University announces new psychology counselling and training partnership

GCU and ACT partnership

Glasgow Caledonian University’s Department of Psychology has signed a new Memorandum of Agreement with ACT Counselling and Training Services, marking the beginning of an innovative collaboration that will transform access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) education in Scotland.

The University’s Department of Psychology has signed a new Memorandum of Agreement with ACT Counselling and Training Services, marking the start of a collaboration that will transform access to CBT education in Scotland.

ACT will now deliver the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Counselling Practice (CBT pathway) in partnership with the Department of Psychology. This new programme, accredited within the University’s MSc Counselling Practice framework, has been specifically designed to meet the latest requirements of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), the UK’s leading body for CBT training and accreditation.

Dr Kareena McAloney, Head of the Department of Psychology, said: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation in education and to the common good. By working with ACT, we are ensuring that students have access to high-quality, practice-ready training that supports the future of mental health provision in Scotland and beyond.”

Ashlie McVey, Director of ACT Counselling and Training Services, added: “For over a decade, ACT has been proud to support the development of skilled, compassionate CBT practitioners. Partnering with Glasgow Caledonian means our students can now access accredited pathways to BABCP membership, creating exciting new opportunities for both trainees and the communities they will go on to serve.”

By working together, Glasow Caledonian and ACT will combine academic excellence with practice-based expertise to create a contextualised, industry-informed learning experience. Students will benefit from:

  • An accredited university award at SCQF Level 11, ensuring clear progression from postgraduate diploma to MSc and securing candidates a named post-graduate diploma award.
  • High-quality, practice-focused training, delivered by ACT’s experienced counselling educators at their Glasgow training centre, supported by GCU’s academic leadership and quality assurance.
  • Flexible and contextualised entry routes: candidates do not need a pre-registration degree to apply. Completion of ACT’s COSCA-accredited counselling training can be used to meet the entry requirements, widening access for those with professional and vocational experience.
  • Enhanced career pathways, opening access to BABCP accreditation and wider professional recognition.
  • Support with funding, with eligible candidates able to apply for SAAS funding to cover tuition fees for the PgDip.
  • Flexible study options, including weekday and weekend delivery, to support students balancing professional and personal commitments.

The collaboration is not only a milestone for both organisations but also a response to the changing landscape of professional counselling education.

To find out more about COSCA course @ACT –  https://simplebooklet.com/actcoscaprospectus2026

To find out more about the MSc Counselling Practice programme and CBT pathway, please email Kevin.Hogan@gcu.ac.uk or admin@actcounsellingandcbtservices.co.uk

Images show ACT programme team delivering the CBT pathway with Glasgow Caledonian – left to right - Cara Milor, Dr Claire Monaghan, Grace Markov, Ashlie McVey, Stephen Raikes and Sian Parfitt. Other photo shows new students.