Zahra Kazim Dhalla, a Tanzanian graduate of IMU University’s Master of Counselling programme, has successfully attained Registered Membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), one of the world’s leading professional counselling bodies.

The School of Psychology and Social Sciences of IMU University is proud to celebrate the achievement of Master of Counselling (MOC) graduate, Zahra Kazim Dhalla, who has successfully attained Registered Membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.

This accomplishment reflects both Zahra’s dedication to professional excellence and the quality of education provided by IMU’s Master of Counselling programme.

Zahra, MC1/23 cohort, took 17 hours of flight from her home country Tanzania to Malaysia, to enrol in the Master of Counselling programme as a full-time student in Sept 2023 and completed her studies in August 2025.

Her academic excellence and commitment to learning were recognised when she graduated with Distinction during IMU’s graduation ceremony on 1 November 2025.

The journey towards BACP Registered Membership involved a rigorous process.

In March 2026, Zahra successfully met the requirements for BACP Individual Membership, made possible through the comprehensive curriculum and training offered by IMU’s Master of Counselling programme. The programme’s academic and professional standards aligned with the requirements set by BACP, providing a strong foundation for graduates seeking the individual membership recognition

Building on this achievement, Zahra then undertook the BACP Certificate of Proficiency, an assessment designed to ensure that practitioners meet the professional standards required for registration.

In June 2026, she successfully passed the assessment and was officially awarded BACP Registered Membership.

The BACP is widely recognised as one of the leading professional counselling bodies globally and plays a role similar to that of the Malaysian Board of Counsellors (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia) in promoting professional standards, ethical practice, and public confidence in the counselling profession. Becoming a registered member signifies that a practitioner has met recognised standards of competence and professionalism.

Zahra’s journey at IMU was marked by both academic excellence and genuine personal and professional growth. Known for her diligence, collaborative spirit, and active engagement, she developed strong counselling competencies while forming meaningful friendships and professional networks.

She shares that her experience extended far beyond academics, as the programme equipped her with essential skills, confidence, and a supportive environment that continue to enrich her growth as a counselling professional.

This milestone exemplifies IMU’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also globally competitive and professionally recognised. Zahra’s achievement highlights how the Master of Counselling programme equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional foundation needed to pursue opportunities beyond national borders.

As the counselling profession continues to evolve internationally, achievements such as Zahra’s demonstrate how IMU graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities around the world.

The School of Psychology and Social Sciences congratulates Zahra on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes her continued success as she advances her counselling career on the global stage.

Written by Dr Thulasimani Munohsamy, School of Psychology and Social Sciences