Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Counselling, mental health, and wellbeing is a degree that prepares you to understand and support people experiencing emotional, psychological, and mental health difficulties. It sits at the intersection of psychology, counselling theory, and therapeutic practice, developing both the conceptual knowledge to understand how mental health difficulties arise and the skills to support people effectively in their recovery and wellbeing. The mental health sector has grown considerably in importance and public recognition, and the demand for people with genuine training in this area is significant and increasing.

At Birmingham Newman University, this four-year degree with a foundation year is designed for students who are passionate about supporting others and want to explore how therapeutic practice can make a difference in people's lives. The foundation year provides a supported entry into higher education, building the academic and emotional preparation needed before you progress to the main degree. Throughout the degree you will study counselling theory, psychology, mental health and wellbeing frameworks, therapeutic approaches, and the ethical and professional dimensions of working with people in distress.

The programme develops your capacity for reflective practice and self-awareness, both of which are essential for effective therapeutic work, alongside your knowledge of evidence-based approaches to supporting mental health.

Graduates of counselling and mental health degrees move into a range of roles in mental health and therapeutic services, including support worker, wellbeing adviser, community mental health support, and counselling assistant positions. Many go on to further professional training in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, or social work, where the undergraduate foundation provides a strong starting point. The degree also opens routes into mental health policy, research, advocacy, and the voluntary and charitable sector, where supporting people with mental health difficulties is central to the mission of many organisations.