BSc (Hons) Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling with foundation year
Course Overview
Mental health issues affect around one in four adults, and the number of people reporting mental health problems has been increasing in recent years [1]. While the importance of psychological wellbeing and the therapeutic power of counselling are widely recognised, more skilled professionals are needed to support counselling services, and to work in preventative and early intervention mental healthcare roles. Further career opportunities exist in roles that impact collective mental health and wellbeing indirectly through social initiatives and family and community services.Taught at our town-centre campus in Greater Manchester, the University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling with foundation year course gives you the chance to learn about the interaction between psychology, counselling, social and community work, law, and health care. You will learn to appreciate the diversity of perspectives involved, and understand how concepts from these disciplines are combined to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities.
The foundation year is the first year of this degree. Designed to prepare you for degree-level study, it offers an excellent grounding in the fundamentals of psychology, social sciences and research methods alongside study skills development.
Our friendly and experienced team will guide you as you develop knowledge of the theories, methods and debates central to mental health and wellbeing at individual, family and community levels. We'll provide support as you explore psychology, gain specific counselling skills, and consider broader social, healthcare, and legal issues that impact psychological and physical wellbeing. We'll also focus on developing your knowledge and skills in applied research methods, especially those relating to evidence-based practice, as this will be of great value as you progress in your career.
Interpersonal and transferable skills are vital, so we'll challenge you to develop sought-after communication, problem-solving, numerical, analytical, self-management, and IT skills. Our dedicated team will focus on helping you gain the skills employers value and a detailed understanding of mental health, wellbeing, and counselling.
[1] https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-facts-and-statistics/#HowCommonAreMentalHealthProblems accessed on 23 May 2024
Highlights
- Our Psychology courses are ranked top 10 in the UK and first in Greater Manchester for student satisfaction for the fourth year running, according to the Complete University Guide 2022.
- Integrated into this BSc (Hons) Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling degree are opportunities for you to earn accredited qualifications in counselling skills. By completing two modules as part of this degree, you'll achieve the Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in Counselling Skills conferred by ABC Awards. You'll also have an opportunity to undertake work-based learning in a professional setting through your applied modules.
- We emphasise interpersonal, transferable and employability skills as well as academic success. After graduation, you may have the opportunity to progress onto a professional qualification in applied psychology, such as the University of Bolton's MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology.
- We focus strongly on employability skills, the practical application of your studies, and academic success. Workshops will involve analysing life events and role-playing scenarios using case study material. You can also benefit from final year applied sessions and work-based experience.
- Throughout your degree, you'll also have support from your personal tutor, part of our team of helpful and approachable psychology staff who possess a diverse range of research interests.
- We've invested in creating a learning environment that offers innovative methods of teaching and assessment using top-class facilities, such as our observation laboratory with video cameras, microphones, and video editing equipment.
Key Features
- Throughout the programme, we stress the applied nature of psychology, emphasising learning through experience to help prepare you for further professional qualifications in counselling.
- Taking a work-based learning module in your final year will connect your theory and real-world learning. We'll offer you the opportunity to undertake applied learning in an area of your choice, helping you gain practical and professional experience that supports your future career plans.
- We'll explain the principles and methods of psychological research, including the collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of data. During your final year, you'll have the opportunity to carry out an individual research study.
- Teaching is dynamic and varied; using lectures, small group work, discussion groups, case studies, demonstrations, and laboratory workshops. We'll encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning, with opportunities for you to participate and gain practical experience.
- Our highly-qualified staff have substantial experience in the field. Trained and practising counsellors deliver the counselling elements, bringing real-time and real-world experiences and case studies into their teaching. We also aim to give you the best possible opportunity to achieve your true potential by offering personal supervision throughout the course.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Nearby Manchester is one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, and the Northwest of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline, and heritage.
Entry Requirements
- 48 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Applied learning in a professional setting is an essential part of this course. We work with many organisations to offer you this applied experience, and they may have additional requirements that you'll need to meet before you can undertake work-based learning with them. For example, settings that work with children, young people or vulnerable adults (also known as regulated activity) will require you to gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Each organisation has its own requirements, and if you're unable to meet the requirements of your preferred organisation, you'll need to choose another work-based experience setting. You'll also be responsible for meeting any additional costs relating to your applied learning.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
Our BSc (Hons) Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling with foundation year qualification offers an ideal combination of subjects if you're looking for a career focused on mental health and psychological wellbeing in individuals, families or communities. On graduation, you'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of roles working directly or indirectly to improve mental health and wellbeing.
