Hello and a warm welcome to the MSc Integrative Counselling Programme
We are absolutely thrilled to have you join. You are stepping into an exciting, intensive, and deeply rewarding journey. You are joining an innovative programme and a nationally respected counselling and psychotherapy department with a long history of professional training.
This year will challenge you academically, clinically, and personally. You’ll be building your practice on the powerful foundations of Gestalt and Psychodynamic theory, grounded in strong relational values.
We are here to support you in becoming the insightful, capable, and ethical practitioner you are meant to be. We encourage you to embrace the vulnerability, trust the process, and lean into the supportive community you are now a part of.
We can’t wait to get started!
Warmest Wishes,
Sam Gallo Programme Leader, MSc Integrative Counselling
Timetable
Course begins on Monday 19 January 2026.
Mondays: 10am to 1pm
Wednesdays: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Fridays: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Pre-induction activities
We encourage you to arrive with a desire for engagement and growth, therefore no pre-arrival activities required.
Induction
Your Induction is designed to give you a smooth, supported start to the programme.
We’ll spend our time together covering the Programme Structure, ensuring you fully understand the requirements and expectations of the intensive one-year, full-time MSc course. Crucially, we’ll clarify the path to professional qualification and discuss the high standards of ethical and clinical conduct expected of all trainee practitioners.
Most importantly, this session is your opportunity to ask all your burning questions—about placements, assignments, the department, or anything else that’s on your mind. We aim to establish a safe and clear container for your entire journey before the modules officially begin.
We look forward to meeting you!
IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
This will be checked on the day at 1pm to 2pm.
Your teaching team
We are thrilled to introduce the core faculty who will be supporting your journey. Our team is united by a commitment to relational practice and decades of experience in the field.
Leading the programme is Sam Gallo, who draws on a wealth of clinical experience since 2012, specialising in the crucial interplay between developmental models and relational ways of working. Sam teaches core Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Integrative theory, alongside Personal and Professional Development (PPD), passionately ensuring you graduate as a strong asset to the profession.
You will also be supported by Joanne Adams, who brings 30 years of organisational and clinical experience, leading modules on Professional Practice and Mental Health Perspectives. Linda Luckhurst, a Senior Lecturer and experienced psychotherapist, specialises in bereavement and loss, and will guide you through crucial development groups. Your research journey will be expertly led by Rebekah Woodhouse, a highly knowledgeable Senior Lecturer whose students frequently present at national conferences. Finally, we welcome Stephanie Carr, an experienced practitioner and Newman graduate, who will run your Semester 1 Skills and Professional Practice module.
We are all looking forward to sharing this space with you!
Module delivery
We are excited to share how your first semester will be structured. We believe the best learning happens through dialogue and discussion, so you can expect a student-focused, discussion-based approach with plenty of experiential activities designed to foster insight and collaboration.
Your week will be structured around three key learning blocks:
Mondays (PPD & Experiential)
Your week kicks off with Personal and Professional Development (PPD) and focused Experiential Activities. This crucial space is where theory meets the self, providing time for deep self-reflection, group process, and personal growth—all vital for developing ethical self-awareness as a practitioner.
Wednesdays (Research & Professional Practice)
You’ll dive into the Research landscape, building the skills necessary to become a critically informed practitioner, alongside foundational Professional Skills Practice.
Fridays (Theory & Ethics)
We will ground you in the core theoretical pillars of the programme: Gestalt Therapy Theory and Ethics. This is where you gain the essential language and framework for understanding change and holding the therapeutic relationship.
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone. We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
