September 2025

Counselling Studies BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree

Top-up Degree, Undergraduate, September 2025

counselling lecturer with students

The Counselling Studies BA (Hons) Top-Up award is a level 6 course designed to build upon previous counselling training or enhance knowledge and understanding of the counselling profession for those who have studied an aligned subject. The programme provides a deeper theoretical base for those who have an interest in applying counselling theory within a variety of practice contexts. The Top-Up programme will also equip students with research knowledge and skills.

  • This Top-Up programme integrates with and builds on students’ existing training to provide an academic top up qualification at degree level
  • Students on the Counselling Studies Top-Up award will develop and practice the ability to critically reflect on counselling texts, ideas and practice
  • All students take a year-long research methods module, which will enhance their understanding of the role of research within counselling and prepare them for the dissertation module
  • The experience of conducting research will equip students to work alongside other graduate professionals
  • The programme will enhance students’ academic understanding and employability

This is a part-time programme running across two academic years. During the first year, students study a year-long research methods module and two additional modules (one per semester). The compulsory research methods module is designed to assist students in developing the research skills and understanding necessary for them to embark on a dissertation in counselling. In the second year, students study one module (in either semester 1 or 2) and a year-long dissertation. As part of the dissertation, students design, plan and execute EITHER an in-depth empirical research project OR a literature review with systematic methodology and narrative synthesis: this enables them to explore their own specific area of interest

The selection of optional modules (reviewed on annual basis) includes: Therapeutic approaches to supporting children and families; Mindfulness based approaches to Wellbeing; Bereavement and loss; Coaching and mentoring; Applied CBT; Working with Addictions. These module options enable students to select an area of interest or make module choices to support their career aspirations.

Learning outcomes will be assessed using a variety of methods, depending on module choices, these include: a research report, a proposal, case study, critical essay, reflective commentary, written analysis, examination, research dissertation or systematic literature review and poster presentation.

The completion of this qualification enables graduates to demonstrate to potential employers that they have the skills and knowledge expected of a graduate. These skills relate to evidence-based practice.

Students who successfully complete the Top-Up award may apply for the MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies at Newman University.

Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.

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Entry Requirements

UK home students

Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry:

  • Students who have successfully completed Newman’s Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling will be eligible to progress to the BA (Hons) Counselling Studies Top-Up award.We also encourage applications from those who have completed a Foundation Degree or an equivalent qualification in counselling or an aligned subject with 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5, and have experience of using counselling skills in a related context.If your application meets our entry requirements, you will be invited to attend an interview.
UK Applying Direct Option

International students

If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria and admissions processes for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.

Course Fees

UK home students

The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,535 per year.

International students

For detailed information on course fees for international students, please visit our International Students page.

Additional Costs

Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.

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).

Modules

In order to complete the BA (Hons) Counselling Studies top-up degree, students must gain 120 credits, studying 60 credits per year.

In year 1 all students will study the compulsory 40 credit module ‘Research in Counselling’.

There are a number of optional 20 credit modules that are offered each year. Students must choose one of these in Year 1, and a further one in Year 2. In total students will study 2 optional modules across the 2 years, totalling 60 credits.

Finally, students must then complete one of the optional 40 credit modules – either ‘Counselling Studies Dissertation’ or ‘Counselling Studies Literature Review with Systematic Methodology and Narrative Synthesis’.

