Introductory Certificate in Counselling
Welcome
A very warm welcome to the Introductory Certificate in Counselling, I hope you enjoy your time at Birmingham Newman University.
My name is Kathryn Broome. I am responsible for delivery and administration of the course and will be pleased to hear from you at any point during your studies.
You may occasionally see me during the teaching sessions but you will mostly deal with your course tutors.
If you have any questions regarding the day to day running of your course (e.g. queries about assignments), please ask your tutor. If you have other concerns (e.g. regarding your ability to complete your programme of study), please get in touch with me.
Your tutor is normally a good starting point and they will direct you to me if I am needed. Course tutors for the Monday and Wednesday evening cohorts will be confirmed shortly.
Teaching starts
- Week beginning: 15 September 2025
Your course tutor will be in contact with you shortly via Moodle with information regarding the first session. This will include how to find the room, what you need to bring with you and the breakdown of the evening.
During the first session of the course, your course tutor will talk you through everything you need to know about the course, such as assignments, how to find your way around campus and the additional support that is available at Birmingham Newman University. There will be ample opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have and to mix with your group.
In addition to these activities, we will be hosting two online ‘Optional Welcome Meetings’ via Teams on Monday 8 September 2025 and Wednesday 10 September 2025 at 6:15pm.
Please note, attendance at the Online Meetings is not compulsory.
The online ‘Welcome Meetings’ are an opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have about the course and arrangements. The Teams links are shown below:
Monday 8 September 2025 (6:15pm)
Meeting ID: 324 952 051 307 6
Passcode: gE34Bg63
Wednesday 10 September 2025 (6:15pm)
- Meeting ID: 383 772 658 778 4
- Passcode: Qr3xz3h8
Birmingham Newman University offers an award winning library which has a vast array of books, as well as virtual resources (e-books and research journals). These will be available to you once you have completed enrolment. Before then, if you wish to obtain a book for helpful background reading, the following are very helpful.
- Mearns, D., Thorne, B. and McLeod, J. (2013) Person-centred counselling in action. 4Th ed. / edn. London: SAGE. Edition 3 is also useful for this course.
- McLeod, J. (2019) An introduction to counselling and psychotherapy : theory, research and practice. 6th edn. London: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press. Earlier editions are equally as useful.
You may also like to visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) online at British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy where you will find a wealth of resources and information on counselling as a career.
- Course tutors for the Monday and Wednesday evening cohorts will be confirmed shortly.
The evenings will consist of a whole group teaching session, covering some of the basic counselling theories and practice. Within this, there will be discussions, smaller group work and opportunities for self-reflection.
After break, you will be able to practice some counselling skills with your fellow students within small groups called triads.
The course incorporates some assessed work. Your course tutor will discuss this further with you within class.
You will, also, have a tutorial with your course tutor during the semester to see how you are getting on and to discuss any future plans, if you wish.
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Welcome Week Services Fair – Your Chance to Meet the Teams!
As part of your induction to Birmingham Newman University, our Services Fair is your opportunity to meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies and explore the services available to help you succeed.
Dates & Times
- 1 September – 11am – 2pm
- 4 & 5 September – 11:30am to 1pm
- 15, 17, 18 & 19 September – 11am to 2pm
Note: The Students’ Union Welcome Fair will take place on 16 September – see their website for more details.
You’re welcome to drop in and take part on any of the fair dates — it doesn’t have to be the day of your induction.
- Chat with Careers about your future plans, grab some sweets and an employability bag, and register on My Career for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher.
- Make a badge with our Environmental Officer, download the OurNewman app to spin the wheel and win a prize, and join the Library for Q&A activities and their Prize Every Time Lucky Dip.
- Advice & Wellbeing will be offering stress tests, sound therapy, and an Affirmation Station, while E-Learning invites you to take their “Who You Gonna Call?” quiz for a prize draw entry.
- Try the Sport team’s exercise bike challenge and visit the Chaplaincy to choose the “word of the day” and share some positivity.
And that’s just the start — there’ll be many more services, activities, and opportunities to explore each day of the fair. Come along, get involved, and make the most of what’s on offer!
The Disability & Inclusion team and the Advice & Wellbeing team will be holding drop-in sessions on campus from 15–19 September.
- 15 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
- 16 September – 11am to 2pm: DW101 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 17 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 18 September – 11am to 2pm: CH116 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 19 September – 11am to 2pm: CH004 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
No appointment needed – just drop in for advice, support, and guidance.
Key information
Teaching Start Date
- Week beginning: 15 September 2025
Subject Lead
- Kathryn Broome
Contact details
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook
Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)
