Back to subject area

Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling (part-time)

Foundation

Start date
Study mode
Course length
UCAS Code
Counselling and Psychotherapy students in class

Interested in a different start date?

Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling (part-time)

Course Description

This is a professional training course that enables students to qualify as BACP registered counsellors. It enables students to engage with key theoretical approaches in counselling and related counselling skills, and to learn to integrate them in ways that allow them to be effective practitioners, equipped to work in a range of settings.

The course provides both professional and academic training, producing reflective practitioners who are equipped to meet the future challenges of the counselling profession.

This includes the inclusion of BACP online and phone therapy (OPT) competencies (BACP, 2021) as part of the training programme. The course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and subscribes to the BACP Ethical Framework (2018).

Entry Requirements

– Birmingham Newman’s Level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling, or a Counselling Certificate at level 3 (or equivalent), which normally includes a face-to-face counselling skills training and theoretical understanding

– Some experience of using these skills (such as active listening, empathy, open ended questions, responding appropriately) in a workplace or voluntary setting, such as a helping, listening or supporting relationship is expected

– Those without a level 3 qualification may apply for the Birmingham Newman’s level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling and then apply for entry onto the Foundation Degree.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

– Self-awareness, maturity and stability

– Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience

– Capacity to cope with the emotional, intellectual and academic demands of the course

– Ability to form helping relationships

– Ability to be self-critical and use both positive and negative feedback

– Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression

– Awareness of issues of difference and equality

– Ability to recognise the need for personal and professional support

– Competence in, or the aptitude to develop generic professional skills, including: literacy, numeracy, information technology, administrative skills, self- management skills, communication and interpersonal skills

Additional costs

There are some additional fees associated with this course – these are outside of the course fees and self-funded. For example, the cost of clinical supervision (1 hour per fortnight whilst completing the 120-hour clinical hours), personal therapy (40 hours by the end of the course), student membership to the BACP for each year of your studies and professional indemnity insurance once in placement.

Additional Costs:

– Personal Therapy approx. £45-£65 per session
– Clinical Supervision approx. £45-£65 per session
– BACP student membership annual fee approx. £92 per year
– Professional indemnity insurance annual fee (costs vary between providers)

Why study this course?

The course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

It offers a distinctive training in integrative counselling, using an assimilative model of integration as a framework for practice with a person-centred core

The course combines academic study, personal reflection and counselling skills and practice with active clinical work in the second year of study.

On completion, you can progress to the?BA (Hons) ‘Top Up’ award in Counselling Studies,?thereby achieving a full Honours degree.

The course has a strong reputation and good relationships with a range of placement providers across the region.

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?

The tuition fee for academic year 2025/26 is: £4,850

Additional costs

Check out our blog/news/events

Image of outside Valencia campus gardens with 3 smiling people

Exploring the World Through the Turing Scheme: Experiences from Spain and Germany

During the summer months of 2025, students from Birmingham Newman University took part in a…

Two students at massage clinic at Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University to Launch Sports Massage Clinic Open to the Public

Birmingham Newman University is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its brand-new Sports Massage…

West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association ERS Silver event, National Memorial Arboretum credit: leeboswellphotography.com

Birmingham Newman University Achieves Silver Award Recognition for Commitment to Defence Personnel

Over 100 guests gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate thirty-six regional…

Birmingham Newman University celebrating University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026

Birmingham Newman University Named The Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion

Birmingham Newman University is delighted to announce that it has been named University of the…

Emma Powell

Dr Emma Powell Named Finalist in Birmingham Awards 2025 – Contribution to Education

Dr. Emma Powell SFHEA, Senior Lecturer in Primary ITE at Birmingham Newman University, has been…

Book an open day

Find out about our next open day. Book now to secure your place.

Theoretical perspectives for counselling 1
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module gives an overview of Person-Centred Counselling theory and an understanding of how its underpinning theory and philosophy inform the practice of counselling. Person Centred Counselling will be examined from the perspective of its application in practice (which relates to modules COF436/COF535/COF536). The underpinning rationale that justifies the use of this model will be explored and students will be encouraged reflect on its relevance to personal development.

Theoretical perspectives for counselling 2
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module aims to give students an understanding of the theory, philosophy and practice of counselling from Gestalt and Psychodynamic viewpoints. These theoretical frameworks will be examined from the perspective of their application in counselling practice and evidence-based practice. The underpinning rationale that justifies the use of these two models will be explored, and students will be encouraged to evaluate the usefulness of different approaches from a practical perspective.

Professional counselling skills
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This is the initial module on the Foundation Degree Programme, and as such is intended to develop the subject of counselling and consolidate counselling skills. The main emphasis will be on the therapeutic frame and the development of specific skills from the Person Centred Approach alongside common-factors skills associated with other therapeutic modalities.

