Entry Requirements

Entry to the Graduate Certificate of Counselling is based on evidence of a capacity to undertake higher degree studies including a:

• Bachelor degree,
• Bachelor Honours degree or
• Graduate Diploma degree.

Applicants must attend an interview in which they demonstrate capacity for counselling, including self-awareness, a relational capacity, ability to work in a team, capacity for ethical behaviour and ability to reflect on experience, learn from it and be open to feedback.

Experience based entry scheme for those without undergrad qualifications:

Applicants over 21 years of age who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission if they provide evidence of educational and/or professional background deemed to be equivalent to an undergraduate degree. Such evidence would include non-tertiary study (i.e., VET, professional studies that are non-accredited), documented life experiences equivalent to an undergraduate degree, and/or work experience that would suggest the capacity for postgraduate study.

Course Outcomes

The Graduate Certificate of Counselling provides education and training in the core skills of counselling. Graduates of this award will have advanced knowledge and skill in the key components of developing therapeutic counselling relationships and an understanding of the therapeutic alliance. Graduates will be able to apply this knowledge to developing therapeutic relationships in a range of contexts. The Graduate Certificate will also provide the necessary skills for further training in counselling through either the Graduate Diploma or Master of Counselling.

Career Options

The Graduate Certificate will enable graduates to utilise their skills within their existing professional careers: for example, as pastors, teachers, health care professionals or community care workers.

Credit Points

48 credit points at 800-level.
Units of study are each 12 credit points.

Course Duration

1 semester full-time, or up to a maximum of 2 years part-time.

Course Structure

Students complete:

• 2 Core units (24 credit points)
• 2 Elective units (24 credit points)

Study Modes

The course aims to offer students as much flexibility as possible, while maintaining a strong focus on experiential work. This means that there will be some units offered alternately as on-campus and livestream classes. There are other classes that must be attended on-campus due to their highly interactive and experiential focus on skills development. Other classes are mixed delivery; a mixture of online, livestream, and a short intensive delivered on-campus.

Rules of Progression

• The two core units (24 credit points) and two elective units comprising 24 credit points must be completed to complete the award.

Other Protocols of this Course

• Applicants who have existing experience and prior learning in counselling or related fields, and who wish to apply for credit should contact CCSC Administration [email protected]