COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF level 8) CPD Award
Course code C8CC
What is special about this course?
The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF level 8) is aimed at a wide range of people who may benefit from improving and enhancing communication and listening skills. This may include: guidance personnel; those working in social care; HR/Management staff etc.
Applicants may also be interested in the opportunity to study Rogers’ person-centred approach whilst honing their own ability to reflect on self and build supportive relationships.
As well as offering an academic award which can be used to apply for further study, students are provided with a safe environment for personal development.
The award is validated by COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland).
Special features
- The teaching team are all fully qualified and practicing counsellors
- All teaching staff are members of COSCA and approved for teaching on the course
- The course is available across several UHI academic partners
Entry requirements
- You will be required to attend a group interview
- You will be asked to complete a short, written piece of work (500 words) on the topic of “What can I bring to a counselling skills course?”
- You will also take part in an experiential exercise
- This will provide an opportunity for you to meet with the tutor and fellow applicants in a group setting
- Tutors will use this time to gauge prospective students' motivation and commitment to the course, explain the nature of experiential learning to the group and answer any queries that may arise
CPD Award
You will study the following modules:
- Beginnings: advanced communication skills
- Exploration and expansion
- Review and reflection
- Integration
How will I study my course?
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- Day and evening courses are available at some locations - please contact your chosen campus for more information
- Our classes are usually delivered face to face. This includes group teaching and counselling skills practice in triads, observed by tutors
- January starts are only available via online, evening delivery. You willl be supported by staff at UHI Perth
How long will my course last?
- Part-time (structured): 1 year @ 9-10 hours per week
- Part-time (unstructured): various
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
- Moray
- Orkney
- Perth
- Shetland - course runs on alternate years, please see below for schedule
For students applying to UHI Shetland, this course is delivered every other year, as follows:
- September 2025 - apply links are now open
- September 2026 - not running
- September 2027 - apply links will open in September 2026
Start date
- September
- January (Perth only, fully online, evening delivery)
Fees
The good news is that depending on your personal circumstances there are a wide range of bursaries, grants and allowances available to fund your college studies.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
You will be liable for the cost of the module workbooks from COSCA (approx £20 total).
What can I do on completion of my course?
The course will enhance your skills and enrich your practice within any occupation.
Can I progress into further study?
Achieving the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF level 8) will allow you to apply for further study in counselling at HNC/D level.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF level 8) CPD Award
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.