Why choose St Mary's University?
Why choose St Mary's University
Top 10 in UK for student experience (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
96% of graduates in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2024)
Top 5 in UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
100% online part-time learning
Pay your fees per module, as you go
11 industry-focused MBA degrees, 5 MSc Computer Science programmes, and 3 MSc Psychology pathways
Get in touch
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…


With a programme designed for you…
Programme Modules
Online Postgraduate Courses
MSc Psychology with Counselling
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting people's mental health with a fully online MSc Psychology with Counselling at St Mary's.
Why choose St Mary's University?
Why choose St Mary's University
Top 10 in UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
12th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
78% of graduates in skilled employment and on track to achieve their future goals (Complete University Guide 2026)
100% online, part-time learning
Pay your fees per module, as you go
11 industry-focused MBA degrees, 5 MSc Computer Science programmes, and 3 MSc Psychology pathways
Get in touch
Programme overview
Build counselling skills. Understand mental health. Shape lives.
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting people's mental health with a fully online MSc Psychology with Counselling at St Mary's.
Designed for career-changers and graduates seeking to make real-world impact, this master's will spark your curiosity from day one.
You'll explore how our brains work, through modules on psychological theory and cognitive function. As you deepen your understanding, you'll build transferable research and analytical skills that you can apply immediately. Using real-world insights and role play to investigate mental health treatment pathways and counselling processes, you'll graduate knowing the best ways to support better mental health.
Study online from anywhere in the world at times that suit you. Learn from recognised experts and become part of a global learning community at a university known for its outstanding teaching and student experience.
Graduate with an MSc Psychology with Counselling from St Mary's and you'll step confidently into counselling and mental health roles that transform lives, in the NHS, social care or business.
BPS Accreditation
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates are 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.
Prefer more structure and live interaction?
Our Distance Learning MSc Psychology includes scheduled online classes and regular opportunities to engage with tutors and peers in real time.
Why should I choose this master's course?
Choose the MSc Psychology with Counselling at St Mary's and you'll graduate ready for roles including mental health counsellor or wellbeing coach. You'll also have a strong foundation for advanced training in counselling, clinical psychology, and educational psychology.
You can complete this MSc online and part-time in as little as 24 months, fitting your studies around work and life without needing to put your career on pause.
What you'll learn
What will I learn?
You'll build expertise in psychology and counselling that will open doors to impactful careers in mental health and wellbeing. You will:
- Explore core areas of human psychology — biological, cognitive, social, and developmental differences that have real-world relevance
- See how counselling skills and therapeutic models work in practice — tools you can use immediately
- Understand how psychological theories evolve, helping you make sense of major debates on human behaviour
- Strengthen critical-thinking skills, equipping you to approach complex issues with confidence
- Develop robust research skills to generate novel insights that can be applied in real-world practice
- Gain the confidence to apply your skills and knowledge and effectively improve people's mental health and wellbeing
Modules include:
Student testimonials
What our students say
Once you step into this academic family, you are met with a professional, supportive group that is genuinely there to help you throughout your studies. Studying online can sometimes feel isolating, but here it is handled so well that you rarely feel alone. Teachers and associates are responsive, and close at hand.
My experience has been very positive. The course strengthened my academic skills, deepened my understanding of psychology, and was well supported by flexible online learning and helpful tutors. The course improved my critical thinking and understanding of behaviour, which I now apply in my work and everyday interactions. The flexibility of studying online and the clear guidance and feedback from tutors made the biggest difference for me, as they supported both my learning and academic development.
Career advancement
What can I do with an MSc in Psychology with Counselling?
Step straight into a rewarding, people-focused role that makes a real difference. You can also build on your skills with additional training, opening doors across education, social services, and clinical practice. Possible careers include:
Mental Health Counsellor
supporting individuals through structured, evidence-based counselling practice.
Wellbeing Coach
helping people build resilience and improve their everyday mental wellbeing.
CBT Therapist
delivering cognitive behavioural therapy to support recovery and change.
HR Professional with a Focus on Wellbeing
embedding mental health support into workplace culture and policy.
Further Training Towards Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
building the foundation needed for advanced clinical practice.
Entry requirements
Can I apply for a Master's in Psychology with Counselling?
You can apply for this online course now if you have an honours degree at 2:2 (lower second-class honours) or higher, in any subject other than BPS-accredited Psychology degrees.
If your first language is not English, or most recent education or work experience was not in English, you'll need to show 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.
Fees
What are the tuition fees for this course?
The total cost for the MSc Psychology with Counselling is £7,740. You can choose to pay in full at the start of your programme, or pay per module (£645 per 15-credit module).
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Yes, although requirements vary for specific roles. This master's programme is BPS accredited and as a graduate, you'll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a requirement for most professional careers and further postgraduate training in counselling and psychology.
Yes, the MSc Psychology with Counselling from St Mary's provides an excellent springboard to more in-depth study and higher degrees in psychology and counselling.
If your first language is not English, or your most recent education or work experience was not in English, we'll ask you to demonstrate English 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.
No, you can study from anywhere in the world at times that suit you. The course is delivered online via a tailored virtual learning environment, and you'll be supported by a personal course tutor.
This course is designed for working professionals and international students who wish to study part-time and is delivered over two years.
There are six start dates throughout the academic year, so you'll be able to start soon after your application is accepted.
Yes, you can pay per module to help spread the costs of your studies. Find out about current fees here. You may also be eligible for a scholarship to help finance your studies.
Not sure which pathway suits you?
Compare the Fully Online MSc Psychology and Distance Learning MSc Psychology to find the right fit for your schedule and learning style.
Prefer more structure and live interaction?
Learn more about the Distance Learning MSc Psychology
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