Are you interested in taking the first steps toward becoming a qualified counsellor? Or perhaps you're in another profession and would benefit from integrating counselling skills into your role? Maybe you're simply curious about how improved communication and counselling skills could positively impact your personal life and relationships?
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Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for anyone interested in counselling, whether you’re an aspiring counsellor or seeking to enhance your communication skills in other professional areas. It’s designed for individuals who want to learn counselling skills and have the opportunity to apply them in real-life situations.
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The course aims to provide high-quality, foundational training that equips students with the key concepts, skills, and knowledge needed to support a career or interest in counselling.
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Course structure
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The Certificate in Counselling Skills course comprises four modules, each involving 30 hours of learning (120 hours in total). In addition to the taught component, participants are recommended to allow for at least 3 hours per week additional private study time.
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Delivered by experienced Physis Scotland tutors, who bring extensive teaching and counselling practice to the course, the programme offers a professionally recognised qualification. Upon successful completion of all four modules, students will earn 40 SCQF credits at SCQF Level 8 and will be eligible to become a COSCA Counselling Skills Member.
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​What will I learn?
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Throughout the Certificate course, you will learn about key approaches and considerations in counselling and counselling ethics. You will learn to support others by developing practical listening skills and increasing your self-awareness. You will also develop your ability to build rapport, attune to others, improve communication skills, and actively listen.
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Each of the four modules that make up the Certificate contain elements of skills, knowledge and self-awareness.
Course Framework and Modules
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Module One: Beginnings
Module Two: Exploration and Expansion
Module Three: Review and Reflection
Module Four: Integration
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You will engage in a blend of experiential activities, group discussions, and both oral and written assignments. By the end of the course, you will have developed stronger communication and interpersonal skills, applicable across a range of settings, and will gain a clear understanding of counselling skills, distinct from a full counselling approach.
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Please note that in order to progress the next module, you will need to successfully complete the preceding module.
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Attendance
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There is a requirement for at least an 85% minimum attendance on each module of the course, in order to progress towards completion.
Course dates
Our next COSCA Counselling Skills course will start on Wednesday 7 January 2026. You can register your interest by contacting us or complete the course application form to apply now.
The course will be delivered online, on Wednesdays from 6pm – 9pm.
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Module 1
7, 14, 21, 28 January 2026
18, 25 February 2026
4, 11, 18 March 2026
8 April 2026
Module 2
15, 29 April 2026
6, 13, 20, 27 May 2026
3, 17, 24 June 2026
1July 2026
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Module 3
8,15, 22, 29 July 2026
5, 12 August 2026
2, 9, 16, 23 September 2026
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Module 4
30 September 2026
7, 14, 21 October 2026
4, 11, 18, 25 November 2026
2, 9 December 2026
Course tutors
Online course tutors: Fiona Firman, PTSTA (P) and Agnieszka Carruthers
Course Fees
The fee for this course is £1620 (inc. VAT) for the complete certificate (payable prior to the commencement of module 1) or £335 (inc. VAT) per module (payable prior to the commencement of each module). Please note that a £200 deposit is required to secure your place prior to the course starting.
How to apply
To apply for this course, applicants should complete the application form by Monday 8th December 2025. Please attach a personal statement and an up-to-date CV (maximum 2 pages).
Applicants will then be invited to participate in an online group interview to be held from 11am to 1pm on Friday 12th December, offering an opportunity to meet their peers and course tutor(s), as well as to ask any questions they may have. During the interview, applicants will take part in a group exercise, offering an introduction to the experiential learning that will be a key aspect of the course. This exercise will also allow tutors to assess each applicant's suitability by evaluating their self-reflection abilities, learning more about their motivations, and understanding their expectations for the course.
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We plan to offer another COSCA course beginning in Spring 2026. Please register your interest by emailing us at enquiries@physisscotland.co.uk.​​​