COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland)
16 Melville Terrace | Stirling | FK8 2NE
t: 01786 475 140 f: 01786 446 207
e: info@cosca.org.uk w: www.cosca.org.uk
COSCA VALIDATED DIPLOMAS
*** Please refer to end of document for clarification.
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
Contact Details
Academic
Level
Orientation
*** CENTRE OF
THERAPY &
COUNSELLING
STUDIES
Private
Sector
8 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PR
admin@centreoftherapy.org.uk
www.centreoftherapy.org.uk
0141 331 0750
Contact Persons:
Andy Gray or Sarah McFadyen
Title: SCOTACS Diploma in
Counselling and Groupwork. A
Cognitive Behavioural Approach.
SCQF
Level 10
Cognitive
Behavioural
FULLY
VALIDATED
Centre of Therapy
Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork (CBT)
To meet with growing demand, The Centre of Therapy is delighted to announce a further Diploma in
Counselling and Groupwork (CBT).The two year, part time Diploma, held as a monthly (one weekend per
month) and a weekly (one day per week) course, results in certification as a fully qualified Cognitive
Behavioural Therapist. These courses start in September each year and finish in June.
With growing demand for CBT Therapists in both the public and private sector, many people are considering
this as a new career path.
What is CBT?
The Centre specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy courses, or CBT as it is known. CBT is an approach
which enables clients to change the way they think, feel and behave. It can be an effective treatment for
anxiety and depression, phobias, stress, interpersonal issues and addiction amongst other issues. Due to the
relatively short treatment period (usually 6 -12 weeks), CBT is often recommended for referral by GP's and
Mental Health Organisations.
Why CBT?
Why a career in CBT? As people, we never stop growing or re-evaluating our personal situation. Many are
turning to CBT as a practical means of effecting positive change in their lives, and there is a growing demand
for those who can provide the tools and techniques to achieve that. It is a profession suitable for people from
all walks of life. The good thing is that there is no such thing as a typical therapist. This is a profession where
diversity brings its own advantages, as those seeking therapy span such a wide demographic
7 May 2013
Page 1
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
GLASGOW
COGNITIVE
THERAPY
CENTRE
Private
Sector
FULL
VALIDATION
Contact Details
10 Claremont Terrace, Glasgow G3 7XR
0141 248 8244
hildacsmith@fsmail.net
Contact Person: Hilda Smith
Academic
Level
Orientation
No Academic
Validation
Cognitive
Behavioural
Title: Diploma in Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy
Glasgow Cognitive Therapy Centre
Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
The course, Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, was started a few years ago by Hilda C Smith. As
a result of its success, Hilda C Smith has now expanded into new premises with a new name, Glasgow
Cognitive Therapy Centre.
This course aims to train students in CBT. The course follows both the core curriculum required by the
BABCP for cognitive behavioural therapists and also incorporates the COSCA guidelines for training
counsellors. Consequently on completion, graduates of the course will have a wide range of options. They can
proceed to accreditation as either cognitive behavioural therapists with BABCP or as counsellors with either
BACP or COSCA. Or all of them!
The course covers CBT for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. It also includes CBT for Addictions, CBT for
Eating Disorders, and Personality Disorders. We are also developing an exciting module covering
developments in CBT such as Schema Therapy, ACT, Compassionate Mind and Mindfulness.
We focus on what is required by the NICE guidelines so that graduates will be up to date with the newest
techniques in therapy and will be highly knowledgeable in many areas as well as being well grounded in CBT
practice.
Part time: Thursday 6-9pm and Saturday 9.30-4.30
Starting 1st October 2011. Finishing June 2013
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
Contact Details
INVERNESS
COLLEGE UHI
Further
Education
Inverness College UHI, 3 Longman Road,
Inverness IV1 1SA
quality.unit@inverness.uhi.ac.uk
01463 273 000
Contact Person: Kath MacLennan
INITIAL
VALIDATION
7 May 2013
Academic
Level
Orientation
PersonCentred
Title: Diploma in Professional
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Page 2
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
Contact Details
Academic
Level
Orientation
*** MORAY
COLLEGE
Further
Education
(UHI Millennium Institute) Moray Street,
Elgin IV30 1JJ
01343 576000/576409
rosemary.smith@moray.uhi.ac.uk
www.moray.ac.uk
Contact Person: Rosemary Smith
Title: Diploma in Counselling
Delivered in Elgin and Nairn
No Academic
Validation
PersonCentred
FULL
VALIDATION
Moray College
Diploma in Counselling
The Diploma in Counselling is delivered part-time over two years. It requires the student to be in college for
one day a week when the emphasis will be on tutor input on theory, experiential exercises in the group and
skills practice. The first year of the diploma comprises Ethics, Advanced Skills, Person-Centred Theory and
Practice with a Review at the end of the first year.
In year two students will learn about Different Approaches to Counselling, Supervision, Psychopathology and
take part in an Encounter Group. You will have to write a Case Study evidencing how your practice is
underpinned by theory.
In addition to attendance at college, students need to secure a placement where they can accrue 100 hours of
counselling practice that will be supervised on a ratio of one hour of supervision to six hours of client work.
This takes place in the second year of study.
There are two weekend Residentials, one in each year of the course.
Assessment for the course is through Reflective Learning Logs, Assignments, Presentations and Peer/ Tutor
Observation
PHYSIS
TRAINING LTD
FULL
VALIDATION
7 May 2013
Private
Sector
C/o 86 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9
1PY
info@physistraining.co.uk
www.physistraining.co.uk
0131 667 6173
Contact Person: Barbara Clarkson
Queen
Margaret
College.
Post
graduate.
SCQF
Level 11
Transactional
Analysis
Title: Diploma in Transactional
Analysis Counselling
Page 3
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
Contact Details
RELATIONSHIPS
Voluntary
SCOTLAND
Sector
18 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EP
0845 119 6088
Anne.chilton@relationships-scotland.org.uk
Contact Person:
Anne Chilton
FULL
VALIDATION
Title: Diploma in Relationship Counselling
Academic
Level
120
Credits at
Level 9
SCQF
Edinburgh
Napier
University
Orientation
Integrative
Location of Delivery: EDINBURGH
Relationships Scotland
Diploma in Relationship Counselling
Relationships Scotland is the sister organisation of Relate and is the leading agency in Scotland offering
relationship counselling and training. The Diploma in Relationship Counselling is an Integrative Course with
particular emphasis on Psychodynamic and Systemic theories and incorporates theories of Adult Sexuality.
Training for the diploma is delivered in our attractive and spacious Georgian building in the heart of Edinburgh
within walking distance of rail and bus terminals. Students gain skills in counselling both individuals and
couples making this a unique training opportunity. The course lasts two and a half years, delivered on a part
time basis over 25 weekends, and brings together students from all over Scotland.
Course Directors provide consistent support and a range of specialist tutors enhance student learning
throughout training. Key elements attracting students to our course include:
 Competitive training costs due to the charitable status of Relationships Scotland.
 Initial COSCA validation.
 Academic credit rating from Edinburgh Napier University of 120 credits at SCQF, Level 9.
 Supportive practice placements within Relationships Scotland’s network of local services, which often
provide free or subsidised supervision.
 Small training numbers offering a maximum 1:10 staff/student ratio and regular individual as well as group
tutorials.
7 May 2013
Page 4
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
Contact Details
Academic
Level
Orientation
HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT
SCOTLAND
Voluntary
Conference House, 152 Morrison Street,
The Exchange, Edinburgh EH3 8EB
info@hdscotland.org.uk
www.hdscotland.org.uk
0131 248 2400
Validated by
Glasgow
Caledonian
University at
SCVQ
Level 11
Psychodynamic
Contact Person:
Mary MacCallum Sullivan
(Postgraduate
Diploma level)
Sector
FULLY
VALIDATED
Title: Diploma in Psychodynamic and
Therapeutic Practice
Location of Delivery: GLASGOW
SIHR
Post Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
The SIHR Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Therapeutic Practice is validated by
COSCA and accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University.
It is a part-time (2 days per week), 2-year modular programme designed to fulfil the training requirements for
those who wish to work towards professional accreditation with COSCA, BACP and BPC.
The psychodynamic perspective describes a way of understanding human relations, recognising and valuing
the connections, which may not always be at a conscious level, between an individual's inner and outer
experiences, and the significance of past experience in relation to the present. The hallmark of a
psychodynamic practitioner is an enhanced reflective self-awareness that includes an understanding of
underlying relational dynamics and the capacity to work sensitively with the complexity of what it means to be
human. Psychodynamic counsellors have acquired an understanding of themselves, their unconscious as well
as conscious motivation and feelings and how these affect their behaviour and their interactions.
The Programme proposes a ‘lived experience’ as a member of a learning community and promotes a model
of good professional practice in the field of psychological therapy which foregrounds the following:
 the centrality of relationship, in both conscious and unconscious aspects, in human development and
behaviour, and the implications of this complexity for professional practice;
 clients understood as complex human beings rather than in terms of a ‘presenting problem’ or a mentalhealth diagnosis;
 the professional responsibility of the practitioner and of the service in respect of the management of the
therapeutic context.
SHETLAND
COLLEGE
FULLY
VALIDATED
7 May 2013
Further
Education
Gremista, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 OPX
01595 771000
gwen.williamson@shetland.uhi.ac.uk
Contact Person: Gwen Williamson
Validated by
Warwick
University/
Undergraduate
PersonCentred
Title: Diploma in Person Centred
Counselling
Page 5
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
Contact Details
Academic
Level
Orientation
SIMPSON
HOUSE
TRAINING
Voluntary
52 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 3NS
0131 220 5996
Diploma in
Higher
Education
(240 credits)
Validated by
Middlesex
University
Psychodynamic
Framework
Sector
simpsonhousetraining@crossreach.org.uk
www.simpson-house.org
Contact Person: Glenn Liddall
FULLY
VALIDATED
Title: Diploma in Counselling Children
& Young People
Simpson House
Diploma in Higher Education Counselling Children & Young People
The course runs over four years with the first year leading to a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills:
Children & Young People, allowing people to work with children & young people using counselling skills.
Students may enter the course at year 1 or year 2. Years 2, 3 and 4 culminate in the full Diploma in Higher
Education qualification from Middlesex University and a Diploma from COSCA. The course is provided on a
part time basis delivered on Fridays and Saturdays. The first two years are made up of 400 hours training and
40 hours of personal therapy. The third year includes the completion of 150 counselling placement hours and
25 supervision hours. It is possible to complete the course in two years as there is no teaching element on the
third year as it provides the time to complete. Most students take up this option that includes ongoing support
from the course.
The Diploma in Higher Education Counselling Children & Young People qualifies people to work as
counsellors with special skills in counselling children & young people. The course has Full Validation through
COSCA and Middlesex University and will:
 Provide access to counselling training for students with suitable experience, qualifications and
knowledge.

Provides in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of psychodynamic counselling in working with
children & young people.

Encourage students to integrate theory with practice.

Enable each student to develop their own philosophy and ways of counselling using a psychodynamic
approach that is appropriate for the developmental stage of the child/young person being counselled.

Develop self-awareness and insight that reflect a psychodynamic approach.

Provide a knowledge base of other theoretical approaches and creative therapies as they apply to
work with children & young people.

Appreciate diversity and culture. Explain the dynamics of different systems and environments on lives
of children & young people.

Provide appropriate knowledge of legal and ethical practice.

Encourage familiarity with a wide range of appropriate and contemporary counselling practice.

Prepare students to work in a variety of professional settings.

Produce a practitioner that is able to practice professionally and who understands the need for
7 May 2013
Page 6
ongoing supervision in their professional role.
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
*** THE
GARNETHILL
CENTRE
Voluntary
Sector
FULLY
VALIDATED
Title:
Contact Details
28 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RE
admin@garnethillcentre.org.uk
www.garnethillcentre.org.uk
0141 333 0730
Contact Person: Marjorie McKenna
Academic
Level
Orientation
Psychodynamic
Validated by
the University
of West of
Scotland at
SCQF
Level 9
Title: Diploma in Psychodynamic
Counselling
Diploma In Psychodynamic Counselling
Academic Level: Validated by the University of the West of Scotland at SCQF Level 9
The Garnethill Centre
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
Accreditation and Course Arrangements
The Garnethill Centre’s Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling is Validated by COSCA and Accredited by the
University of the West of Scotland at SCQF Level 9.
We have been delivering training for over thirty years and this is the twelfth year of our Diploma programme.
The Diploma is a two year part-time course, meeting on Wednesday evenings from 5pm until 8.45pm and six
Saturdays during the two years from 9.15am until 5.30pm. This programme is designed for those who once
the graduate can work towards a professional accreditation with COSCA or BACP. These organisations are
now engaged in establishing a professional register for counsellors.
Why Psychodynamic?
The Course is Psychodynamic in its orientation. The Psychodynamic approach focuses on and explores the
links between clients’ current situations and problems, and significant events in early life. While all successful
therapies seek to relieve symptoms like depression and anxiety, the aims of psychodynamic counselling
extend beyond this. By providing a safe and deeply authentic relationship between counsellor and client, the
counsellor seeks to foster and develop psychological capacities and resources in the client to enable them to
live and relate to others in a more meaningful and fulfilling way.
Further information
The fees have not been increased for the last four years due to the financial climate and we offer assisted
funding for those who are self financing.
Although the entrance qualification is a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills, a scheme for Accredited Prior
Learning is in operation.
7 May 2013
Page 7
*** UNIVERSITY
OF ABERDEEN
Higher
Education
School of Education, MacRobert
Building, Kings College, Aberdeen AB24
5UA
e.freire@abdn.ac.uk
01224 274 841
Contact Person: Elizabeth Freire
Title: Post-Graduate Diploma in
Person Centred Counselling
University of
Aberdeen
Postgraduate 5.
SCQF
Level 11
PersonCentred
Higher
Education
Counselling Studies, School of Health in
Social Science, Medical Quad, Teviot
Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG
sue.larsen@ed.ac.uk
www.health.ed.ac.uk
0131 651 6230
Contact Person: Sue Larsen
University of
Edinburgh/
Postgraduate
Level 11
Dialogue
between
Psychodynamic
and
PersonCentred
CONDITIONAL
VALIDATION
*** THE
UNIVERSITY OF
EDINBURGH
FULLY
VALIDATED
Titles: Post Graduate Diploma in
Counselling
Master of Counselling (Interpersonal
Dialogue)
FULLY
VALIDATED
The University of Edinburgh
