Undergraduate Course
Counselling and Mental Health BA (Hons)
This course is your chance to help people make positive personal change in a range of circumstances. You can make a real difference to people's lives.
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Develop the knowledge and awareness you need to help people in different situations. With placements every year and weekly skills practice, you will learn how to apply your knowledge and skills in professional settings. We have been teaching counselling for over 30 years. We are ready to share our expertise with you and help you grow as a person.
- Available in Clearing
95% Counselling students responded with a 95% positivity score for how good teaching staff are at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2024)
York campus
- UCAS code – BX91
- Duration – 3 years full time
- Start date – September 2025, September 2026
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £14,700 per year full time
Discover Counselling
Lauren Hunt, Lecturer in Counselling, introduces us to Counselling BA at York St John University.
Course overview
Our course gives you the knowledge you need to make a difference. Help people in a range of situations with confidence and care. While studying with us you will:
- Explore the theories and research methods used in counselling and mental health
- Develop the skills and professionalism you need to achieve your career goals
- Gain practical experience that gets you ready for the workplace
- Apply your knowledge on placements and build a professional network
- Discover all the career opportunities this course opens up
This course is about more than learning the facts, it's a chance to discover who you are and what matters to you. We will help you reflect on your values and how they align with your ambitions.
If you are not sure what you want to do after university, we can help you explore your options. If you already know what you want to do, we can help you get there by giving you the skills and experience you need.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. This course can only be studied full time.
In your first year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Humansitic psychology, and the philosophy that informs it, provides the theoretical foundation for this entire course. On this module you will gain an understanding of the cultural and historical background to humanistic psychology’s emergence, and of the philosophical ideas that inform humanistic theory, practice and research. You will also explore how this theory is practically applied in the field of mental health.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module forms a pair with Introduction to Counselling Skills. On it you will develop your theoretical understanding and skills in the practical application of the humanistic approach to helping. Skills workshops will enhance your ability to facilitate a process which privileges the client’s experiencing. Group discussions and peer feedback will improve your self and other awareness.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is the start of the placement aspect of your course. These lectures prepare you to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of placement activity, and encourage you to reflect on your placement experiences. We will introduce you to the world of work through topics such as safeguarding, critical professionalism, and professional ethics. You will also be encouraged to connect your placements to your understanding of the wider societal systems, including how services are funded. This will help you begin to explore career options for after you graduate, and consider and what skills you need to follow these routes.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module attempts to (imperfectly) align to decolonisation struggles across the world and within the University. Embrace an education of liberation, encouraging you to take the lead, have autonomy and voice within your assignments, and grapple with issues of justice, fairness and accountability. You will investigate the ways in which factors such as gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality, age and disability impact upon personal experience, and can affect the dynamics of the helping process. Together we will investigate the concepts of privilege, oppression, inclusion, equity and bias to develop your understanding of the social, economic and political matrix within which helping work takes place.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is an introduction to the theory and practice of humanistic helping. You will develop key skills through workshops, and explore ways of relating to others by participating in group discussions. This module will prepare you for your professional placements.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Explore the field of academic research, and gain an understanding of research methods and protocols. On this module you will learn about academic referencing and writing, and consider how to engage in academic reflection. This is essential preparing for later modules in the course.
Year 2
In your second year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This modules will enable you in the application of helping skills within the diverse community contexts encountered on placements. It covers areas such as group theory, working with young people, and inclusive practice for working within diversity. Through skills workshops you will further develop your relational skills, integrating appropriate interventions for group work and inclusive practice into their own evolving humanistic approach to helping.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The module will further develop your understanding of the determinants of mental health and you will critically examine the challenges of contemporary mental health practice and policy. It is an introduction to examining psychological distress through the lenses of different theory models, such as:
- Biological models
- Sociological models
- Psychological models
- Biopsychosocial models
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Develop an understanding of organisational settings, their internal workings and external influences, limitations and networks. This module covers areas such as professional ethics and relevant legal issues. Interactive activities will improve your capacity to understand, challenge and consider the wider system from your placement setting. This professional knowledge will be accompanied by reflective activities undertaken in the peer support groups, which will enable you to draw personal learning from your placement activities. You will also reflect on your experience of undergoing a career-orientated psychometric test.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module builds on the Humanistic Theories module along with the skills-based activities from your first year. The Humanistic Theories modules introduce you to the “third force” of psychology, while this module introduces the “second force” and its associated change-oriented approaches. Such approaches are of direct use in a number of placement settings and an array of professional destinations beyond university. Skills workshops will encourage you to integrate appropriate strands and interventions from the change-oriented approaches into your own evolving humanistic practice.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module builds on the first year module Introduction to Academic and Research Skills, deepening your appreciation of research methods across qualitative and qualitative paradigms. Develop your knowledge and understanding of the range of methodologies employed in research in the field of counselling and mental health, of the forms of knowledge they yield, and of the philosophical assumptions which inform the 2 main research fields. You will enhance your practical abilities through group work based on common research activities, such as creating survey instruments, planning small scale interviews and creating literature review frameworks. This will prepare you for your Independent Research Module and your future career.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module applies approaches to mental health within their historical and social context to a range of specific mental health issues that counsellors, social workers and other helping professionals are likely to encounter in their working lives. You will learn how to understand these issues from multiple perspectives, such as the lived experience of the people experiencing these issues, and the wider social factors that impact on them. You will also explore the approaches and interventions that might be employed by counsellors and other professionals to mediate the impact on them.
