This Diploma in Relational Counselling equips counsellors with the theory, understanding and skills to work relationally on a wide range of issues.
This customised award has been credit rated by SQA at Level 11 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) with 120 credit points and has full validation from Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA).
Course description
This two-year Diploma in counselling provides an overarching training for counsellors seeking to counsel relationally, combining multiple modalities. The Relational Counselling Diploma encourages students to deepen their understanding of theoretical perspectives, examine their beliefs and attitudes to develop professional skills appropriate to the safe and ethical application of counselling support.
Psychoanalytic adult attachment theories (particularly Jeremy Holmes) are a major focus, looking at how our attachment history affects all aspects of life. The course employs Gerard Egan’s Skilled Helper Model as a guiding framework. The course covers issues that impact relationships from cradle to grave.
The diploma has a focus on evidence-based practice and therefore students will be encouraged to inform their counselling practice with current and relevant counselling research. As such students will be required to submit a research proposal during year 2.
Upon successful completion of the course and supervised practice elements, trainees may be eligible for professional registration, however, this will be at the discretion of the professional body of their choosing.
Please use the links below to navigate this page where you will learn more about:
- Who is the Diploma for?
- Entry requirements
- Course content
- Time commitment and training dates
- Course fees
- How to apply
Who is the Diploma in Relational Counselling for?
The Diploma in Relational Counselling is aimed at those who want to become qualified counselling practitioners. The course is designed to encourage trainees to explore each client’s unique journey from childhood to adulthood by offering an integrated relational approach to deepen inter and intrapersonal relationships.
Course entry requirements
Applicants are expected to have an HNC in Counselling or COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate as a minimum entry requirement. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate their ability to work at SCQF Level 11 i.e., hold an undergraduate degree or above.
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning) for previous experience may be considered for those that hold alternative counselling awards.
Course components
The Diploma course includes:
- 29 to 30 days of training (dependent on training delivery)
Completion of the course requires:
- Summative assignments
- Formative assessments as a means of on-going progress evaluation.
- A mandatory supervised counselling placement of 100 hours
Please note that students are required to secure their own placement. This is supported by our placement co-ordinator.
The diploma consists of eight integrated modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Relational Counselling Processes
- Module 2: Introduction to Counselling Theory & Skills Reflection Process
- Module 3: Fundamentals of Counselling Practice
- Module 4: Relational Counselling Processes
- Module 5: Counselling Theory
- Module 6: Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice
- Module B1 Working Relationally
- Module B2: Working Relationally
Time commitment and training dates
Students must commit to attending all training days, self-managed independent study, a counselling placement, and supervision.
- Year 1 and 2 of the courses includes 29 in person training days (58 days in total)
- A minimum of 85% attendance is required
2024/26 Thursday Course Dates
Training takes place every Thursday from 9.30am to 5pm.
Year 1 Dates
| Course Day | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 Sep 2024 |
| 2 | 19 Sep 2024 |
| 3 | 26 Sep 2024 |
| 4 | 3 Oct 2024 |
| 5 | 10 Oct 2024 |
| October Break (1 week) | |
| 6 | 24 Oct 2024 |
| 7 | 31 Oct 2024 |
| 8 | 7 Nov 2024 |
| 9 | 14 Nov 2024 |
| 10 | 21 Nov 2024 |
| 11 | 28 Nov 2024 |
| 12 | 5 Dec 2024 |
| Christmas Break (5 weeks) | |
| 13 | 16 Jan 2025 |
| 14 | 23 Jan 2025 |
| 15 | 30 Jan 2025 |
| 16 | 6 Feb 2025 |
| 17 | 13 Feb 2025 |
| 18 | 20 Feb 2025 |
| 19 | 27 Feb 2025 |
| 20 | 6 Mar 2025 |
| 21 | 13 Mar 2025 |
| 22 | 20 Mar 2025 |
| 23 | 27 Mar 2025 |
| 24 | 3 Apr 2025 |
| Easter Break (2 weeks) | |
| 25 | 24 Apr 2025 |
| 26 | 1 May 2025 |
| 27 | 8 May 2025 |
| 28 | 15 May 2025 |
| 29 | 22 May 2025 |
Year 2 Dates
Date for the second year will follow a similar pattern and will run from September 2025 to May 2026.
2025/26 Saturday, Sunday, and Thursday Course Dates
Training takes place Saturdays from 9.00am to 6.30pm, Sundays from 9.00am to 6pm, and Thursdays (online) from 5pm to 9pm.
Year 1 Dates
| Course Day | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 Feb 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 2 | 23 Feb 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 3 | 06 Mar 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 4 | 22 Mar 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 5 | 23 Mar 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 6 | 03 Apr 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 7 | 19 Apr 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 8 | 20 Apr 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 9 | 01 May 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 10 | 17 May 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 11 | 18 May 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 12 | 29 May 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 13 | 14 Jun 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 14 | 15 Jun 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 15 | 26 Jun 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9am (online) |
| 16 | 12 Jul 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 17 | 13 Jul 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 18 | 24 Jul 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 19 | 09 Aug 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 20 | 10 Aug 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 21 | 21 Aug 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 22 | 06 Sep 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 23 | 07 Sep 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 24 | 18 Sep 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 25 | 04 Oct 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 26 | 05 Oct 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 27 | 16 Oct 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
| 28 | 01 Nov 2025 | Saturday | 9am – 6:30pm (in person) |
| 29 | 02 Nov 2025 | Sunday | 9:30am – 6pm (in person) |
| 30 | 13 Nov 2025 | Thursday | 5pm – 9pm (online) |
On Thursdays, this course will take place via Zoom.
Please ensure you have a reliable internet connection and can take part in the course from a private and confidential space.
Participants will be required to engage in the course both verbally and visually.
Year 2 Dates
Date for the second year will follow a similar pattern and will run from February 2026 to November 2026.
Course and other fees
The total cost for the course is £7600 (£3,800 per year). This is payable in monthly instalments.
Based on service availability, if you secure a clinical practice placement with The Spark supervision may be provided.
Students will incur additional costs related to student membership with a recognised counselling body, clinical supervision for external placements, PVG and professional indemnity insurance that are not included in the course fee.
How to apply
To apply to join this course, please complete the application form and return it by email to our training team by the closing date.
Interviews
Where an application meets the requirements, an invite to interview for a place on the course will be made. If successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend a group interview as the final stage in the selection process.
Place Offer
Where additional evidence is required, then a conditional offer may be made in the first instance. Once all evidence is provided then this will change to unconditional.
Accessibility
The Spark is committed to promoting and improving opportunities for students with disabilities. We therefore welcome applications from those who have any needs, which may affect their ability to complete the course successfully. Please indicate this on your application form and then, if you are offered a place on the course, we will provide you with contact details to discuss the support you may need.