ACT Counselling and Training Services Ltd
TRAIN TO BECOME A CBT THERAPIST
Develop the clinical skills, academic knowledge and professional confidence to take the next steps in your CBT career.
Delivered by ACT in partnership with GCU, our two-year, part time programme leads to a recognised postgraduate award at SCQF level 11. (120 Credits)
Combining evidence-based CBT Training, practical clinical experience and a pathway towards GCU’s MSc Counselling Practice, the programme is designed with your professional future in mind.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
- Duration: Two years, part-time
- Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Practice (CBT Pathway)
- Awarding university: Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
- Full programme fee for 2027-2029: £11,250
- SAAS Tuition Loans: Up to £7000 for eligible students, subject to meeting the criteria
- Clinical Supervision: Arranged and funded separately
- An alternative entry route, with contextual offers providing eligible applicants without a degree a pathway to PgDip.
OVERVIEW
Help people navigate life’s challenges through the power of counselling and psychotherapy.
With the Counselling Practice programme, you can develop advanced knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy through our specialist pathway Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
You will explore contemporary counselling theory, research, ethics and approaches to therapeutic practice. Through critical, reflective and evidence-informed learning, you will develop your academic understanding of therapeutic relationships, assessment and intervention. This will also deepen your understanding of professional judgement and the wider contexts in which counselling and psychotherapy take place.
This programme combines a Glasgow Caledonian University academic award with separate professional training that is specific to your CBT pathway, delivered by ACT.
The programme has two clearly defined components:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), studied over two years onsite with ACT. The academic modules are provided and quality assured by Glasgow Caledonian University. Successful completion leads to the GCU Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Counselling Practice.
- MSc dissertation, completed at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Glasgow campus. After completing the PgDip, you can choose to progress to the dissertation. Successful completion leads to the full MSc Counselling Practice award.
Alongside your academic studies, ACT will separately deliver and oversee its practical and professional training requirements. These include supervised client practice, work-based learning, clinical supervision, personal therapy and other professional development.
Throughout the academic programme, you will be a fully enrolled Glasgow Caledonian University student, with access to relevant GCU learning resources, student support and University services.
WHY CHOOSE ACT?
A Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) postgraduate qualification
Our two-year programme is delivered in partnership with GCU, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma.
A direct pathway to Master’s level study
Students completing the PgDip have a progression route towards GCU’s MSc Counselling Practice, subject to the relevant entry and progression requirements.
Specialist, clinically focused CBT Training
Our teaching combines evidence-based CBT Theory with substantial practical skills development and supervised clinical experience. You’ll learn from experienced CBT professionals who bring their clinical knowledge into the classroom.
Training with your future career in mind
Our programme is designed to support the development of professional CBT practice and provide a foundation for further professional development, including relevant professional accreditation pathways, subject to individual eligibility requirements.
Accessible postgraduate education
We welcome applications from a range of academic and professional backgrounds and can discuss potential entry routes based on your qualifications and experience.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will typically hold a UK Bachelor’s degree with Honours at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants who do not hold a degree may also be considered if they hold a COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate at SCQF Level 8, or an equivalent qualification, and can provide evidence of their ability to study at SCQF Level 11.
Applicants must also meet the selection and suitability requirements. Relevant professional, voluntary or lived experience may be considered as part of this assessment but does not replace the approved academic entry requirements.
Requirements may include:
- a personal statement demonstrating the relevance of previous study and experience
- evidence of readiness for postgraduate study
- relevant counselling skills education or experience
- an interview with the pathway provider
- evidence of suitability to undertake the associated practical and professional training.
The Diploma is written and directed by ACT Counselling and Training Services Academic Course Team who have enormous experience in the practice of CBT, and delivery of CBT training throughout the UK.
DIPLOMA COURSE TEAM:
Ashlie McVey, Grace Markov, Dr Claire Monaghan, Sian Parfitt, Cara Milor, Jess Forsyth and Jackie Hay.
All of the Course Team are Accredited Psychotherapists and trainers or currently in the process of working towards this. The course is externally verified once per year by suitably qualified and experienced Academic Assessors.
ACT is a specialist counselling and CBT Training organisation with university standards
Students benefit from:
- teaching from experienced CBT practitioners and trainers
- intensive clinical skills development
- application of CBT theory to real clinical practice
- university-level assessment
- Glasgow Caledonian University academic oversight and quality assurance
Delivery of the Part-Time course will take place on one weekend per month or one day per week within ACT Counselling and Training Services premises (address listed below). The course runs from September 27 until June 29 over 2 years. The premises are ideally located for participants attending either locally or from further afield.
NEXT STEPS
Once applications open for 2027, we would be delighted to receive your completed application, which will then be reviewed by our academic team.
We would also be delighted to welcome you to one of our upcoming information sessions, which are due to take place early 2027. These sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme and ask any questions you may have.
To apply please an complete application form below return to our email address: [email protected]
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Post-Graduate Diploma (PgDip) Counselling Practice (CP)
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