Study Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy, why & how to study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy?

2. What Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degree?

4. What topics does a Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy?

7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degree?

8. What do Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy graduates earn?

9. What jobs can you get as a Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy graduate?

10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

11. Similar subjects to Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy

12. Have any questions?

What’s Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy?

Counselling and Psychotherapy are types of verbal therapy that allow a person to talk through their problems, thoughts and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment. A counsellor or psychotherapist is trained to listen with empathy and without judgement, to understand the patient’s problems and help them deal with negative thoughts and feelings.

Occupational Therapy is the support given to people with mental or physical disabilities. Occupational therapists improve patients’ lives by helping them learn new ways to do things and changing their environments to make everyday tasks easier.

What Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy include:

• Psychology and Counselling BSc
• Humanistic Counselling BA
• Counselling and Psychotherapy BA
• Occupational Therapy BSc/MOccTh

Options may include an integrated foundation year or master’s degree. Courses include practical placements.

For occupational therapy, degree apprenticeships may sometimes be available, where you can work and earn at the same time as gaining a qualification. You must apply through an employer, and you’re not eligible for student grants.

What do you need to get onto a Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degree?

Must have

Most undergraduate Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy courses ask for 88–152 UCAS points. Qualifications may include: 

• A Levels: AAB–CCC
• BTECs: DDD–MMP
• Scottish Highers: AABB–CCCCC (Advanced Highers: ABB)
• International Baccalaureate: 33–25
• Some universities will request an interview 
• Due to the nature of this work, you’ll need to complete Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks (PVG scheme in Scotland) 

Good to have

• Studied a science or social science at A Level (or equivalent), particularly if studying Occupational Therapy
• Talked to a practitioner to understand the requirements of the role
• For occupational therapy, work experience or shadowing in a hospital or clinic, care home or day care centre
• For counselling or psychotherapy, completed an introductory or active listening skills course
• Volunteered in a support role with diverse groups of people, such as for a mental health charity or with disabled children
• Found out more about the profession and its work from the websites of bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or Royal College of Occupational Therapy

What topics does a Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in counselling and psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Core counselling skills and processes
• Developmental psychology
• Humanistic frameworks
• Introduction to listening skills
• Psychodynamic counselling
• Supervision
• The integrative practitioner
• Understanding the therapeutic process and ethical awareness

For courses in occupational therapy, modules may cover:

• Inter-professional working in health and social care
• Investigating trends in occupational therapy practice
• Leadership and enterprise: essential skills for practice
• Occupational performance through the lifespan
• Occupational perspective of population health
• Professional reasoning for occupational therapy practice
• Structure and function of the human body

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following, and will vary depending on what you study:

• Coursework
• Essays
• Exams
• Presentations such as posters or group talks
• Skill improvement work

Why study Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy?

Career-specific skills, depending on your course:

• Counselling skills including active listening or techniques like CBT
• Development and management of therapeutic groups
• For OTs, use of special equipment, such as wheelchairs and hoists, and designing adaptations to living environments
• Plenty of opportunities to gain real-life experience throughout your course

Transferable skills:

• Communication and other interpersonal skills
• Empathy and nurturing
• IT literacy
• Problem-solving
• Self-awareness

Professional accreditation:

• Undergraduate degrees in Counselling & Psychotherapy may be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), offering a route to professional membership
• Degrees in Occupational Therapy must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and may be accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

What do Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy graduates earn?