Study Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy In UK
The fields of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy are essential components of the broader mental health and well-being sector. Explore this guide to find more about studying these subjects in the best UK universities.
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What is Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy?
Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy are areas of study that focus on the assessment, treatment, and support of individuals experiencing various mental, emotional, and physical challenges. Each field has its unique focus and methodologies for helping individuals improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
- Counselling Study: The study of counselling involves exploring theories and techniques for providing guidance and support to individuals facing personal or psychological difficulties.
- Psychotherapy Study: Psychotherapy study looks into the in-depth understanding of human behaviour, mental health disorders, and therapeutic interventions for promoting psychological well-being.
- Occupational Therapy Study: Occupational therapy study focuses on understanding human occupation and its impact on health and well-being.
Why Study Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy?
- Helping Others: These disciplines provide the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental, emotional, or physical challenges. By studying these fields, you can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to support and empower others to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
- Personal Fulfilment: Working in these areas often involves building strong, supportive relationships with clients and witnessing positive transformations. The ability to facilitate positive change in someone’s life can bring a deep sense of personal fulfilment and purpose.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Studying these fields can open up diverse career opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centres, schools, and private practices. The versatility of these disciplines allows professionals to work with diverse populations and address a wide range of mental and physical health concerns.
Best Universities for Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy in the UK (2025)
Here is a list of the top UK universities in this field according to the latest Complete University Guide subject league table:
| Rank | University | Course name | Fees (Per Annum) | Duration | TEF rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of East Anglia UEA | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £20,600 | 3 Years | Silver | |
| 2 | Cardiff University | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | NA for international fees | 3 Years | NA | |
| 3 | University of Liverpool | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £27,200 | 3 Years | Gold | |
| 4 | University of Southampton | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £28,900 | 3 Years | Silver | |
| 5 | Glasgow Caledonian University | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £15,200 | 4 Years | NA | |
| 6 | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £16,500 | 4 Years | NA | |
| 7 | Northumbria University, Newcastle | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £18,250 | 3 Years | Silver | |
| 8 | University of Plymouth | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £18,100 | 3 Years | Gold | |
| 9 | Bristol, University of the West of England | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £15,850 | 3 Years | Silver | |
| 10 | Robert Gordon University | Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) | £16,490 | 4 Years | NA |
Entry Requirements for a Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy Degree
- Academic Qualifications: Most universities require a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as A-levels or their international equivalents.
- Subject Prerequisites: Some programmes may require prior study in psychology, social sciences, or related fields. A background in these subjects can provide a foundational understanding of human behaviour and mental health, which is beneficial for students pursuing degrees in counselling and psychotherapy.
- Relevant Experience: Some universities may consider relevant work experience or voluntary experience in the field of counselling or psychotherapy as part of the entry requirements. This experience can demonstrate a genuine interest in the field and an understanding of the demands of the profession.
Jobs for Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy Graduates
Here are the career prospects for graduates in this field:
- Counsellor or Psychotherapist: Work with individuals or groups to address emotional, mental, and behavioural issues, providing therapeutic support and guidance.
- Mental Health Counsellor: Assist individuals dealing with various mental health concerns, providing counselling, support, and crisis intervention services.
- Occupational Therapist: Assist individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges to improve their ability to perform daily activities and enhance their quality of life.
- Rehabilitation Specialist: Work with individuals recovering from injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions to help them regain independence and improve their functional abilities.
- Geriatric Care Specialist: Assist elderly individuals in maintaining independence and improving their quality of life through therapeutic interventions and adaptive strategies.
What do Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy Graduates do?
The vast majority (89%) of occupational therapy graduates are working as therapy professionals. Caring personal services, nursing professionals, welfare and housing associate professionals, managers and proprietors in health and care services, health associate professionals and other health professionals are all among the top ten jobs held by these graduates
Salary for Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy Graduates
Check out the average salary for graduates in this field:
Low skilled: £18,000
Medium-skilled: £19,000
High-skilled: £25,000
Topics for Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy Dissertation
Below, we present a diverse array of research areas, each offering an opportunity to look into the complexities of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy and make a significant contribution to its advancement:
- The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in Treating Anxiety Disorders among Adolescents.
- Exploring the Role of Family Counselling in Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts and Enhancing Communication Patterns.
- Examining the Application of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Managing Depression and Stress-Related Disorders.
- The Role of Occupational Therapy in Facilitating Independence and Functional Recovery among Stroke Survivors.
- Understanding the Application of Occupation-Centred Practice in Promoting Well-Being and Social Inclusion among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK
One of the most important things to consider is how much the degree is going to cost. Here is a general guide for 2024/2025:
- For home students in England, universities can charge up to a maximum of £9,250 per year for an undergraduate degree.
- In Wales, institutions can charge up to £9,000 for home students. However, Welsh students can apply for a fee grant to cover some of the cost of their tuition fees. This grant is currently not repayable or income-assessed.
- Northern Irish universities will charge up to £4,275 for home students and may charge up to £9,250 for students from elsewhere in the UK.
- Scotland does not charge home students fees at the undergraduate level; however, students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland are expected to pay up to £9,250 per year. International students from outside of the UK will pay significantly more to study in Scotland.
- International students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £26,000 annually for lecture-based undergraduate degrees at universities across the UK. An undergraduate medical degree can cost overseas students up to £58,600 per year. As for postgraduate degrees, the average cost is estimated to be around £17,109 per year.
Other Subjects to Consider
Given that you are interested in this subject area, you might also want to consider the following options:
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- Public Health and Epidemiology: Investigate the patterns and determinants of diseases within specific populations, focusing on preventive measures and health promotion strategies.
- Healthcare Management and Administration: Analyse the organisational and administrative aspects of healthcare systems, addressing topics such as healthcare policy, resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Social Work and Community Development: Explore the role of social workers in addressing social issues, community development, and the implementation of social welfare programmes.
- Psychology and Behavioural Sciences: Investigate various aspects of human behaviour, cognition, and emotional well-being, focusing on topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health Studies
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.
Undergraduate degrees in Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy include:
- Psychology and Counselling BSc
- Humanistic Counselling BA
- Counselling and Psychotherapy BA
- Occupational Therapy BSc/MOccTh
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
The top 3 universities for Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy in the UK are University of East Anglia (UEA), Cardiff University and University of Liverpool, according to the Complete University Guide 2025.
Courses are specific, so graduates generally go on to practise as counsellors or therapists. Alternatively, the graduates could work with general health or social services, teach, go into research, or start a private practice. The career prospects for the graduates include:
- Counsellor
- Occupational Therapist
- High-intensity therapist
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Special educational needs (SEN) teacher
- Trainer or lecturer
- Wellness coach
Occupational Therapy graduates will work within the NHS, with most roles paid between £27,000–£40,500 (NHS Band 5 or 6). Higher salaries are paid to those who manage a team or a department.
Counselling & Psychotherapy graduates can also work in the NHS within IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) if they have the right qualifications. In 2021, a paid training pathway was piloted for counsellors in the NHS, with training offered at master’s level. Counsellors might be paid on NHS Band 5, 6 or 7 (up to £47,500) depending on their role and experience.
Outside the NHS, salaries can be variable. Other sectors employing counsellors include schools, with pro-rata pay commonly around £25,000–£30,000. Often work is part-time, and many counsellors and psychotherapists will also work in private practice or as part of a counselling agency. As with most occupations, managerial experience brings with it higher earnings.
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