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
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
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)
