Curious about studying Counselling and Psychotherapy with Foundation Year - BScat Bucks New University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science - BSc
High Wycombe Campus
Full Time
Oct 2026
4 Year
This course includes an additional foundation year at the start of the course which helps prepare you for full time undergraduate study at BSc level. It is a 4 year course and available to you if you didn't quite meet the entry requirements or want longer to prepare for full time study. At the end of the foundation year you will begin to study the 3 year degree plan, and you will qualify with the same degree award at the end of the course.This course has a shared first year across multiple specialisms. After your first year, if you want to study a different specialism you can choose to change between BSc (Hons) Psychology, BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology, BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology, and BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?A Psychology degree helps you gain an understanding of the root cause of behaviours, thoughts and emotions and explain them within the scope of scientific theory. You can expect to build a deep understanding of yourself and our societies, develop your analytical mind, nurture your curiosity and understand communication and relationships.If you choose to become chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) you can go on to practice Psychology as a scientist, analyst, researcher, commentator, advisor or as a clinician. Psychology is a wide field, and there is a lot of paths to choose from. Psychology crosses over with medical science, clinical practice, business and more.
What facilities can I use?With fantastic facilities in the Buckinghamshire area, we are the only institution that can offer our equipment in High Wycombe and the immediate surrounding area. Our High Wycombe campus is located only 35 minutes from central London which makes commuting super easy and stress free. At our High Wycombe Campus, we have purpose-built facilities, including well-equipped simulation clinics and rehabilitation teaching rooms.
What will I study?Our Counselling Psychology course will be of interest to you if you’re considering a career in counselling. There is a range of modules to choose from, together with ongoing support from our specialist teaching staff. You’ll learn about Biopsychology, Personality, Social, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology. You will gain the opportunity to study important practical elements too, learning from experts in the field and people already working in counselling.
Career ProspectsThroughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.With such a strong academic grounding, as well as the transferrable skills you’ll develop along the way, you are well-placed to succeed wherever you go.There are many options to explore with your Psychology degree; it’s the first step to starting postgraduate study in a more focused area like clinical, educational, forensic, counselling, health, cognitive neuropsychology and sports psychology (to name a few). Or perhaps you’d prefer to dive right into the world of work and explore a career in health, education, local government or the infinite possibilities available to you in the private and public sector. You could become a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or mental health support specialist.Graduates can choose to continue their studies at BNU and study a postgraduate programme, such as our MSc Applied Positive Psychology, MSc Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education, or even the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.There are numerous opportunities which your degree could help to open. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, therapy, nursing, and private and public businesses.
Foundation Year
Learn the key principles of human behaviour and how they relate to other fields of study and practice. Discover more about the cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour such as how we perceive, remember and think, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. You will also develop your academic writing skills for research.
Foundation Year
Discover how research drives the fundamentals of science degrees. You will explore the fascinating world of research and its different types, such as: Quantitative and qualitative research, Primary and secondary research, Experimental and observational research. You will also learn how to apply research methods in your studies.
Foundation Year
Dive into the core principles and theories that form the foundation of education, sport, psychology, criminology, health and social sciences. This module will enable you to identify the principles of human science across different disciplines and apply them as you progress to your chosen pathway.
Foundation Year
Explore the theoretical underpinnings of communication. We equip you with the skills to navigate various communication scenarios. You will develop an understanding of effective communication techniques, the influence of context, and the nuances of verbal and non-verbal cues. You’ll be better able to present your ideas to others.
Foundation Year
Make the connections between multiple subjects within human and social science with this module. You will explore the theories at the intersection of human sciences. This will provide you with a platform to examine how different theories shape our understanding and contribute to the complexities of shared human experience.
Foundation Year
Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your problem-solving abilities. The module will see you taking part in industry focused studies in a group project. By the end of this module, you will learn how to think on your toes, lead and innovate to get the knowledge you learned from your degree into practice.
This module explores how psychology is fundamentally all around us. Each week we will explore a contemporary area of psychology and consider how the theories, research, and knowledge are grounded in the real world. The module will examine issues from the mundane to the unexpected and will challenge your preconceptions.
This module provides the opportunity for you to explore specific applied areas of psychology according to your own interests, chosen programme of study, and professional aspirations. Areas of applied focus are guided by professional contexts in which psychologists may be employed and in which it is possible to work towards chartered status.
This module introduces research methods and data analysis. Active participation will help you gain the ability to critically evaluate the empirical work of others. You will develop understanding of a variety of key statistical tests used to analyse and interpret psychological data.
This module introduces two of the core subject areas proposed by the British Psychological Society by exploring the relative contribution of ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ in human development. The module will take a lifespan perspective, examining biological, cognitive, emotional, and social development from infancy to late adulthood.
This module introduces two of the core subject areas proposed by the British Psychological Society, cognitive psychology and social psychology. The module will explore how psychological theory, and research has evolved in these two sub-disciplines of psychology with a view to better understanding these aspects of human experience. You’ll delve into the links between different schools of thought within psychology and include the historical development of ideas, key debates and practical application of knowledge in these core areas of psychological science.
On this module you will also explore how different disciplines within psychology can be applied to a contemporary, emerging approach to psychology (Cyberpsychology). You’ll learn how psychological theory and research has evolved within Personality Psychology and provide a foundational knowledge of this area. The module will also explore topics surrounding the interactions between humanity and the digital world.
Building on learning, this module provides you an opportunity to look at concepts of personality and human development in an experiential and authentic way. The module aims to empower you to investigate the foundations, structures, and dynamics that influence the development of the self in the context of their world.
This module has been designed to examine the biological and cognitive bases of behaviour, both human and non-human. The module will build on the knowledge gained at Level 4 including the core elements of both biopsychology and cognitive psychology.
This module provides you with a range of practical skills and an appreciation of the conceptual issues associated with major quantitative paradigms commonly used in psychological quantitative research. It aims to foster an understanding of the nature, purpose, and logic of experimental and psychological assessment methods.
This module introduces you to key aspects that underlie qualitative psychological research. Throughout the module, you will develop an understanding of relevant theoretical issues and engage in practical tasks designed to facilitate learning, which will lead to a written report that demonstrates planning and qualitative research techniques.
The module aims to engage you in a practical and theoretical exploration of the therapeutic process. The module explores both the application of theory in practice and considers the self-awareness and self-care strategies that are beneficial to therapists' wellbeing and therapeutic integrity.
Therapeutic interventions occur in a wide range of environments or ‘spaces’ and with a diverse client pool. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of therapeutic spaces and client groups through the lens of appropriateness, efficacy and ethical awareness. Practice opportunities of diversity, inclusion and equality are key to the module.
The module will provide you with an awareness of the historical and philosophical background of social psychology and an in-depth knowledge of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to it.
This Placement module aims to provide you with the opportunity to gain experience within Counselling and Psychotherapeutic settings. You’ll be supported in finding a suitable placement before the module begins, and you’ll continue to receive guidance to help with access and attendance throughout your placement.This module will provide invaluable development of applied skills within the workplace that can help inform future knowledge and skills development both within and beyond the degree.Due to the nature of placements within Counselling Psychotherapy, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required (initial check paid for by the university). If for any reason you do not achieve the required outcome, the university will support you with alternative arrangements.
The dissertation module is a chance to conduct a piece of research on a topic of your choice that is related to your psychology course. This is a great chance to show off your knowledge, interests and passion and show off to future employers your ability to conduct research and development.
4.4Bucks New University (BNU) is a student-focused university based in High Wycombe, with over 130 years of educational his...
