Training Courses

COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills

The Spark is validated by COSCA, Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy, to deliver the 4 Module (120 hours) COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills course. The Spark is a national relationship counselling charity and training organisation that has operated for over 50 years.

The COSCA Counselling Skills course represents the first step for those considering a career in counselling and provides a basic foundation in the principles of therapy.

The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills programme is delivered by our warm and professional training team. Each trainer is current and competent to practice, and each bring their own individual experiences to teach the necessary blend of theoretical orientations and counselling skills required in the COSCA skills certificate.

On this page you will discover:

Who is the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills course for?


This course is an excellent first step for anyone interested in training as a counsellor. The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills course is widely included by higher education establishments as part of their entry criteria for undergraduate qualifications in counselling.

However, the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills isn’t just for those who want to become a counsellor, it can also be beneficial for individuals in a variety of professions where effective communication is fundamental. Previous course participants have included nurses, teachers, social workers, HR workers, law enforcement, solicitors, taxi drivers and hairdressers.

Participants will develop skills and knowledge including:

  • Effective listening and people skills that will benefit personal and work relationships
  • Self-awareness and a better ability to reflect, enabling more effective interventions
  • Knowledge of the theory that validates the effectiveness of counselling skills
  • Understanding of the ethical framework required in all supporting relationships
  • A professionally recognised qualification, providing 40 SCQF credits at SCQF level 8.

What will participants learn?


Participation in the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills course will provide students with the opportunity to develop the following:

  • Skills: communication skills are enhanced through experiential learning, building ability in active listening. Participants will become more attuned to the responses of others, noticing shifts in body language or changes in mood. Also learning how to subtly explore such changes and understand when to use key skills.
  • Self-awareness: participants become more aware of their own responses and reactions and what drives these, helping to separate their interests from those of the person they are supporting.
  • Knowledge and ethics: the course covers the theory that underpins different counselling approaches, and the ethics required in any supportive relationship.

COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills Framework


Please note progression to Modules 2, 3 and 4 is by successful completion of the preceding module.

Module 1 – Beginnings

  • Concepts of Counselling and the use of Counselling Skills
  • Attending and Responding Skills
  • The Ethical Framework underpinning a counselling approach
  • Importance of Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

Module 2 – Exploration and Expansion

  • Beginnings, Middles and Endings
  • Theories of Loss and Change
  • Self-Awareness of Personal Motives and Values
  • Ethical Boundaries
  • Sexuality

Module 3 – Review and Reflection

  • The Context of Emotional and Cognitive Self-Reflection
  • Counselling perspectives of Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioural approaches
  • The nature of Power and Vulnerability
  • The characteristics of Past Experiences and Relationships
  • Spirituality

Module 4 – Integration

  • Gestalt Approach and the Humanistic/Existential Perspective
  • Transactional Analysis approach and the Humanistic and Psychodynamic perspectives
  • Exploration of Power and Vulnerability
  • Exploration of Belonging, Social Inclusion and
  • Social Exclusion
  • The effects of Stress
  • Professional Responsibilities appropriate to the counselling relationship

Course fees, dates and how to book


The fee is £350 per module for the daytime, evening, and online courses. The modular fee is payable prior to the commencement of each module.

The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills is accredited with 40 credits at SCQF Level 8 and as such may be eligible for SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant (up to £402) when undertaking all 4 modules. Visit Part-time Funding Guide – SAAS for information about eligibility and details on how to apply.

April 2024 Evening Course Dates – Wednesdays

This in-person course takes place in our training centre at 100 Wellington Street, Glasgow G2 6DH.

Module 1 (10 weeks)17 Apr 202419 Jun 20245.45pm – 8.45pm
 1 week break 
Module 2 (10 weeks)3 Jul 20244 Sep 20245.45pm – 8.45pm
 1 week break 
Module 3 (10 weeks)18 Sep 202420 Nov 20245.45pm – 8.45pm
 1 week break 
Module 4 (2 weeks)4 Dec 202411 Dec 20245.45pm – 8.45pm
4 week break
Module 4 (8 weeks)8 Jan 202526 Feb 20255.45pm – 8.45pm
May 2024 Course Dates – Mondays

This in-person course takes place in our training centre at 100 Wellington Street, Glasgow G2 6DH.

Module 1 (5 weeks)13 May 202410 Jun 20249.30am – 4.30pm
 1 week break 
Module 2 (5 weeks)24 Jun 202422 Jul 20249.30am – 4.30pm
 1 week break 
Module 3 (5 weeks)05 Aug 202402 Sep 20249.30am – 4.30pm
 1 week break 
Module 4 (5 weeks)16 Sep 202414 Oct 20249.30am – 4.30pm
September 2024 Online Course Dates – Wednesdays

This online course takes 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 verbally and cameras need to be kept on.

Module 1 (10 weeks)04 Sep 202406 Nov 20249.30am – 12.30pm
 1 week break 
Module 2 (4 weeks)20 Nov 202411 Dec 20249.30am – 12.30pm
 4 week break 
Module 2 (6 weeks)08 Jan 202512 Feb 20259.30am – 12.30pm
 1 week break 
Module 3 (10 weeks)26 Feb 202530 Apr 20259.30am – 12.30pm
1 week break
Module 4 (10 weeks)14 May 202516 Jul 20259.30am – 12.30pm


To apply to join one of our courses, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button in the course details section.

When your application has been reviewed by our training team, if successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal chat via telephone so a place can be offered. It is important that all applicants provide a contact number when submitting their application in order to progress to the next selection stage.

Find out more about the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills course or our other training courses by completing the enquiry form below or calling 0141 222 2166.

April 2024 (Evening)

Dates: 17 Apr 2024 – 19 Feb 2025
Times: 5.45pm – 8.45pm
Days: Wednesdays

Total Cost: £1,400 Payable in four instalments of £350 prior to the commencement of each module.

Applications close 3 Apr 2024 or when full.

May 2024 (Daytime)

Dates: 13 May 2024 – 14 Oct 2024
Times: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Days: Mondays

Total Cost: £1,400 Payable in four instalments of £350 prior to the commencement of each module.

Applications close 29 Apr 2024 or when full.

September 2024 (Online)

Dates: 4 Sep 2024 – 16 Jul 2025
Times: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Days: Wednesdays

Total Cost: £1,400 Payable in four instalments of £350 prior to the commencement of each module.

Applications close 21 Aug 2024 or when full.

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