Birmingham Newman University campus

Health Sciences

Integrative Counselling Foundation Degree at Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University, United Kingdom

Programme overview

Train to become a professional counsellor on a course that combines academic study, practical experience and personal development. Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), this Foundation Degree provides the knowledge, skills and professional experience needed to progress towards becoming a registered counsellor. You’ll develop as a reflective, ethical and skilled practitioner, learning how to support people through a range of emotional, psychological and relational challenges.

Department: Counselling  |  Duration: 3 years part-time  |  Study mode: part-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules – Year 1: Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling 2, The Professional Practice 1, Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling 1, Ethical, Professional and Contextual Issues, Professional Counselling Skills, The Counselling Process; Year 2: Mental Health: Well-Being and Distress, Research Methods in Counselling, The Counselling Placement, Developing Integrative Counselling Practice, Emergent Counselling Practitioner, The Professional Practice 2.

Career pathways

Our Careers team provides tailored advice, placements and workshops to help you build confidence and prepare for life after university. By the time you graduate, you'll have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to begin your career as a professional counsellor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

– Birmingham Newman’s Level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling, or a Counselling Certificate at level 3 (or equivalent), which normally includes a face-to-face counselling skills training and theoretical understanding. – Some experience of using these skills (such as active listening, empathy, open ended questions, responding appropriately) in a workplace or voluntary setting, such as a helping, listening or supporting relationship is expected. – Those without a level 3 qualification may apply for the Birmingham Newman’s level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling and then apply for entry onto the Foundation Degree. Candidates must also demonstrate: – Self-awareness, maturity and stability. – Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience. – Capacity to cope with the emotional, intellectual and academic demands of the course. – Ability to form helping relationships. – Ability to be self-critical and use both positive and negative feedback. – Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression. – Awareness of issues of difference and equality. – Ability to recognise the need for personal and professional support. – Competence in, or the aptitude to develop generic professional skills, including: literacy, numeracy, information technology, administrative skills, self- management skills, communication and interpersonal skills. International applicants: Secure English Language Test equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,100 a year (2026/27). UK students; part-time, per year Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years part-time

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