BSc Communication and Counselling Studies
About this course
BSc (Hons) Communication and Counselling Studies is an undergraduate degree focused on applied communication and the professional context of counselling. 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. Year 1 establishes foundations through compulsory modules such as Communication and Language, Social Psychology of Communication, Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies, Understanding Ourselves and Others, Understanding the Life Course, and Nature and Contexts of Counselling. Year 2 advances learning with Advanced Interpersonal Communication, Research Methods, Counselling Theory, Communication in Relationships, Mental Health and Well-being, and Reflections on Workplace Experience. Year 3 offers optional international academic studies. Year 4 concludes the programme with core modules including Dissertation, Developing the Reflective Practitioner, Psychosocial Issues, and Healthcare Communication, alongside optional modules like Rethinking Communication and Communication & Social Justice.
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
A level: BCC Applicants can satisfy the requirement for the A level grade C by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 88%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Therapy professionals: 80%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Communication and Language
- Social Psychology of Communication
- Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies
- Understanding Ourselves and Others
- Understanding the Life Course
- Nature and Contexts of Counselling
- Advanced Interpersonal Communication
- Research Methods
- Counselling Theory
- Communication in Relationships
- Mental Health and Well-being
- Reflections on Workplace Experience
- International Academic Studies
- Dissertation
- Developing the Reflective Practitioner
- Psychosocial Issues
- Healthcare Communication
- Rethinking Communication
- Communication & Social Justice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £30,000. The £29,000 median after fifteen months is £1,000 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?
95% 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?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 116 UCAS points.
Does BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.