--- title: "Diploma in Relational Counselling" date: 2023-01-01 author: "The Spark" featured_image: "https://cdn.thespark.org.uk/www.thespark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/to-read-the-book-2784895.jpg" categories: - name: "Uncategorized" url: "/blog/category/uncategorized.md" --- # Diploma in Relational Counselling This Diploma in Relational Counselling equips counsellors with the theory, understanding and skills to work relationally on a wide range of issues. ![This award has been SCQF credit rated by SQA](https://cdn.thespark.org.uk/www.thespark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/this-award-has-been-SCQF-credit-rated-1024x306.png)This customised award has been credit rated by [Qualifications Scotland](https://www.qualifications.gov.scot/) at Level 11 on the [Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)](https://scqf.org.uk/) with 120 credit points and has full validation from [Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland](http://www.cosca.org.uk/) (COSCA). ## Course description --- ![](https://cdn.thespark.org.uk/www.thespark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/people-2557396-1024x683.jpg)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: 1[Who is the Diploma in Relational Counselling for?](#who-is-the-diploma-in-relational-counselling-for) 2[Course entry requirements](#course-entry-requirements) 3[Course components](#course-components) 4[Time commitment and training dates](#time-commitment-and-training-dates) 5[Course and other fees](#course-and-other-fees) 6[How to apply](#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 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. ![](https://cdn.thespark.org.uk/www.thespark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AdobeStock_205549267-1024x576.jpeg)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 2026/28 Thursday Course DatesTraining takes place every Thursday from 9.30am to 5pm. ### Year 1 Dates **Day****Date**13 Sep 2026210 Sep 2026317 Sep 2026424 Sep 202651 Oct 202668 Oct 2026715 Oct 2026822 Oct 2026929 Oct 2026105 Nov 20261112 Nov 20261219 Nov 20261326 Nov 2026143 Dec 2026**Christmas Break** (6 weeks)1514 Jan 20271621 Jan 20271728 Jan 2027184 Feb 20271911 Feb 20272018 Feb 20272125 Feb 2027224 Mar 20272311 Mar 20272418 Mar 20272525 Mar 2027**Easter Break (3 weeks)**2622 Apr 20272729 Apr 2027286 May 20272913 May 2027### Year 2 Dates Date for the second year will follow a similar pattern and will run from September 2027 to May 2028. 2027/28 Saturday and Sunday Course DatesTraining takes place in our Glasgow training centre Saturdays and some Sundays from 9.30am to 5pm. ### Year 1 Dates **Day****Date****Day**123 Jan 2027Saturday224 Jan 2027Sunday36 Feb 2027Saturday420 Feb 2027Saturday56 Mar 2027Saturday620 Mar 2027Saturday721 Mar 2027Sunday810 Apr 2027Saturday924 Apr 2027Saturday108 May 2027Saturday1122 May 2027Saturday125 Jun 2027Saturday1319 Jun 2027Saturday1420 Jun 2027Sunday1510 Jul 2027Saturday1624 Jul 2027Saturday177 Aug 2027Saturday1821 Aug 2027Saturday1922 Aug 2027Sunday2011 Sep 2027Saturday2125 Sep 2027Saturday229 Oct 2027Saturday2323 Oct 2027Saturday246 Nov 2027Saturday2520 Nov 2027Saturday2621 Nov 2027Sunday2711 Dec 2027Saturday2812 Dec 2027Sunday### Year 2 Dates Date for the second year will follow a similar pattern and will run from January 2028 to December 2028. ## 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.