Counselling and Therapeutic Approaches (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)
Undergraduate
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Course overview
Discover how counselling approaches can support emotional wellbeing and promote inclusive care. The BA (Hons) Counselling and Therapeutic Approaches at Birmingham Newman University is designed for students who are passionate about supporting others and want to explore how therapeutic practice can make a difference.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
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.
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Why study this course
Students on the BA (Hons) Counselling and Therapeutic Approaches degree and on the JH BA (Hons) Counselling and Working With Children, Young People and Adults gain an in-depth understanding of counselling theory and its application in working in a variety of settings, along with the acquisition of a range of listening and communication skills.
On this programme you will consider how counsellors and psychotherapists use theories and evidence to contribute to debates about how we understand mental health conditions, diagnosis and treatment options, and how psychotherapy and counselling is critical to understanding mental health, wellbeing, human development and human relationships. The programme will develop graduates who are familiar with and able to critically analyse concepts around professional judgement and risk in working ethically with others.
Students will develop key transferable skills necessary for employment including: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, self-awareness and personal growth, decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts, and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional within the mental health profession or equivalent.
Students who complete the additional 4th year practitioner programme will be – on successful completion of 100 supervised clinical hours – able to apply for professional registration with one of the National Regulatory Bodies such as the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.
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Entry requirements
We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.
Entry requirements, for UK home students: 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.
Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.
Course fees & funding
Fees
All fees are shown in GBP (£).
The tuition fee for the 2026/27 academic year is: £9,790.
Fees for the 2027/28 academic year can be found on our Student Finance pages and choosing your degree type.
Please note: If this course includes a Foundation Year, the fees shown above apply to the Foundation Year only. Fees for subsequent years will be charged at the standard undergraduate full-time fee.
Funding
Find out what funding and support might be available to you through Student Finance and Student Success.
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).
Find out about extra costs, timetable details, and how course modules may change through additional course information.
Check out our blog/news/events
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Birmingham Newman earns strong Ofsted praise following latest inspection of its initial teacher education Birmingham Newman University has been acclaimed for its strong standards in inclusion and…
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Life in Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse cities, offering a vibrant and welcoming environment for students. From world-class shopping and a thriving food scene to cultural attractions and green spaces, there’s always something to explore.
The city is also one of the most affordable places to study in the UK, helping you make the most of your student budget. With excellent transport links, you can easily travel across the UK, including quick connections to London and other major cities.
Whether you’re looking for nightlife, live events, or quiet places to relax, Birmingham has something for everyone.
This course is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in counselling, psychotherapy, teaching, learning support, family support, statutory and third sector social work/social care, graduate mental health support work, coaching and mentoring and other roles requiring the skills of understanding, care and support.
Student life & support
Student life & support at Birmingham Newman brings together the services, facilities and guidance that help students feel supported and succeed at every stage of their journey.
From academic skills, wellbeing and disability support to student finance, cost‑of‑living help, accommodation and campus life, we support students both inside and outside the classroom – so they can make the most of their time at university and beyond.
Life in Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse cities, offering a vibrant and welcoming environment for students. From world-class shopping and a thriving food scene to cultural attractions and green spaces, there’s always something to explore.
The city is also one of the most affordable places to study in the UK, helping you make the most of your student budget. With excellent transport links, you can easily travel across the UK, including quick connections to London and other major cities.
Whether you’re looking for nightlife, live events, or quiet places to relax, Birmingham has something for everyone.
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