  1. This module aims to enable students who already have a foundation in counselling theory and skills to fully appreciate the role and application of research in this area.  In the course of the module students will be introduced to a variety of methods and approaches, which will be examined with a highly practical focus.  Emphasis will be placed on the kinds of issues and research questions which are commonly addressed in counselling, and which might be addressed using different research approaches. Students will demonstrate their acquisition of the knowledge by carrying out a small research project and writing a research proposal suitable for a final year dissertation.
  2. This module examines child and adolescent development in the context of family, society and culture, and explores a range of issues that arise in relation to therapeutic work with children and young people. The principles of multi-agency work will be explored. Students will study models of development and attachment as well as factors that contribute to resilience and vulnerability.
  3. This module covers the key concepts related to psychological distress and mental wellbeing. The module will present different models of psychological distress including biological, psychological, social approaches as well as integrative bio-psychosocial models. The pervasiveness of medical views will also be discussed with typical use of terms such as mental illness, disorders, abnormality and clinical psychology as well as concepts of categorical (caseness) and dimensional views of psychological distress/illness. The module will include an historical account of mental distress and then focus on key psychological disorders and discuss their aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. Students will be encouraged to consider their own opinions and those of others as it relates to these topics. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module. Implications of the module requirements for student employability will be reflected on.
  4. This module is designed to equip you with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theory relevant to the improvement and maintenance of psychological wellbeing and sound mental health. Within this module you will explore key theoretical models which attempt to explain and predict health-related behaviour and examine the practical applications of these models on health, wellbeing and illness. A multitude of health interventions will be reviewed and critically evaluated. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module. The module with further enhance your critical understanding of the ethical, pragmatic, cultural and legal issues related to research or advanced scholarship, and practice in psychological wellbeing and mental health. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.
  5. This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of coaching and mentoring and how to promote positive change using solution focused, evidence-based interventions. Students will develop knowledge of theoretical concepts underpinning coaching and mentoring through the application of theory to practice. Students will learn about recent evidence-based developments within coaching, mentoring and positive psychology and identify conditions required to facilitate growth and success. There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop and critically reflect upon their ethical and professional awareness and continue the process of self-reflection.
  6. This module gives students knowledge of the most recent developments within Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.  There will be a focus on how to apply cognitive behavioural approaches to practice, and an opportunity to critically reflect upon third wave cognitive behavioural concepts.  There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop and critically reflect upon their ethical and professional awareness, and continue the process of self-reflection.
  7. This module will introduce theories of addictions, and ways of working therapeutically with addiction. Definitions and explanations of addiction and addictive/compulsive behaviour will be explored, alongside knowledge of common drugs of abuse. Contemporary approaches, methods of assessment and treatment plans will be considered. A range of effective ways of working therapeutically with addictions will be introduced and critically evaluated.
  1. This tutored double module provides students with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest to them within the field of Counselling and to design, plan and execute an in-depth empirical research project in their chosen area. Students will be required to produce a brief initial research proposal, for discussion with their supervisor. The proposal is then used as a basis for developing an application for Newman University ethical approval, which must be achieved prior to commencing data collection. The research design should include either quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings throughout.  A poster presentation detailing the research process and findings will also be assessed.
  2. This tutored double module provides students with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest to them within the field of Counselling. Students design, plan and execute an in-depth Literature Review with a systematic search strategy and methodology and a narrative synthesis. Students will consider applications for counselling practice. Students will be required to produce a brief initial research proposal, for discussion with their supervisor. The proposal is then used as a basis for developing an application for Newman University ethical approval, which must be achieved prior to carrying out the Systematic Literature Review. The Systematic Literature Review should draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings through a clearly identified systematic search strategy using the following databases: PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences and PsycARTICLES.  A poster presentation detailing the review process will also be assessed.
  3. This module examines child and adolescent development in the context of family, society and culture, and explores a range of issues that arise in relation to therapeutic work with children and young people. The principles of multi-agency work will be explored. Students will study models of development and attachment as well as factors that contribute to resilience and vulnerability.
  4. This module covers the key concepts related to psychological distress and mental wellbeing. The module will present different models of psychological distress including biological, psychological, social approaches as well as integrative bio-psychosocial models. The pervasiveness of medical views will also be discussed with typical use of terms such as mental illness, disorders, abnormality and clinical psychology as well as concepts of categorical (caseness) and dimensional views of psychological distress/illness. The module will include an historical account of mental distress and then focus on key psychological disorders and discuss their aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. Students will be encouraged to consider their own opinions and those of others as it relates to these topics. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module. Implications of the module requirements for student employability will be reflected on.
  5. This module is designed to equip you with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theory relevant to the improvement and maintenance of psychological wellbeing and sound mental health. Within this module you will explore key theoretical models which attempt to explain and predict health-related behaviour and examine the practical applications of these models on health, wellbeing and illness. A multitude of health interventions will be reviewed and critically evaluated. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module. The module with further enhance your critical understanding of the ethical, pragmatic, cultural and legal issues related to research or advanced scholarship, and practice in psychological wellbeing and mental health. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.
  6. This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of coaching and mentoring and how to promote positive change using solution focused, evidence-based interventions. Students will develop knowledge of theoretical concepts underpinning coaching and mentoring through the application of theory to practice. Students will learn about recent evidence-based developments within coaching, mentoring and positive psychology and identify conditions required to facilitate growth and success. There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop and critically reflect upon their ethical and professional awareness and continue the process of self-reflection.
  7. This module gives students knowledge of the most recent developments within Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.  There will be a focus on how to apply cognitive behavioural approaches to practice, and an opportunity to critically reflect upon third wave cognitive behavioural concepts.  There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop and critically reflect upon their ethical and professional awareness, and continue the process of self-reflection.
  8. This module will introduce theories of addictions, and ways of working therapeutically with addiction. Definitions and explanations of addiction and addictive/compulsive behaviour will be explored, alongside knowledge of common drugs of abuse. Contemporary approaches, methods of assessment and treatment plans will be considered. A range of effective ways of working therapeutically with addictions will be introduced and critically evaluated.

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