Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling is a professionally validated programme that qualifies you to practise counselling and psychotherapy in the UK, and in other countries where equivalence in qualifications is recognised.
| Name | Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling |
| Start Date | September |
| Mode of Study | 3 years part-time |
| Programme Director | Sharan Collins |
Please check the postgraduate Degree Finder to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines.
Taught over three years of part-time study (including the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies in year one), the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling combines theoretical insights from the psychodynamic and person-centred traditions with practical experience gained in a range of agencies. Teaching and learning methods include small and large experiential group work, supervised practice, theory seminars, personal reflection, and independent study. Assessment methods combine essays with seminar presentations, self and peer assessment, placement-based assessment, and professional portfolios.
Students must complete 150 hours of supervised client work in a practice placement during years 2 and 3 of the Diploma. We have excellent links with a range of agencies across Scotland, and can offer support to students in finding a suitable practice placement within one of these agencies. The programme is validated by COSCA, the professional counselling body for Scotland, so students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling will also receive a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills and a COSCA Diploma in Counselling.
It’s important to note that progression from the first year of the programme requires an interview designed to determine your professional suitability.
Why choose this programme?
Studying at a world-class institution, you will benefit from outstanding resources to support your learning on this established programme. You will be facilitated in your learning by the core tutors who are experienced practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy, a practice supervisor who will help you reflect on your counselling work, and by an Interpersonal Learning Group tutor. The programme involves a high level of student-tutor contact and close supervision of counselling practice, in line with both professional and academic requirements. Your learning will be supported by the core tutors who are experienced practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy, a practice supervisor who will help you reflect on your counselling work, and by an Interpersonal Learning Group tutor.
Yes, graduates of this programme, followed by post-qualification practice and supervision, are able to apply for individual accreditation as a counsellor or psychotherapist with a UK professional body. The programme is accredited by COSCA and will provide you with a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills and a COSCA Diploma in Counselling. It is generally accepted that practitioners should hold a Diploma in Counselling in order to practice as counsellors or psychotherapists in the UK.
If you are interested in obtaining a further professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy, please see our other professionally accredited programmes:
Beyond the programme
Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling opens doors to various educational and professional development opportunities within the School.
Graduates gain work as counsellors and psychotherapists working in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, or can use their counselling training to enhance their career in a related profession such as health care, social work, nursing, or education. Many former students now hold senior positions in the counselling field and have been leading the development of counselling and psychotherapy provision in Scotland.
Further Study Opportunities
Upon successfully completing the Postgraduate Diploma, you can access a whole host of other educational and professional development opportunities within the School. Many students return to the University for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. These courses are designed to support ongoing professional development for individuals practicing as counsellors or psychotherapists. You can pursue an additional year of study, leading to a Master of Counselling degree. Alternatively, you can transfer into the Professional Doctor of Psychotherapy and Counselling program.
Find out more about our postgraduate Counselling and Psychotherapy options