Ayrshire College homepage
Back to all courses

COSCA: Certificate in Counselling Skills

  • Qualifications Other Programmes
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 8
  • Study mode Evenings only and Weekends
  • Campus Ayr
  • Start date August 2026
More information

Attendance/Duration

This course runs on a Tuesday evening from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

Overview

Are you already working with others to develop or support them and want to develop your communication skills and enhance your effectiveness?  Are you thinking of a career change or feel you are looking for deeper self-development?  COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (COSCA is the Professional Body for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) is suitable for anyone keen to develop their counselling skills for career development or personal growth and it might be right for you.  

The course is on Ayr Campus, Tuesday evenings, typically from 18:00-20:45 hrs

 

Entry Requirements

  • A strong personal statement in the application form that explains your reasons, qualities and skills that make you suitable to study on this course.
  • A demonstrable ability to study successfully at SCQF level 7
  • Strong  interpersonal and communication skills
  • You will be invited to an individual or group interview where you will also find out more about the course

Desirable:  Counselling: An Introduction (SCQF Level 5) and Counselling Theory (SCQF Level 6)

Course Content

The course consists of four 10 week modules delivered term time with breaks of around 2 weeks between them to consolidate learning and accommodate school/college holidays.

Each module builds on the success of the previous one and learners will use feedback to identify their own strengths and weaknesses which they’ll regularly review and address in their course work.

The modules focus on:

  • development and application of counselling skills and processes;
  • knowledge of counselling skills, relationships and theoretical perspectives;
    understanding of ethical issues and adherence to COSCA’s Statement of Ethics and Codes of Practice; and lastly
  • developing awareness of self and the potential impact you have on yourself and others

You must complete modules 1- 4 to achieve the award.

The course involves practical exercises including skills practice, observation and feedback. 

Careers and Further Study

The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills equips you with knowledge and skills that can offer enhanced performance in your current role. It is not a licence to practice as a counsellor. If you wish to pursue a career as a  counsellor this course can lead you onto one of the following courses:

  • HNC/HND Counselling
  • A Diploma level qualification  in counselling as validated by COSCA or other relevant professional body
  • A relevant university degree level course
  • Strathclyde University’s MSC in Counselling and Psychotherapy ( You also need a degree alongside your Counselling Skills qualification)

Cost

£1250

For details of funding options and/or instalment plans please email: coursefees@ayrshire.ac.uk.

You can also visit https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/courses/tuition-fees for information.

Testimonial

“The Counselling Certificate was a life changing experience. A new way of learning delivered by an exceptionally knowledgeable, skilled and inspirational lecturer. The skills learned on this course have laid a solid foundation for my further studies towards becoming a qualified psychotherapist. The importance of the core conditions, self-awareness and trusting the process were instilled into us and will forever remain part of my way of being. I absolutely loved every minute of this course and would highly recommend it. I wish I could do it again!” – Laura Chidwick