COURSE CURRICULUM

The Psychology and Counselling degree at Abertay University is a professionally accredited program that combines core psychological theory with practical counselling skills. In Year 1, students are introduced to fundamental psychological principles through modules such as Introductory Psychology and Introduction to Psychological Research Methods. The course also begins its focus on mental health and counselling with modules like Introduction to Pluralistic Approaches to Mental Health and Flying Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which explore varying perspectives on mental illness and care. Abertay 101 helps students develop academic and personal skills for success.In Year 2, students expand their knowledge of psychological theory with modules like Cognitive Perspectives on Psychology and Essential Research Methods and Analysis. Alongside this, they develop practical counselling abilities through Interpersonal Skills and Helping Conversations and Therapeutic Skills and Approaches, which focus on key counselling interactions and interventions.Year 3 deepens both the academic and applied aspects of the program. Students study BPS-aligned modules such as Human Development across the Lifespan, Advanced Research Design and Analysis, and Human Variability: Psychobiology and Behaviour. Counselling is further developed through Counselling Theories and Interventions, Mental Health Psychology: Living with a Diagnosis, and Social Cognition across the Lifespan, offering critical insights into psychological functioning and treatment throughout life.In the final year, students undertake an independent Psychology Honours Project, where they research a topic of interest in-depth. Applied Cognitive Psychology provides advanced insight into how cognitive theory is used in real-world settings. Mental Health and Young People: Contexts and Practice, along with Diverse Perspectives in Mental Health, encourage students to critically evaluate mental health support across different populations and contexts.Graduates are well-prepared for careers in mental health, counselling, social services, or further postgraduate training in psychology, psychotherapy, or counselling professions.