Counselling and Mental Health BA (Hons)

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.

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

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

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

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.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

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.

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.

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.

Qualifications

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.

International entry requirements

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.

Mature entry offer scheme

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.

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 may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is £9,250 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.

Funding Opportunities

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

International 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £14,000 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 and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree.

International Fees and Funding

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.