Ethical, professional and contextual issues
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will enable students, who at this stage will have a foundation in the core skills of counselling, to acquire an increased awareness of the ethical and professional issues involved in counselling practice. Attention will be given to the practical aspects of the profession, such as contracting, referrals, managing boundaries, as well as an appreciation of wider issues such as culture, belief systems, sexual orientation, risk assessment, collaborative working and the on-going role of supervision. This module will also consider the range of settings within which counselling takes place in the UK and the ways in which the context influences practice and consider this in the context of employability characteristics and skills. Students will also consider applying knowledge & awareness to work with others in a manner which is sensitive to and respectful of difference.

The professional practice 1
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module sets out to enable students in the first part of their Professional Counselling Placement(s), to sharpen their reflective approach, demonstrating movement from theory into practice which evidences a sound Integrative Model. It will challenge them to reflect effectively on the professional and ethical dimensions to their practice in their placement. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate how far and in what ways they are engaged in planning their ongoing personal and professional development. This module therefore also includes the Personal and Professional Development Group hour. This module is central and critical to counsellor training, as students move toward the practical and professional aspects of their course. It is therefore intended to be wide-ranging and to be responsive to students’ placement contexts and evolving experience.

The counselling process
20 Credits (Compulsory)

In this module students bring together learning from the previous two modules to integrate skills and theory. The module provides crucial preparation for students to start on their counselling placement. This module focuses on the steps that represent the stages of the counselling process. It will develop student’s relational awareness (including containment, ruptures and repairs) and draw on appropriate theories (including Rogers’ 7-stage process model, attachment & transference) to support theory into practice.

Clinical placement

During year 2 and year 3 of the Integrative Counselling Foundation Degree, students will engage with a supervised clinical placement. Students will work directly with clients in approved settings, helping them to build insight, confidence and a deeper understanding of relational practice. Placement opportunities are designed to help students apply theory to real-life scenarios and grow into an ethical and reflective counsellor.

Studying and living in Birmingham

At Birmingham Newman University, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green campus that creates the ideal setting for focused study and personal reflection, yet remains just eight miles from the vibrant city centre.

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is also one of the youngest and most diverse in Europe, offering a dynamic blend of culture, innovation and opportunity. From world-renowned museums and music venues to a thriving food scene alongside a growing business and tech sector, it’s a place where creativity and ambition naturally thrive.

Experience Birmingham: A City Full of Possibilities

Whether you're discovering the Midlands for the first time or already know the area well, Birmingham provides a lively and inclusive environment for students. As one of the most energetic and multicultural cities in the UK, it’s a place where you can grow academically while developing personally. Its rich cultural heritage, creative energy and broad range of opportunities make it an inspiring backdrop for your university journey.

A City That Loves Great Food

Birmingham is a brilliant place to explore diverse culinary experiences. You might wander through the famous Balti Triangle, sample global street food at Digbeth Dining Club or enjoy a relaxed meal by the canals in Brindleyplace. The city is also home to independent cafés, vegan-friendly eateries and countless hidden gems. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between lectures or planning an evening out, there’s always something new to discover.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

The city pulses with creativity. You could catch live music at the O2 Academy, experience a world-class performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome or browse exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Creative spaces like the Custard Factory showcase local talent while hosting events that celebrate innovation. With festivals, sporting fixtures and cultural celebrations taking place year-round, there’s never a shortage of things to enjoy.

Simple & Convenient Travel

Getting around Birmingham is straightforward thanks to its well-connected public transport system. Buses, trams and trains make it easy to reach campus, explore the city or travel further afield. Whether you're commuting daily or heading off for a weekend adventure, transport is both accessible and affordable.

Life Beyond the Lecture Hall

Your time at Birmingham Newman University extends far beyond academic study. You’ll have the chance to join student societies, contribute to community projects or try something entirely new. The university’s supportive atmosphere encourages you to build confidence, develop practical skills and feel genuinely at home throughout your studies.

Our Careers team provides tailored advice, placements and workshops to help you build confidence and prepare for life after university.

Expected study hours

In year one, classroom teaching takes place between 10am and 5pm on Thursdays.*

You should expect to spend a further day engaging in independent study.

You will also need to allocate time for personal therapy.

In years two and three, classroom teaching takes place between 11am and 5pm on Wednesdays.*

You will undertake a supervised clinical placement and clinical supervision (as well as continuing with personal therapy and ongoing independent study). Your clinical placement will take place on a day when you are not taught on campus.

This is a thorough practitioner training and as such there are competing demands on your time during the course.

You will need to be able to complete academic work, whilst also completing clinical hours with your clients, accessing clinical supervision, organising your own personal therapy and study time.

Courses we think you'll also like

Instagram does not support direct link sharing, below is the page URL to copy to add to Instagram posts manually: