Training Open days At a glance: courses, prospectus, fees & applications The following is a list of our current postgraduate training courses at a glance. Click on the links to find out more about the courses. Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy MSc Psychoanalytic Observation and Reflective Practice: Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People Post Graduate Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling Masters in Human Relations Counselling Foundations of Human Relations and Counselling Post Qualifying Certificate in Counselling Children, Young People and Families Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Who is the course aimed at? This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is interested in developing their career in child psychotherapy in Scotland. Course description This is a practical and theoretical training course in psychoanalytical psychotherapy with children and young people. This four year, full-time clinically based professional training leads to qualification as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and eligibility for employment as a Child Psychotherapist. Entry requirements Honours degree HDS diploma or Masters in Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People(TWCYP), or an equivalent course of study. At least two years of relevant work experience with children and young people. Fees & Funding Students complete the course with HDS while being employed as a Trainee in NHS Scotland, working under supervision. This is funded by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and is run in partnership with HDS, Health Boards in Scotland and Robert Gordon University. Prospectus Click here to download the prospectus in PDF Timings The course is run every four years. This is a four year, full-time clinically based professional training programme. Teaching is currently held on Wednesday afternoons, with seminars taking place between 10:00 and 16:30. Application & Enquiries This course runs every four years. Please contact us to note your interest for the next intake in 2025. Click here to ask us a question Visit the course page for more information Back to the top of the page MSc Psychoanalytic Observation and Reflective Practice: Therapeutic Work With Children and Young People Who is the course aimed at? The course is intended for professionals working with children, young people and their families/carers in a variety of work settings, either in the public, voluntary or private sectors, who are interested in extending their understanding of human development, interactions and relationships from a psychoanalytic perspective and applying their learning to their professional work. Students develop a rigorous, disciplined approach to ‘psychoanalytic observation’ alongside an understanding of psychoanalytic concepts and theory relevant to their professional practice. It is intended to facilitate professional development and enhance work practice in the student’s chosen field. Course description This part-time Masters professional development course offers an understanding of emotional development and relationships, and their relevance to working with infants, pre-schoolers, children, young people and their families. WATCH THE PRESENTATION Hear from our former Course Lead, Joanne Young, about the course. This video was recorded for our virtual Open Day. What do our students say? Hear from former students about how studying at HDS has helped them in their career. Entry requirements A professional qualification requiring a minimum of one year’s training in: health; social work; education or child care e.g. residential or community care, counselling or the ‘therapies’, etc. One year (minimum) post-qualifying experience in work with children, young people and their families. Graduates who have undertaken considerable relevant voluntary work during their undergraduate years may also be considered. Continuing professional direct work with children and/or young people throughout the course at a work setting that supports the work practice and observations necessary for the course requirements. A capacity to reflect on oneself in relation to work and to others. Fees & Funding Fees will be in the region of £1,080 per module or £3,240 for MSc module. Fees are reviewed each year. The University of Strathclyde registration fee is currently £350 per module. A standard non-refundable application processing fee of £30 applies. To pay an application fee, you can access our payment system after submitting your online application (if you email your application, you will find payment instructions in the application form). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If you apply for more than one course, the fee is payable for each application submitted. Application fees are non-refundable, this includes in circumstances where an application is unsuccessful. Our courses are not eligible for SAAS funding as we are not a publicly funded university. Click here to find out more about funding sources. Prospectus Click here to view the prospectus online in ISSUU Click here to download the prospectus in PDF Timings The course runs from October to June during the 30-week academic year. Completing the course requires a minimum of two years part-time study for the Diploma and three years part-time study for the Masters. Course teaching currently takes place on Wednesdays from 13:00 to 18:30. Click here to see the timetable. Application & Enquiries Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 31 May. Applications received after this date may not be accepted depending on numbers. Click here to ask us a question Click here to download the application form in MS Word Click here to complete the online application form Visit the course page for more information Back to the top of the page Post Graduate Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling Who is the course aimed at? The course is ideal for people who currently use elements of counselling in their day-to-day work and would like to take further steps towards enhancing their practice and deepening their professional capacity. It is also for individuals looking for a change in career. Participants who successfully complete all elements of the course at the PGDip can register as a Psychodynamic Counsellor. By choosing to focus on the psychodynamic relational perspective, you will learn about the importance of early life experience and of our human environment in determining modes of human relationships and patterns of behaviour. The course focuses on the latest research findings about infant and child development, and on evidence-based psychoanalytic ideas; it includes attachment theory, leading-edge trauma theory developments, day-to-day existential dilemmas, families, groups, advanced interpersonal and clinical skills, group work, plus organisational dynamics. The psychodynamic and relational ethos underpins the interactions of students, supervisors and staff. Course description This is a 2-year (or 3-year for MSc), part-time, modular programme delivered over 2 semesters a year from September to June. The course comprises of: Theory seminars, including psychodynamic theories of development, identity, mental