As a graduate, you'll be able to demonstrate skills such as problem-solving, critical evaluation and independence of thought, deductive reasoning, interpersonal awareness and excellent teamwork, and communication skills.
What can I do with this qualification?
As a graduate of this course, you'll be well placed to apply immediately for roles with employers such as the NHS, police service, prison service, secondary schools, further and higher education or the civil service. You might work directly with adults, children, and young people dealing with issues such as relationship difficulties, anxiety or grief. Local councils or charities may advertise family services and community-based roles to prevent mental health issues from arising or undertake early interventions. Alternatively, you might work on projects that indirectly improve mental health and wellbeing through social initiatives.
Additionally, you'll be able to apply for professional postgraduate study to become a teacher or social worker. If you wish to pursue a career in counselling, this course is an excellent forerunner to Bolton University's MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology degree. You could also apply to train as a psychological wellbeing practitioner.
As a graduate, you'll possess the scientific knowledge and understanding embedded in the psychological elements of this degree. Skills such as problem-solving and data analysis will be helpful for careers in administration, law, finance, IT, and research.
Alternative career options
Graduates can use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possibilities include:
- Coaching and guidance services
- Mentoring
- Family mediation
- Teaching and education
- Nursing
- Retail management
- Human resources
- Market research
- Social work
Professional Recognition
When you successfully complete the module 'Introduction to Counselling Concepts' (PPC4001), you'll gain the ABC Accredited Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Also, when you successfully complete the 'Counselling Skills' (PPC5001) module, you'll earn the ABC Accredited Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.
A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:
Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BSc(Hons) Mental Health Wellbeing and Counselling w FDY - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Bolton Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton
For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Bolton BSc(Hons) Mental Health Wellbeing and Counselling w FDY - 22 September 2025
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
Our teaching and learning strategy is student-centred. We use a blended approach, meaning you'll have face-to-face sessions, sometimes one-to-one, and take part in online learning. You can expect a mix of seminars, lectures and tutorials, practical classes, videos, self-directed study, IT and library sessions, and guided study. Bolton University's e-learning portal Moodle supports your online learning and provides a convenient way for you to communicate with fellow students who are studying the same modules.
Self-directed and independent study is essential if you want to reach your potential in this hugely rewarding and constantly evolving subject. We expect you to devote significant time to activities such as background reading, preparing for seminars and assignments, writing essays and revising for exams. We'll also encourage you to use the internet for research.
Guest lectures and presentations by various visiting speakers from relevant employment areas will allow you to further develop your knowledge and understanding.
Assessments help to organise and develop your learning and evaluate your achievements. Summative assessments contribute to your final module marks and include time-constrained exams and coursework, such as essays, practical reports, seminar and poster presentations, and portfolios. These assessments are your chance to confirm your knowledge and understanding and demonstrate your critical and evaluation skills.
Meanwhile, you'll benefit from ongoing formative assessments throughout your degree. These don't contribute to module marks or final grades but focus on supporting your progress, helping you build on your strengths and overcome challenges. They're also an excellent way to help you identify and pursue the independent learning strategies that best suit your needs and preferences.
Your assessed work is submitted online via Moodle, with feedback also given through this portal.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Self-reflection and Self-presentation
- Research Methods in Social Science
- Key Studies in Psychology
- Perspectives in Psychology
- Professional Reflective Practice
- Mental Health, Law, Ethics and Policy
- An Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing
- An Introduction to Action Research
- Introduction to Counselling Concepts
- Application of Psychology
- Mental Health in Practice
- Psychological Models and Processes of Anxiety and Depression
- Practice Based Multidisciplinary Team Working
- Safeguarding
- Counselling Skills
- Personality and Developmental Psychology
- Facilitating Wellbeing
- Applied Honours Project
- Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychology of Loss and Trauma
- The Therapeutic Process
- Applied Experience
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- Young Life and the Mind
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Coursework 83% Written exams 17% |
| Level 1 | Coursework 100% |
| Level 2 | Written exams 11% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 100% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Guided independent study 55% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 45% |
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 66% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 76% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 80% Placement/study abroad 4% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 16% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
