BSc Communication and Counselling Studies
About this course
BSc (Hons) Communication and Counselling Studies is an undergraduate degree exploring interpersonal communication, psychological development, and counselling theory within social and cultural settings. Core topics include Research Methods, Clinical Skills, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Social & Cultural Analysis, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course holds Advanced Training Status from the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Social Psychology of Communication, Understanding Ourselves and Others, Understanding the Life Course, and Nature and Contexts of Counselling. Year two builds on this with Communication and Language, Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies, Counselling Theory, and Communication in Relationships. Year three covers Advanced Interpersonal Communication, Research Methods, Mental Health and Well-being, and Reflections on Workplace Experience. Year four includes Developing the Reflective Practitioner, Psychosocial Issues, and optional study in Communication & Social Justice. The final year comprises the Dissertation, Healthcare Communication, and optional study in Rethinking Communication.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Applicants should satisfy the University General Requirements eg 1. Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent); and 2. Provide evidence of passes in five subjects, two of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and three at GCSE level (grades A-C/4-9); or 3. Provide evidence of passes in four subjects, three of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and one at GCSE level (grades A- C/4-9); or 4. Provide evidence of an approved qualification at an equivalent level such as a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification or equivalent; or 5. Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation by the University, of learning you have gained through work or other experience.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 84%
- Organisation and management: 72%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 20%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 23 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 55%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Nursing Professionals: 10%
- Other Health Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 10%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 30%
- Other HE qualification: 50%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Social Psychology of Communication
- Understanding Ourselves and Others
- Understanding the Life Course
- Nature and Contexts of Counselling
- Communication and Language
- Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies
- Counselling Theory
- Communication in Relationships
- Advanced Interpersonal Communication
- Research Methods
- Mental Health and Well-being
- Reflections on Workplace Experience
- Developing the Reflective Practitioner
- Psychosocial Issues
- Communication & Social Justice
- Dissertation
- Healthcare Communication
- Rethinking Communication
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £30,000. The £29,500 median after fifteen months is £500 less than the UK median for Counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy.
What do graduates of BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
How many students continue on BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.