health, family and group processes, trauma and loss, with modules on research and a Capstone Project in year 3 for MSc year. Experiential work, skills practice and group supervision in a learning group. Personal tutorials. Placement in an approved professional counselling setting (minimum 120 hours) with independent individual clinical supervision (20 to 25 hours). An additional 100 hours supervised practice is required in the third, MSc year. Personal therapy (minimum 40 hours). The PG Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling provides a route to professional accreditation as a counsellor for adults and young adults using the application of psychodynamic principles and ideas in a mandatory clinical placement. The MSc is an advanced professional training. WATCH THE PRESENTATION Hear from Course Lead, Liz Cairns, about the course. This video was recorded for our virtual Open Day. What do our students say? Hear from former students about how studying at HDS has helped them in their career. Entry requirements Have a bachelor’s degree from a UK institution or equivalent. Have completed an approved initial counselling skills training course or equivalent (applicants who have completed Modules 1 to 4 of FHRC or the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills will be considered). Have experience of working with people in a field relevant to counselling and a readiness to engage effectively in a counselling placement. Have the capacity to work independently to ensure that they can achieve the standards necessary to complete the course satisfactorily. Have a willingness to engage actively in all aspects of the course, including their own personal therapy. Fees & Funding Fees will be £3,500 per year (60 credit year). The Robert Gordon University registration fee is currently £600 per student. Tuition fees do not include personal therapy or work placement clinical supervision (about 20 to 25 hours). Applicants should take this into account when applying. Course fees are reviewed annually and reflect any increase in university accreditation/registration fees. A standard non-refundable application processing fee of £30 applies. To pay an application fee, you can access our payment system after submitting your online application (if you email your application, you will find payment instructions in the application form). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If you apply for more than one course, the fee is payable for each application submitted. Application fees are non-refundable, this includes in circumstances where an application is unsuccessful. Our courses are not eligible for SAAS funding as we are not a publicly funded university. Click here to find out more about funding sources. Prospectus Click here to view the prospectus online in ISSUU Click here to download the prospectus in PDF Timings The course runs from August to June. This part-time modular programme taking place over 2 years (PGDip) or 3 years (MSc). Intensive weekend teaching - Saturday and Sunday (with the occasional Friday), 09:30 to 17:00. Click here to view the timetable. Application & Enquiries Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 31 May. Applications received after this date may not be accepted depending on numbers. Click here to ask us a question Click here to download the application form in MS Word Click here to complete the online application form Visit the course page for more information Back to the top of the page Masters in Human Relations and Counselling Who is the course aimed at? The course is ideal for people who currently use elements of counselling in their day-to-day work and would like to take further steps towards enhancing their practice and deepening their professional capacity. It is also for individuals looking for a change in career. Participants who successfully complete all elements of the course at the PGDip level can register as a Psychodynamic Counsellor. The third, Masters year, focussing on research with an emphasis on linking research with practice. Course description HDS and Robert Gordon University have collaborated to produce an innovative and exciting Masters programme. This 3-year part-time training will lead to the award of MSc and is an advanced professional training for Psychodynamic Counsellors. The MSc has been designed to provide students with an excellent clinical training, fully integrated with the knowledge, research and experience of the skills that will be necessary for those working in the modern NHS, the third sector and in private practice. Students are qualified to practice as a Psychodynamic Counsellor on completion of the Post Graduate Diploma level (PGDip) and can choose to complete the programme at that level. WATCH THE PRESENTATION Hear from Course Lead, Liz Cairns, about the course. This video was recorded for our virtual Open Day. Entry requirements Entry to the MSc year is through completion of the PGDip Human Relations and Counselling in the previous 5 years. Equivalent PGDiplomas from other institutions will be considered. Fees & Funding Fees will be £3,500 per year (60 credit year). The Robert Gordon University registration fee is currently £600 per student. Tuition fees do not include personal therapy or work placement clinical supervision (about 20 to 25 hours). Applicants should take this into account when applying. Course fees are reviewed annually and reflect any increase in university accreditation/registration fees. A standard non-refundable application processing fee of £30 applies. To pay an application fee, you can access our payment system after submitting your online application (if you email your application, you will find payment instructions in the application form). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If you apply for more than one course, the fee is payable for each application submitted. Application fees are non-refundable, this includes in circumstances where an application is unsuccessful. Our courses are not eligible for SAAS funding as we are not a publicly funded university. Click here to find out more about funding sources. Prospectus Click here to view the prospectus online in ISSUU Click here to download the prospectus in PDF Timings This part-time modular programme taking place over 2 years (PGDip) or 3 years (MSc). Intensive weekend teaching - Saturday and Sunday (with the occasional Friday), 09:30 to 17:00. Application & Enquiries Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 31 May. Applications received after this date may not be accepted depending on numbers. Click here to ask us a question Click here to download the application form in MS Word Click here to complete the online application form Visit the course page for more information Back to the top of the page A postgraduate-level Certificate in the Foundations of Human Relations and Counselling Who is the course aimed at? The course is ideal for people who are looking to improve their personal and professional interactions or to explore further steps towards gaining qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy. Teachers, social workers and other ‘people-facing’ professionals are offered invaluable insight into ‘how we come to be as we are’, as well as