Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling

To undertake the course, you need to have the potential to develop into a safe and competent psychodynamic counsellor. In keeping with this aim, both personal and academic attributes will be considered in addition to related experience. Applicants also require to have completed the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills, or similar attainment which is demonstrably equivalent.

A scheme for Accreditation of Prior Learning is in operation that allows consideration to be given to related learning and experience.

The course runs on Wednesday evenings between 5pm and 8.45pm. Course meetings are also held between 9am and 5.30pm on nine Saturdays during the year. At the beginning of the course there are two induction weeks which take place over Wednesday evening and all day Saturday.

The course meets from 5pm until 8.45pm every Wednesday and from 9am until 5.30pm on one Saturday each month during term-time. You will be required to achieve an attendance rate of at least 85% for each year of the course. In addition to this, you will require to undertake and pass one written assignment per term (i.e. six assignments over two years) and to attend a tutorial once per term that can be used to support you in doing so. Students also require to undertake at least 100 hours clinical practice as part of their training. This necessitates securing a student placement* in order to do so and attending regular supervision on at least a fortnightly basis in support of this work.

*The course's Placement Coordinator is available to advise and assist students in managing this task.

There is a requirement that you undertake individual counselling/psychotherapy with a psychodynamic practitioner for at least part of the time of your training. The therapy needs to be weekly in regularity and students require to attend a minimum of 40 sessions.

The course fees are £3,500 for 2026/27 and £3,750 for 2027/28. This includes the cost of 400 teaching hours. It does not include costs for supervision or personal therapy.

Students on our Diploma programme are not eligible to apply for SAAS funding. The centre is a recognised charity and seeks as far as possible for costs not to be prohibitive. Students can apply directly to the centre for assisted funding if they are significantly challenged in meeting the cost of their training.

We are now receiving applications for the next intake of the Diploma which runs from 2026 to 2028.

Please find the application form here - Diploma 2026 Application Form

Please return this form to the Course Administrator as stated on the form. Once your written application is assessed, you will be notified as to whether you have been selected for interview. The interview process will involve meeting with two members of the course staff who will be responsible for then assessing your application in its entirety after which you will be notified as to the outcome.

Please contact us on (0141) 333-0730 or at admin@garnethillcentre.org.uk if you have further enquiries. You may also wish to attend one of our open days that afford an opportunity to visit the centre and meet with staff who are involved in delivering the diploma course. You can find details of these on our News & Events page. We can ensure you are kept informed as to developments by adding you to our mailing list should you wish this.

Undertaking your own personal therapy with a psychodynamic practitioner is recommended. The therapist should have undertaken a full psychodynamic training and to be experienced in practising in this tradition. The centre can be contacted for assistance in finding a psychodynamic therapist.

If you have any other query, do not hesitate to call us.