Counselling Studies and Working with Children, Young People, and Families BA (Hons)
Welcome
We are very much looking forward to working with you and excited to share with you our experience and knowledge of theory and practice within this subject area.
Welcome to the Programme!
Semester 1
Week beginning 22 September 2025
- Mondays
- 9am to 10am
- 11am to 1pm
- 2pm to 5pm
- Thursdays
- 9am to 12pm
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
We would like you to keep up to date with societal issues in current affairs by reading high-quality e-newspapers such as The Guardian or The Independent, and formulating your views on news stories about counselling, mental health, education, society, or cultural matters (topics such as: poverty, discrimination, housing and education etc.).
Think about (and keep a journal if you want to) your reactions to such stories; how did the stories make you feel and why? And try to consider why you might have had the reaction you did. What has influenced your view of those topics in the media?
- Thursday 18 September 2025
- 9am to 12pm
- Room DA001
Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
You will be taught by staff from two subject areas.
Staff from Counselling, Psychotherapy and Talking Therapies include:
- Dr Faisal Mahmood – Head of Subject
- Rebekah Woodhouse – Programme Leader
- Dr Steve Roberts – Senior Lecturer
- Linda Luckhurst – Senior Lecturer
- Emily Evans – Senior Lecturer
- Cassie Rowland – Lecturer
- Kathryn Broome – Lecturer
Staff from Working with Children, Young People and Families include:
- Dr Claire Monk – Senior Lecturer
- Daniel Whisker – Senior Lecturer
- Keith Bishop- Senior Lecturer
(COU424) Human Development
- Mondays 9am to 12pm
- with Bill Naylor
(COU421) Counselling Professions and Academic Practice
- Mondays 2pm to 5pm
- with Rebekah Woodhouse
(WWU431) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Thursdays 9am to 12pm
- with Keith Bishop
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
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.
We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
- WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
- Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
- Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
- E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
- Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
- International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments
If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.
Key information
Induction
- Thursday 18 September 2025
Teaching starts
- Monday 22 September 2025
Subject Leader
- Faisal Mahmood
- f.mahmood@staff.newman.ac.uk
Programme Leader
- Rebekah Woodhouse
- r.woodhouse@staff.newman.ac.uk
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)
