BA Single Honours Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing (with Foundation Year)
Undergraduate
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Discover how counselling approaches can support emotional wellbeing and promote inclusive care.
The BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing at Birmingham Newman University is designed for students who are passionate about supporting others and want to explore how therapeutic practice can make a difference.
Whether you are interested in working in mental health, education, care or community settings, this course offers the knowledge and practical insight to help you grow into a confident and compassionate professional.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Why study this course
This course has been developed in response to the growing need for professionals who can support mental health and wellbeing through a strong understanding of counselling approaches and emotional support work.
Counselling, Psychotherapy & Talking Therapies Team
– Faisal Mahmood (Head of Subject (Counselling, Psychotherapy & Talking Therapies)
– Joanne Adams (Lecturer / Placement Manager)
– Kathryn Broome (Lecturer / Programme lead Introductory Cert Counselling)
– Stephanie Carr (Lecturer)
– Emily Evans (Senior Lecturer / Joint Programme lead FD)
– Carl Flynn (Senior Lecturer / Programme lead PWP)
– Sam Gallo (Senior Lecturer / Programme lead MSc Integrative Counselling)
– Kiran Kalsi (Lecturer)
– Karen Lee (Senior Lecturer)
– Linda Luckhurst (Senior Lecturer / Programme lead Advanced Diploma Psychotherapy)
– Awisha Magar (Lecturer)
– Bill Naylor (Senior Lecturer / Programme lead Counselling, MH & Wellbeing)
– Steve Roberts (Senior Lecturer / Joint Programme lead FD)
– Cassie Rowland (Lecturer)
– James Sedgwick (Senior Lecturer / Programme lead MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy)
– Rebekah Woodhouse (Senior Lecturer / Programme lead Joint Honours and Top Up)
– Sandra Boden – Senior Lecturer

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The tuition fee for academic year 2025/26 is: £9,535
Additional costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
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Placement information
At Birmingham Newman University, we believe that hands-on experience is key to building confidence and preparing for a career in counselling and mental health support. That’s why our Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing BA (Hons) includes a structured placement in your second year. This placement gives you the chance to apply your learning in a real-world setting such as a school, charity, healthcare or community organisation. You will develop practical skills, explore your professional interests, and gain valuable insight into working with people in supportive roles, all with guidance from our academic team and placement partners.

What Careers Can I Consider
This course is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in counselling, psychotherapy, teaching, learning support, family support, statutory and third sector social work/social care, graduate mental health support work, coaching and mentoring and other roles requiring the skills of understanding, care and support.
Accreditations and exemptions
The Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing BA (Hons) at Birmingham Newman University is not a professionally accredited counselling qualification. However, it provides a strong academic foundation for those wishing to pursue further training in counselling, psychotherapy or related postgraduate study.
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