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.

Special Entry (Recognition of Prior Learning)

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

16 credit points at 600-level.
Units of study are each 4 credit points.

Course Duration

The course is usually completed in a minimum of 2 semesters (each of 13 weeks duration).

The maximum length of candidature: Full time: 0.5 years (1 semester), Part time: 2 years.

Course Structure

Students complete:

• 2 Core units (8 credit points)
• 2 Elective units (8 credit points)

Study Modes

Units are available both on-campus and online.

Rules of Progression

• The two core units (8 credit points) and two elective units comprising 8 credit points must be completed to complete the award.

Other Protocols of this Course

• With permission from the Dean of Counselling students may complete up to 1 unit of study from the Graduate Diploma of Counselling Course units in place of the elective units. Applicants who have an existing graduate degree in counselling may receive exemption for equivalent units studied and will select appropriate replacement subjects from either the elective units offered in the Graduate Diploma or the Master of Counselling Course units.