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Understand human behaviour and build counselling skills with St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology with Counselling
St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology with Counselling is designed for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds or those seeking to build a strong foundation in psychological science with a focus on counselling theory and practice. This flexible programme combines key areas of psychology with practical insights into counselling approaches, making it a valuable option for those interested in psychology-informed careers or further study.
You’ll explore the core areas of psychology including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual differences while also examining counselling skills, therapeutic models, and their application in real-world settings. Historical and conceptual perspectives are integrated throughout, helping you understand how different psychological theories have evolved over time. You’ll also learn to apply a range of theoretical approaches critically, engaging with major debates such as whether human behaviour is shaped more by innate factors or life experiences, which lie at the heart of psychological thinking.
You’ll also develop solid research capabilities, learning how to collect, analyse, and interpret data effectively. These skills will be applied in an independent empirical research project on a topic of your choice, supported by expert academic guidance. By the end of this programme, you’ll be equipped with a strong combination of theoretical knowledge, practical insight, and analytical skills that are valued across a wide range of professional contexts.
BPS Accreditation
This programme is BPS accredited. BPS accreditation means that graduates of these programmes will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a requirement for most professional careers and further postgraduate training in psychology. The accreditation confirms that the programmes meet recognised UK standards in curriculum design, teaching and academic quality.
You’ll develop your capacity to…
Compare historical and current approaches to psychology and counselling
Apply psychological theory and counselling skills to real-life scenarios
Evaluate contemporary research, methods, and therapeutic interventions
Design and carry out independent, ethically sound research projects
Integrate and critique multiple psychological perspectives and evidence
Communicate findings effectively and reflect on personal and professional development.
And grow your career…
Psychology graduates with counselling expertise are increasingly valued across education, social care, charities, and mental health services. This programme opens pathways into a range of careers where therapeutic understanding and psychological insight are essential.
It also supports your progression toward professional training in areas like counselling, clinical, or educational psychology.
With a programme designed for you…
This MSc is delivered entirely online through a flexible, part-time model. You’ll study wherever and whenever suits you, with asynchronous learning materials including lectures, readings and discussion boards.
Collaborative tools help you stay connected to fellow students, and your tutors are on hand to offer one-to-one support. Our virtual learning environment is designed for working professionals and international learners alike, making your experience seamless and enriching.
Programme Modules
Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Examine the theoretical foundations, models, and practices that underpin clinical and counselling psychology. You’ll explore diagnostic frameworks, including the medical and pharmaceutical models, while critically assessing their relevance to modern psychological practice. The module highlights distinctions and overlaps between clinical and counselling approaches, supported by research-informed insights. You’ll study a range of evidence-based interventions and ethical considerations for working with complex mental health conditions. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how theory and research inform diagnosis and treatment across clinical and counselling contexts.
£645
Counselling Skills, Processes and Pathways
Develop your understanding of key principles in safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic practice. You’ll explore the counselling process from initial assessment through to intervention and referral, with a focus on treatment pathways within mental health services. The module also covers cultural competence, professional boundaries, and the evolving role of the counsellor in diverse settings. Through observation, case studies, and role-play analysis, you'll begin to apply psychological theory to practice. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear foundation in counselling professions and therapeutic processes within applied contexts.
£645
Biology, Brains and Bodies
Explore the biological foundations of human behaviour, focusing on how brain structure and function influence cognition, emotion, and personality. You’ll examine neuropsychological concepts, including neural networks and behavioural genetics, and investigate how typical and atypical biological processes affect psychological phenomena. Through real-world examples and research methods such as twin studies and neuroimaging, you’ll develop a critical understanding of the nature versus nurture debate and the biological roots of psychological traits.
£645
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Examine what makes individuals unique by exploring key theories and research in personality, intelligence, emotion, and motivation. You’ll analyse the nature versus nurture debate, investigate psychometric testing, and reflect on how these differences impact wellbeing. This module will encourage personal reflection and critical thinking as you apply concepts to both research and everyday life.
£645
Development Across the Lifespan
Gain insight into how humans develop from birth through to old age, exploring the biological, cognitive, social, and cultural influences that shape our experiences. You’ll analyse key concepts such as attachment, language acquisition, and identity formation, while examining both typical and atypical development. By engaging with contemporary research and theories, you’ll deepen your understanding of how development is influenced by historical, societal, and cross-cultural contexts.
£645
Personality and Individual Differences
Examine what makes individuals unique by exploring key theories and research in personality, intelligence, emotion, and motivation. You’ll analyse the nature versus nurture debate, investigate psychometric testing, and reflect on how these differences impact wellbeing. This module will encourage personal reflection and critical thinking as you apply concepts to both research and everyday life.
£645
Social and Ethical Psychology
Investigate the social forces that shape human behaviour and the ethical considerations that underpin psychological research and practice. You’ll explore topics such as group dynamics, social influence, culture, and identity, while developing your ability to critically assess ethical dilemmas in contemporary psychology. The module bridges traditional and critical perspectives to help you understand the evolving nature of social psychology and the responsibilities of psychologists in society.
£645
Cognitive Processes
Discover how the human mind processes information by examining core areas of cognitive psychology. You’ll study attention, perception, memory, decision-making, and language, and explore how these functions contribute to our understanding of the mind. Through theoretical models and empirical evidence, you’ll gain a critical perspective on cognitive functioning, including how current research informs real-world applications and clinical practices.
£645
Psychological Science: Research Methods and Statistics
Develop your skills in designing, conducting, and analysing psychological research using quantitative methods. You’ll learn to apply statistical tools and specialist software to test hypotheses, interpret data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. The module emphasises ethical research practices and equips you with the analytical skills needed for conducting your own psychological investigations.
£645
Dissertation
Design and conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by expert supervision. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme to carry out a rigorous, ethically sound study. This module enables you to deepen your understanding of psychological research, from formulating a research question to analysing data and presenting your findings.
£1,935
Entry requirements
To study St Mary’s University's 100% online MSc Psychology with Counselling, you will need to have completed:
An undergraduate degree at 2:2 (or higher) in any subject, excluding BPS accredited Psychology degrees.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, or most recent education or work experience was not in English will need to demonstrate proficiency by completing an approved English language test such as IELTS (6.0 overall with no individual sub-scores under 5.5), Pearson PTE (55 overall minimum), or equivalent.
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