Year 3
In your third year you will study:
- 1 Independent Research Project module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20 each
Compulsory module
Develop a more critical, philosophically-informed awareness of the field of humanistic counselling. Extend and experientially deepen your understanding of the interplay in humanistic helping between theory and research, practice and self. Along with more advanced concepts and practices developed from within the humanistic field, you will be introduced to conceptions of selfhood, and the forms of helping practice that issue from them. Skills workshops will be focused on developing your capacity for intentional, process-aware and client-responsive practice.
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
This module is your chance to carry out research in an area of counselling that you are really interested in. We will support you to develop an idea and write a research proposal. You will then engage in independent learning to complete your project with the 1 to 1 support of an academic tutor. By the end of the module you will have conducted a research project from start to finish and will have completed a dissertation to present your findings.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will continue to develop as a reflective and ethically aware professional. You will learn about the key theories and models of supervision practice, helping you to understand its purpose in helping professions. This will include engaging in supervision groups with your classmates to develop your skills and further your understanding. Over semester 1 and 2 you will complete a further 40 hours of placement in a setting relevant to your career aspirations.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This final practice-orientated module will further develop your understanding of helping practices, your proficiency in intentionally facilitating a client-responsive process, and your impact on those you work with. Your lectures will feature humanistic critiques of the therapeutic relationship, the mutuality of the therapeutic relationship and attends to areas of social justice. Skills workshops will foster your individuated approach to offering a therapeutic relationship.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Psychoanalysis is the starting point of the concept of talking therapies as a response to issues of mental health. Psychodynamic theories and therapy continue to influence and inform the counselling landscape. This module will advance your understanding of the 3 forces of therapy (psychodynamic, behavioural and humanistic) that are introduced earlier in the course. You will also learn about the psychodynamic approaches, which will complete your theoretical journey throug the course. The assignment invites you to present a reflective essay that aligns a period of your autobiographical history with relevant psychodynamic concepts.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
We deliver your modules through:
- Interactive lectures
- Skills workshops
- Seminars and small group discussions
- Supervision groups
You will usually take 3 modules per semester. Each has 3 to 4 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.
You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange academic tutorials to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.
Placements
You will complete a period of work placement each academic year. By the end of the course you will have completed at least 110 hours of placement activity.
You will research and organise your own placements, but we will guide you through the process.
Assessment
Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:
- Essays and written assignments
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Research projects
- Written personal reflections
- Skills demonstrations
For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your academic writing.
Professional Skills
We will teach you professional helping skills through weekly skills workshops. You will then apply and perfect these skills during your placements.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Counselling and Mental Health
This course will prepare you for a career in counselling. You will develop empathy and the ability to think under pressure. The skills you gain in communication, collaboration and analysis will open up a range of options in related careers.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Counsellor
- Careers adviser
- Family support worker
- Life coach
- Youth worker
You can also progress onto postgraduate study and professional training in areas such as:
- Counselling
- Social work
- Education
- Mental health nursing
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Education, Childhood and Counselling foundation year
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2026 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 entry onto this course is still to be confirmed per year for full time study.
This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £14,700 per year full time
International 2026 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 entry to this course is to be confirmed per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include a DBS check, purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad page.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Placements every year
You will complete a work placement for each year of your course. You can use this to explore the careers available to you, gain experience and build a professional network.
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Specialist Training Spaces
We have 6 training spaces in our laboratory space. Each room is fitted with cameras so you can record skills sessions, review them and improve your practice.
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Read our blog
When you join this course you will be part of the School of Education, Language and Psychology. Meet the team and read about the latest news and student achievements on our school blog.
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Kiera Counselling
I had always wanted to do a course which allowed me to help people. The diversity of this course appealed to me as it opens up many routes to a career in this area. I really enjoyed the placement modules – they allowed me to study disciplines that I truly love and could picture myself pursuing as a career.
More to explore
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Join us in 2025
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Open Days
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