a C in EAP English Language module

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

With a passion for helping others, a popular route after graduation may be to pursue a career as a counselling psychologist. Counselling psychologists treat a wide range of mental health matters including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis. To practice in the UK you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), which involves training at postgraduate level.

The unique combination of skills that characterise the study of psychology with counselling are transferable across disciplines and into the world of work. You will acquire skills in effective communication, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, analytical thinking and team working. There are a wide variety of professional careers that value analytical thinkers, skilled communicators and ambitious problem-solvers.

These include:

Teaching/Education
Social Care
Mental Health
Psychotherapy/Counselling
Human Resources
Marketing/Public Relations/Sales
Researcher/Data Analyst
Healthcare
Policing

Having an Occupational Psychologist as the Psychology careers tutor within the School means that you will have the opportunity to access support in identifying a career path which suits your values and strengths. Occupational Psychologists use a range of evidence-based psychological skills, tools and techniques to work with individuals in a coaching capacity, enabling you to highlight your individual skills and attributes.

Enhance your employability

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

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"Studying Psychology has enhanced my employability by offering countless opportunities to further my skills and knowledge - including voluntary work in labs, and talks from academics. I believe I will stand out when applying for further study and jobs because of these experiences."

Naomi, Neuroscience and Psychology

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught by passionate and skilled researchers, providing valuable hands-on experience in research design, critical review and analysis. You will engage in independent study, with use of academic journals and textbooks, whilst also building team working skills alongside your peers.

To ensure you receive a high-quality learning experience, teaching will be delivered through a diverse range of methods including:

Tutorials and seminars - An opportunity to discuss topics and issues with peers and academics in smaller groups.
Laboratory classes and workshops - Helping you to develop practical skills, necessary to conduct psychological research and explore ideas in larger classes.
Flipped learning - Involving the independent exploration of materials ahead of class to engage with the background of a topic, ready to discuss and debate with peers in class.
Asynchronous learning - Helping to prepare you for class with learning activities set by tutors, to complete outside of teaching sessions.

With this learning combined, you will become equipped with skills and knowledge in preparation for your final year dissertation 'Being a Psychology Researcher', with the opportunity to undertake a piece of independent research.

Assessment

The programme includes a range of assessment styles to develop your academic and employability skills.

You will be assessed via:

Coursework and lab reports - Testing the quality and application of your subject knowledge, independent research and communication skills.
Research projects and reports - Testing your knowledge of different research methodologies and ability to formulate research questions and use appropriate methods for your answers.
Oral and poster presentation and reports - Assessing your understanding of subject knowledge and ability to work as a team, and communicate both visually and orally.
Designing interventions - Engaging with 'real world' scenarios and how you would produce effective solutions including delivery and evaluation.
Critiques and reviews - Enabling you to review other scholar's work to summarise text, identify the quality of arguments and the evidence to support them.

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course Content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling course. For example, the Advancing Psychology module builds on your knowledge and understanding of core psychological concepts and explores how these can be used in an applied context. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course Structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester One Modules

FYO-00247	Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing	15 credits
FYO-00211	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	15 credits
FYO-00201	Foundations of Psychology	15 credits
FYO-00276	Foundations of Science and Sustainability	15 credits

Semester Two Modules

FYO-00271	University Research Portfolio	30 credits
FYO-00203	Advancing Psychology	30 credits

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths

How to Apply

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year (UCAS code C8BF) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct Entry Students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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