PG Dip Integrative Counselling
Foundation
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Discover how integrative counselling can support personal growth, relational depth and professional development. The Postgraduate Diploma / MSc Integrative Counselling at Birmingham Newman University offers a reflective and practice-based route into the counselling profession. Grounded in relational and person-centred values, the course introduces two core therapeutic approaches: Gestalt and Psychodynamic. You will be supported in developing a flexible and responsive framework that meets the needs of diverse clients. The programme combines academic learning, clinical experience and personal development within a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Why Study This Course?
Studying the Postgraduate Diploma / MSc Integrative Counselling at Birmingham Newman University offers more than professional training. It provides space to explore your development as a practitioner while deepening your understanding of therapeutic work in a reflective and inclusive environment. The course is suited to those ready to engage with the emotional, relational and psychological dimensions of counselling, and who want to build a practice that is both grounded and responsive. Whether you are entering the profession or formalising existing experience, this programme encourages personal growth alongside professional learning.
Explore the Foundations of Integrative Counselling
Integrative counselling draws on empathy, relational depth and psychological insight, and this course helps you understand how these principles apply in real-world settings. You will be introduced to Gestalt and Psychodynamic approaches and supported in developing a coherent framework that reflects your values and meets the needs of diverse clients. Topics include the counselling relationship, mental health, social context and the integration of theory into practice. These areas are explored through clinical placement, personal therapy and regular supervision, helping you reflect on your work and grow as a practitioner.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman, you will be part of a learning community that values integrity, reflection and relational practice. The course is delivered by experienced counsellors and educators who offer individualised support throughout your training. With a strong emphasis on supervision, collaboration and self-awareness, the programme creates a safe and encouraging space in which to develop your skills. Whether your aim is professional registration, private practice or further academic study, you will be supported in becoming a thoughtful, capable and confident practitioner.
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You must have a 1st degree in any subject (minimum 2:2 or equivalent) and level 3 or 4 certificate in counselling skills with experience of having used skills in a workplace or voluntary setting. Successful admission onto the programme is also dependent upon demonstrating your suitability to undertake clinical training at interview. It may be possible in some cases for you to enter the programme without the Level 3 certificate where you can demonstrate in the application that you have acquired the specific competencies outlined in the BACP Counselling Skills Competency Framework either through an equivalent training programme or though practical experience in a voluntary or workplace setting. Birmingham Newman’s Record of Prior Learning (RPcL/RPel) policy can be applied to any applicants who consider they have qualifications or experience that may warrant them being granted exemption from elements of a particular course. Applicants will normally be invited to a selection day for a group task and individual interview. Applicants will need to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to starting the course.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £1,080
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
Throughout your Postgraduate Diploma / MSc Integrative Counselling course, you will engage with supervised clinical placements across the West Midlands and surrounding areas. These experiences are carefully integrated with your academic modules to support your development as a practitioner. You will be guided by experienced professionals and supported by university staff, with progress monitored through structured reflection and supervision. You will also work directly with clients in approved settings, helping you to build insight, confidence and a deeper understanding of relational practice. These opportunities are designed to help you apply theory to real-life scenarios and grow into a capable and reflective counsellor.
Where this course can take you. This course supports your development as a reflective and capable practitioner. It encourages self-awareness, critical thinking and the formation of a strong professional identity. Whether you are preparing for independent practice, working in public or voluntary services or planning further academic study, you will graduate with the knowledge, values and tools needed to contribute to the field of counselling. The programme is designed to help you grow into a confident and responsive professional, ready to meet the needs of diverse communities.
Accreditations and Exemptions
The course follows the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework and includes training in online and telephone counselling in line with BACP guidance. It is currently working towards full BACP accreditation. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for individual registration with the BACP. The programme is designed to prepare you for professional practice, offering the knowledge, skills and reflective grounding needed to work independently or within a range of counselling settings.
