Choosing to study Psychology with Counselling at The Open University (OU) is a commitment to a different kind of academic excellence. If you are researching this degree, you’ve likely asked yourself, “is an OU degree as good as a traditional one?” or “how do I get BPS accreditation from home?” While the OU’s “open-access” mission is famous, the brochure can’t tell you how it feels to balance a final-year project with a full-time job, or the unique camaraderie found in a digital tutorial at 8:00 PM.
At Already Doing It (alreadydoingit.co.uk), we believe the best way to understand distance learning is to talk to those who have mastered it. We connect you with vetted peer mentors currently studying at the OU—students who can provide a truly honest review of Psychology with Counselling at the Open University because they are the ones navigating the portal and the TMAs right now.
At the OU, the “vibe” isn’t a physical campus; it’s a shared mindset of ambition and autonomy. But beyond the flexibility, what is it really like to study Psychology with Counselling at the OU? This is a core topic to explore with a peer mentor.
You might want to ask a mentor about:
The Therapeutic Lens: How does the “Counselling” element change the way you look at standard psychology modules? Do you feel you’re getting a head start on therapeutic theory compared to a general psychology degree?
Balancing the Load: How many hours a week do you really need to dedicate to stay on top of the reading? A mentor can share how they fit a BSc into a busy life without burning out.
The “Open” Philosophy: Since there are no entry requirements, what is the academic jump like between the introductory Level 1 modules and the high-level research at Level 3?
BPS Accreditation: The degree is BPS-accredited, provided you achieve a 2:2 or higher. Ask a mentor how the OU helps ensure you meet the specific Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) requirements.
The “insider” secret of the OU is that you are part of one of the largest student communities in the world—you just have to know where to find them.
Topics to discuss with an Already Doing It mentor include:
The OpenScience Laboratory: How do digital simulations actually work? A mentor can tell you if conducting experiments online feels like “real science” and how it prepares you for a final-year dissertation.
TMAs and Feedback: Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) are the heartbeat of the course. You might ask a mentor how they handled their first piece of critical feedback and what “academic writing” looks like at the OU.
The Adobe Connect Experience: What are the online tutorials actually like? Is it easy to ask questions, and do you feel like you’re part of a real classroom?
Organizational Stamina: Employers love OU grads for their discipline. Ask a mentor how they demonstrate this “hidden” skill in job interviews or when applying for postgraduate clinical training.
The OU wants to see that you have a “reflective” mindset—the ability to look at a situation and analyze it through a theoretical lens. If you are preparing to start, a mentor can help you find your “analytical” voice.
Questions to explore with a vetted mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk regarding your journey:
Beyond “Helping People”: How did successful students frame their passion for counselling in their initial modules? A mentor can share how they moved from “wanting to help” to discussing Person-Centred or Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT) theories.
Real-World Observation: How do you start “thinking like a psychologist” in your daily life? Ask a mentor for examples of how they linked their work or volunteer experience to the theories they were learning.
Navigating the Portal: The OU portal is a massive resource. To find out where the “secret” study guides and student forums are hidden, talk to a mentor who has already navigated the system.
Postgraduate Planning: Since many students on this pathway want to become therapists, ask a mentor about how this degree sets you up for the Level 4/5 Diploma or a Master’s in Counselling later on.
Connecting with a mentor allows you to move past the website and understand the real-world discipline that secures a degree from the world’s leader in flexible education.
Deciding to study with the OU is a major investment in your personal and professional growth. You deserve more than just a guidebook to go on. If you want to know what is it really like to study Psychology with Counselling at The Open University, the most reliable source is a student who is already doing it.
The only way to get the real answer is to talk to someone already doing it. Find your mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk
© 2026 Already Doing It Ltd. All rights reserved. The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or admissions advice. Student Mentor Sessions and Our Insider Guides reflect student perspectives; always verify specific course details, entry requirements, and module lists with the official University Prospectus before applying.
