Sociology, Psychology, and Counselling

You will be taught by a supportive and dedicated team of experts within the working fields of counselling, sociology or psychology. This broad field of study gives you access to a wide range of careers by equipping you with the transferable skills that employers value.

Many of our undergraduate counselling, psychology and sociology degrees include placement modules and optional international field trips where students can further develop their skills and put their learnings into practice in professional environments.

Our psychology courses, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), provide the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) Membership, considered the starting point to a career in psychology.

Students joining our sociology, counselling and psychology undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are advised to meet the expected criteria for their subject of choice. Detailed information and further requirements can be found within each individual course page, so we highly recommend students take the time to read and understand what is expected of them when applying.

Any international students applying for our courses will need to meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands. Please visit our IELTS page for further details.

You can find guidance on how to apply for international students, undergraduates and postgraduates on our dedicated pages.

Upon completing your course with the University of Northampton, you will find the skills and knowledge acquired during your studies make you a suitable candidate for a wide range of career paths.

Students graduating with an undergraduate psychology degree can choose to pursue careers in the fields of health, clinical, forensic and business psychology, as well as counselling and related professions such as human resources, social work and education. Our degree in counselling is also an ideal starting point for those considering careers in counselling, support and welfare work, teaching, and mentoring.

Sociology courses with the University of Northampton can equip you for a range of professional opportunities, including those in the areas of education, social research, welfare and governmental roles.

We’re so confident that our psychology, counselling and sociology graduates will succeed in their chosen fields that we offer the Northampton Employment Promise to all students who achieve a 2:2 degree or above and complete one of our flagship awards. If you haven’t found full-time employment within 12 months of your graduation, we’ll secure a three- to six-month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

Our facilities are designed to ensure students get the best out of their studies by offering interactive workshops in our laboratories and specialist suites.

Psychology students can make use of our psychophysiology laboratory, observation laboratory with video control room, sound-attenuated perception laboratory, and individual experimental cubicles. Three specialist psychology technicians are on hand to support you during your practical work.

Alongside our excellent research resources and facilities, our students also benefit from the knowledge and guidance of experienced experts and recognised researchers in their field of study, providing valuable insight from a wide array of backgrounds.

What can you do with a Psychology Degree?

A degree in Psychology can lead to a range of job prospects including clinical psychologist, counsellor, mental health worker or social worker.

What can  you do with a Sociology Degree?

Previous graduates from our Sociology course have gone on to roles within social services, such as community workers, family support workers and probation officers.

What can you do with a Counselling Degree?

After completing a further degree in counselling, graduates have led to jobs as a counsellor, school counsellor, sports psychologist and clinical psychologist.