BA Joint Hons Counselling Studies & Working with Children, Young People & Families (with Fnd) (full-time)
Undergraduate
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Discover how therapeutic approaches, social policy and inclusive practice prepare you to support children, young people and families across a range of settings. The BA (Hons) Counselling Studies and Working with Children, Young People and Families at Birmingham Newman University is a full-time, three-year undergraduate degree designed for those who want to make a positive impact through care, communication and advocacy. Whether you are new to the field or building on existing experience, this course offers a supportive and interdisciplinary route into roles that promote wellbeing, resilience and social justice. You will explore how counselling theory and social science combine to address individual and systemic challenges, while developing the skills to work ethically and effectively with others.
What You'll Study and How You'll Learn. You will begin with core subjects including counselling theory, human development, social policy and the sociology of childhood and family life. These foundations support your learning in specialist areas such as safeguarding, therapeutic approaches, partnership working and anti-oppressive practice. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops and reflective activities, with input from experienced practitioners and community organisations. You will also study research methods and workplace learning, helping you apply theory to practice and contribute to service improvement. Learning is designed to be inclusive and applied, supporting your development as a reflective and adaptable practitioner.
Where This Course Can Take You. Graduates of this degree are well-prepared for a variety of roles in education, youth work, health and social care across public, private and voluntary sectors. You may choose to work in areas such as family support, safeguarding, mentoring or community outreach. The course also supports progression into postgraduate study, including social work, counselling, psychotherapy or education. You will be equipped to contribute confidently within multi-agency teams and help improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Support from Birmingham Newman University’s Careers and Employability Service includes mentoring, networking opportunities and guidance on further study or employment.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
This route is designed for students who:
Are returning to education after a break
Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Studying the BA (Hons) Counselling Studies and Working with Children, Young People and Families at Birmingham Newman University offers a professionally relevant and socially engaged route into careers that support wellbeing and inclusion. Whether facilitating therapeutic conversations, advocating for vulnerable families or contributing to policy development, you will gain the knowledge and skills to work with empathy and integrity. The course prepares you to understand and respond to complex needs, empowering individuals and communities through ethical and informed practice. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and reflective development, you will graduate ready to make a meaningful difference.
Explore the Dynamics of Care, Communication and Family Support
Counselling and support work is grounded in empathy, collaboration and inclusive practice, and this course helps you understand how these principles apply in real-life settings. You will study Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural approaches alongside modules in safeguarding, partnership working and trauma-informed care. Through workshops, case studies and workplace learning, you will build skills in communication, assessment and support planning. You will also explore research methods and service evaluation, preparing you to contribute to innovation and improvement across children, young people and family services.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman University, you will be part of a close-knit academic community that supports your growth. Teaching blends lectures, seminars and practical workshops, enriched by insights from service users and regional practice partners. You will receive tailored feedback, professional mentoring and career guidance throughout your studies. The learning environment is inclusive and student-focused, helping you build confidence and resilience. On graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and insight needed to pursue a wide range of careers or further study in counselling, education or social care.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £9,535
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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Throughout your BA (Hons) Counselling Studies and Working with Children, Young People and Families course, you will engage with practical opportunities across the West Midlands and surrounding areas. These experiences are carefully integrated with your academic modules to support your development. You will be guided by experienced professionals and supported by university staff, with progress monitored through structured reflection and assessment. You will also interact with children, families and practitioners from across the sector, helping you to build insight, confidence and a deeper understanding of inclusive practice. These opportunities are designed to help you apply theory to real-life scenarios and grow into a capable and reflective graduate.

Where This Course Can Take You. Graduates of this degree are well-prepared for a variety of roles in education, youth work, health and social care across public, private and voluntary sectors. You may choose to work in areas such as family support, safeguarding, mentoring or community outreach. The course also supports progression into postgraduate study, including social work, counselling, psychotherapy or education. You will be equipped to contribute confidently within multi-agency teams and help improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Support from Birmingham Newman University’s Careers and Employability Service includes mentoring, networking opportunities and guidance on further study or employment.
This degree is academically rigorous and professionally relevant, preparing you for careers that require strong communication, ethical awareness and inclusive practice. The curriculum is developed in consultation with practitioners, educators and community organisations, reflecting current expectations across the sector. As a student at Birmingham Newman University, you will benefit from a programme that is socially engaged, intellectually challenging and aligned with the evolving demands of work with children, young people and families. You will graduate prepared to contribute confidently to care, education and support services.
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