Graduate Diploma in Counselling

What you will study

Build on the foundational units plus undertake one placement unit at an approved counselling agency to complete the Graduate Diploma in Counselling. 

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling comprises eight units:

• Counselling Theory and Approaches
• Core Counselling Skills
• Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
• Diversity Inclusion Respect
• Introduction to Placement and Supervision
• Counselling Skills in Practice
• Loss, Grief and Trauma in Counselling
• Placement A - Putting It All into Practice

Upon successful completion, is an excellent pathway to the master’s degree should you choose to undertake an additional four units.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, applicants must:

• Have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline.
• Fulfil non-standard English language requirements that are outlined in ‘Additional requirements’.

English language requirements

There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course, please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you need to take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Build on the foundations of counselling: Acquire a critical understanding of human diversity and the major models of counselling that will strengthen your capability to work in a range of social and cultural contexts.
• Respectful approach to counselling: Develop the knowledge on how to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
• Dedicated support: A Student Success Adviser is allocated to support you throughout your study journey, from enrolment to graduation.

Career outcomes

Build on the foundational counselling skills with experiential practice that applies to various organisations and teams. This qualification allows you to take the next step in your career as a:

• Private practice counsellor
• Family relationship counsellor
• Support worker
• Caseworker
• Youth worker
• Substance abuse counsellor
• Corrections and prison support
• Child and adolescent counsellors
• Mental health worker and many other human service roles.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated full course fee in 2025: $27,300 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The estimated full course fee is based on a study load of eight units.

A student’s annual fee may vary per:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.