Professional Practice in Counselling (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
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Course overview – Professional Practice in Counselling (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
This one-year, full-time BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Counselling (Top-up) is designed for qualified counsellors to support their professional knowledge and advance their professional practice. This course enables you to top-up your qualification to degree level and is aligned to SCoPEd Column B competencies.
The BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Counselling (Top-up) combines rigorous academic learning of relevant theoretical and practical knowledge alongside a strong emphasis upon developing reflective capacity and personal competence.
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Why study Professional Practice in Counselling (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
Studying the BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Counselling (top-up) at Birmingham Newman University offers a flexible and supportive learning experience built around your professional context. The course encourages reflective learning by combining academic theory, research and professional practice.
“This qualified practitioner course is designed to support your personal and professional development as a counsellor. It recognises that you are actively working as a practitioner in a clinical setting. Through a blend of academic study and reflective practice, you will explore your role, deepen in self-awareness and grow in confidence as you develop SCoPEd Column B competencies” – Rebekah Woodhouse, Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader
Supportive and Personalised Learning.
At Birmingham Newman University we have a long history of counselling and psychotherapy training, and you will be part of a welcoming and inclusive community that values authenticity, collaboration and personal growth. The course is taught by qualified and experienced counsellors and psychotherapists who understand the realities of clinical work and are committed to your development. With small group teaching, regular feedback and a strong emphasis on reflective learning, the programme is both academically engaging and personally rewarding.
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What are the 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.
• Level 5 qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent)
• Be a registered member of one of the SCoPEd partner organisations
• Be prepared to undertake 50 hours of supervised clinical work[RW2.1]
• Be prepared to complete a minimum of 40 hours of personal development
Successful admission onto the programme is also dependent upon demonstrating your suitability to undertake further clinical training at column B (SCoPEd) and personal development at interview.
Non-Academic Requirements:
DBS Clearance. Candidates must receive a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring System check prior to commencing the course.
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.
Course specific additional costs
The following costs are in addition to your university fees:
- Clinical Supervision
- Annual membership fees relevant to your professional body
- Annual indemnity insurance
- Initial Enhanced DBS clearance fee and update levy cost
- Information Commissioners Office registration fee
- Personal Development costs, such as personal therapy
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Facilities
Our campus
Take a tour of our campus and view some of the facilities we have to offer.
Placement Information
During your BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Counselling (top-up) you will engage in minimum of 50 hours of supervised clinical practice. 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 work directly with clients in approved settings, including private practice, helping you to build insight, confidence and a deeper understanding of relational practice.
What Careers Can I Consider
This is a post-qualification progression course aimed at qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who wish to further develop their knowledge, skills and professional practice.
The course follows the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework (2018, 2026) and includes training in online and telephone counselling in line with BACP guidance.
We are working towards BACP accreditation as a SCoPEd Column B progression course. Upon successful completion, you may be eligible for SCoPEd Column B registration status, subject to completing the relevant professional membership body’s application process and meeting their requirements.
Accreditations and Exemptions
This course follows the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework and is aligned to SCoPEd column B competencies. This programme includes training in online and telephone therapy in line with BACP guidance.
We are currently working towards accreditation as a BACP Accredited progression course (aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework). Upon successful completion, students may be able to apply for Accredited membership with the BACP.
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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