Diploma in Counselling (part -time)
The Postgraduate Diploma is a recognised qualification to practice as a counsellor. Taught over three years of
part-time study (including the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies in year one) it combines
theoretical insights from the psychodynamic and person-centred traditions with practical experience gained in
a range of agencies. You will be facilitated in your learning by the core tutors who are experienced
practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy, as well as by a personal tutor who will meet with you regularly
throughout the Diploma, a practice supervisor who will help you reflect on your counselling work, and by an
Interpersonal Learning Group tutor. You will gain professional experience of individual adult counselling while
on the Diploma. However, you will also be able to develop your experience of working with couples and/or
with children and young people by undertaking additional option courses and practice placements with
relevant agencies if you so wish.
The programme provides a high level of student-tutor contact and close supervision of counselling practice, in
line with both professional and academic requirements.
Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue (full -time)
The Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue) is a full professional training meeting recognised
standards for counselling training and education. Designed to meet the needs of international students but
also open to local students, the programme provides an accelerated route to a Masters qualification in
counselling.
7 May 2013
Page 8
A distinctive feature of this programme is the opportunity to gain practice experience at a range of counselling
agencies, including our own dedicated placement agency, Hope Park Counselling Centre, one of only four
such research and practice centres in the UK.
While this degree qualifies you to provide one-to-one counselling with adult clients, you can also develop your
skills, knowledge and experience for working with couples and/or children and young people by taking
additional option courses and through placements with relevant counselling agencies. You can also apply to
audit additional option courses in counselling and psychotherapy which seem of interest to you.
You will be facilitated in your learning by core tutors who are experienced practitioners of counselling and
psychotherapy, as well as by a clinical tutor who will meet with you regularly, and a practice supervisor who
will help you reflect on your counselling work.
Agency and
Validation
Status
SECTOR
VITAL
CONNEXIONS
Private
Sector
FULLY
VALIDATED
Contact Details
Esk Grove Coach House, 9 Inveresk
Village, Edinburgh EH21 7TD
andreawig@aol.com
0131 237 8066
Contact Person: Andrea Wigglesworth
Academic
Level
Orientation
No Academic
Validation
Christian
Counselling
Title: Diploma in Christian Counselling
Delivered in Lothian and Dublin
COSCA APPROVED DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING
Agency and
Contact Person
SECTOR
Contact Details
Contact
Person
Orientation
ATHENS
SYNTHESIS
CENTRE
Private
Sector
PO Box 13793, Athens, Greece 10310
panos@therapia.gr.
Panos
Assimakis
Integrative
Title: Diploma in Counselling
*** = These providers also offer a COSCA Validated/Initially Validated Diploma in Counselling
FV = Full Validation: the course being delivered has met the criteria to be given Full Validation by the
COSCA Course Validation Panel.
CV = Conditional Validation: the course being delivered has conditions to be met prior to awarding Full
Validation.
IV = Initial Validation: the course is in the process of being externally assessed prior to being considered
for Full Validation by the COSCA Course Validation Panel.
CRV = Conditional Revalidation: the course being delivered has conditions to be met prior to awarding Full
Revalidation.
As a charity COSCA welcomes donations or other assistance from
7 May 2013
Page 9
benefactors who may have benefited from counselling
or who wish to support the development of counselling in Scotland.
COSCA acknowledges the financial help from the Scottish Government
Charity Registered in Scotland No. SC018887
Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in Scotland No. 142360
7 May 2013
Page 10