highlighting the possible pitfalls and disappointments that contribute to a range of emotional or behavioural difficulties and dilemmas that we may encounter. By choosing to focus on the psychodynamic relational perspective, you will learn about the importance of early life experience and of our human environment in determining modes of human relationships and patterns of behaviour. The psychodynamic and relational focus underpins the interactions of students and staff. Course description An introduction to psychodynamic ideas about what it means to be human, together with experiential training in communication and counselling skills incorporating psychodynamic principles. This course gives unparalleled insight into the complexities of human interactions and is a foundation for the use of advanced communications and counselling skills. WATCH THE PRESENTATION This course is part of the Human Relations and Counselling Programme which consists of 3 parts to provide different levels of training and qualification. Hear from Course Lead, Liz Cairns, about the programme. This video was recorded for our virtual Open Day. Entry requirements All applicants are considered on the basis of suitability for the programme, irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, religion or disability. The qualifications and experience of each applicant is considered to ensure that they will benefit from the programme and will be able to fulfil the objectives of the programme and achieve the standard required for an award. Factors that will be considered are their ability to manage anxiety, their capacity to be reflective and thoughtful, their level of psychic maturity and the timing of the training in their life journey. Fees & Funding Fees are £375 per module or £1,500 for the year. Course fees are reviewed each year. A standard non-refundable application processing fee of £30 applies. To pay an application fee, you can access our payment system after submitting your online application (if you email your application, you will find payment instructions in the application form). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If you apply for more than one course, the fee is payable for each application submitted. Application fees are non-refundable, this includes in circumstances where an application is unsuccessful. Our courses are not eligible for SAAS funding as we are not a publicly funded university. Click here to find out more about funding sources. Prospectus Click here to view the prospectus online in ISSUU Click here to download the prospectus in PDF Timings The course runs from November to June. This course consists of 4, 30-hour modules taught intensively over 8 weekend days. Click here to view the timetable. Application & Enquiries Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 30 September. Applications received after this date may not be accepted depending on numbers. Click here to ask us a question Click here to download the application form in MS Word Click here to complete the online application form Visit the course page for more information Back to the top of the page Post Qualifying Certificate in Counselling Children, Young People and Families Who is the course aimed at? Practising Counsellors with a Diploma/PG Diploma in Counselling and who would like to develop their work in schools, colleges and universities. Individuals working with children, adolescents, young people and families and who are interested in learning more about psychodynamic processes. (Module 1 only) Counsellors who have completed a Certificate in CYP and would like to develop work with the families of the children they Counsel. (Module 3 only) Course description This post-qualifying Certificate is a part-time training programme designed to prepare practitioners to work with children, young adults (up to mid-20s) and their families and is taught from a psychodynamic perspective. It enables practitioners to engage with contemporary debates in the field of child and adolescence with an emphasis in modules 2 and 3 on counselling in a variety of settings including schools, voluntary and statutory sector organisations, Universities and Colleges, primary and secondary care settings, as well as in private practice. Module 1 can be taken as standalone CPD for anyone interested in learning and understanding more about children, adolescents and young adults. It is a good introduction to psychodynamic thought and how that can be applied in a variety of contexts e.g. schools, voluntary sector organisations. This Certificate (modules 1,2 and 3) prepares Counsellors to work safely and confidently with mild to moderate concerns. For those practitioners (e.g. Counsellors, Nurses, OTs, Psychologists, Social Workers) working in CAMHS or equivalent, consideration should be given to the Masters in Psychoanalytic Observation and Reflective Practice: Therapeutic Work With Children and Young People (TWCYP). Entry requirements For module 1, 2 and 3 (PGCert): a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling (any theoretical basis). For module 1 (taken as standalone CPD): appropriate current professional qualification (Teachers, Nursery Nurses, Social Workers, Youth Workers etc.) to support employability and career development in therapeutic work. For module 3 (taken as an add on to a Certificate in Counselling CYP): Post Graduate Diploma In Counselling (any theoretical basis) and a Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People (any theoretical basis). Fees & Funding Fees will be in the region of £1,500 for the full course or £500 per module. Fees are reviewed each year. A standard non-refundable application processing fee of £30 applies. To pay an application fee, you can access our payment system after submitting your online application (if you email your application, you will find payment instructions in the application form). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If you apply for more than one course, the fee is payable for each application submitted. Application fees are non-refundable, this includes in circumstances where an application is unsuccessful. Our courses are not eligible for SAAS funding as we are not a publicly funded university. Click here to find out more about funding sources. Prospectus Click here to view the prospectus online in ISSUU Click here to download the prospectus in PDF Timings Classes generally meet from 09:30 to 17:00 at weekends usually one weekend a month across 6 months. Course dates for 2025 are: Module 1 - January 25th/26th, February 22nd/23rd Module 2 - March 22nd/23rd, April 26th/27th Module 3 - May 17th/18th, June 14th/15th The requirement for approximately 70 hours of supervised practice in modules 2 and 3 may require students to continue with placement beyond the timescales indicated above. Application & Enquiries Closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 31 October. Applications after this date will not normally be accepted but may be considered depending on numbers. Click here to ask us a question Click here to download the application form in MS Word Click here to complete the online application form Visit the course page for more information Back to the top of the page Manage Cookie Preferences