Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Glasgow, Part-Time, COSCA Accredited)
Are you looking to become a counsellor in Glasgow? Our COSCA-accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy provides the training, placement opportunities and clinical experience needed to begin a professional counselling career in Scotland.
The Diploma in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy provides a strong foundation in counselling practice, rooted in a humanistic, client-led philosophy that reflects the ethos of Murray’s Initiative.
Our approach integrates Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural theories, with a central emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, self-awareness, empowerment and social and cultural context as drivers of change.
Our Diploma Course provides 120 credits at SCQF Level 10 and is validated by COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland), the professional body for counselling training and accreditation. Murray’s Initiative is proud to be the oldest organisational member of COSCA and uniquely offers facilitated pathways to placements, offering students direct routes into clinical placement.
Graduates of the Diploma meet the training requirements for individual accreditation with COSCA – for more information on accreditation, visit the COSCA website.
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Applicants are assessed on suitability – we welcome applications from people of backgrounds and abilities.
Normally, applicants will:
Hold the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF Level 8) or equivalent.
Have relevant experience of working with people and readiness to engage in a counselling placement.
Be able to work independently and meet the academic requirements of the course.
Be willing to engage in all aspects of the programme, including personal therapy.
It is desirable (though not essential) for applicants to hold a related degree. Applicants with prior or experiential learning may be considered under our APEL procedure.
Where English is not your first language, an IELTS level 6 (or equivalent) certificate is required.
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The Diploma is a two-year, part-time programme delivered over a 10-month academic year from September to July (with a Christmas break).
Two study options are available:
Weekend option: One weekend per month (Friday 6pm–9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-6pm)
Evening option: Weekly teaching on Wednesday evenings (4pm–9pm)
Both options cover the same syllabus. Applicants should state their preferred option when applying.
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Course Requirements & Assessment
To complete the Diploma, students must undertake:
400 taught hours
100 clinical hours
40 hours of personal therapy
Ongoing clinical supervision (1 hour of supervision for every 6 client hours)
Students are required to attend at least 85% of teaching sessions to graduate.
Assessment includes essays, presentations, case studies, recorded transcripts, observed skills practice and peer assessment. Placement and clinical supervisors also provide reports on student development.
Progress is reviewed annually and students may be asked to repeat modules or take time out if needed.
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For successful completion of the Diploma, students must complete 100 hours of Clinical Practice with an approved placement organisation.
Students can choose between sourcing their own placements independently or can access Murray’s Initiative’s facilitated pathway for placement within the organisation.
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The price for the course is £3950 per year, payable in 10 interest-free instalments. If you pay in full you will receive a discounted price of £3750.
There is a £700 non-refundable deposit.
Costs for supervision and personal therapy are not included in course fees.
This course is not eligible for SAAS funding.
NEXT INTAKE:
September 2026 -
Admissions open
COMMITMENT:
Part-time programme
delivered over 2 years
LOCATION:
Murray’s Initiative
14 North Claremont St, Glasgow
FEES:
£3950 per year (discount if paid up front)
What our past students say:
Knowledgeable, supportive, reassuring and compassionately challenging
Honest, passionate, knowledgeable, well-paced
The tutor’s feedback around areas for development is very useful
Love it and have learned a lot about myself
It is so varied and informative
Really informative and thought provoking
Apply For Your Place Now
Applications should include details of your education and work/voluntary experience. You will also be asked to provide a CV and contact details for two referees. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a formal interview.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact diploma@murrays.scot