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.
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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.
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 Dates
Training takes place every Thursday from 9.30am to 5pm.
Year 1 Dates
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3 Sep 2026 |
| 2 | 10 Sep 2026 |
| 3 | 17 Sep 2026 |
| 4 | 24 Sep 2026 |
| 5 | 1 Oct 2026 |
| 6 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| 7 | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 8 | 22 Oct 2026 |
| 9 | 29 Oct 2026 |
| 10 | 5 Nov 2026 |
| 11 | 12 Nov 2026 |
| 12 | 19 Nov 2026 |
| 13 | 26 Nov 2026 |
| 14 | 3 Dec 2026 |
| Christmas Break (6 weeks) | |
| 15 | 14 Jan 2027 |
| 16 | 21 Jan 2027 |
| 17 | 28 Jan 2027 |
| 18 | 4 Feb 2027 |
| 19 | 11 Feb 2027 |
| 20 | 18 Feb 2027 |
| 21 | 25 Feb 2027 |
| 22 | 4 Mar 2027 |
| 23 | 11 Mar 2027 |
| 24 | 18 Mar 2027 |
| 25 | 25 Mar 2027 |
| Easter Break (3 weeks) | |
| 26 | 22 Apr 2027 |
| 27 | 29 Apr 2027 |
| 28 | 6 May 2027 |
| 29 | 13 May 2027 |
Year 2 Dates
Date for the second year will follow a similar pattern and will run from September 2027 to May 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.