Entry Requirements

Entry to the Graduate Diploma 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 successfully complete the Graduate Certificate, having been admitted under the Special Admission Rules.

Admission to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling program is not automatically assumed on completion of the Graduate Certificate of Counselling. Applicants must attend an interview where their capacity to undertake Diploma-level training will be assessed.

Course Outcomes

Graduates will have advanced skills required to counsel a range of clients, and be able to develop deep therapeutic counselling relationships. Graduates will have an understanding of the theory and models of human development and be able to counsel clients at different life stages. They will have advanced knowledge of dominant therapeutic theory and methods as well as the legal ethical and cultural factors affecting counselling practice. They will have specialised knowledge of the spiritual and theological issues relevant to working with clients of the Christian faith. The Graduate Diploma will also provide the necessary skills for further advanced training in counselling through the Master of Counselling.

Career Options

The Graduate Diploma will allow graduates to utilise and integrate counselling skills into their existing vocational careers or enable graduates to practice as professional counsellors eligible to register with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as a Level 2 practitioner. Graduates may find employment as counsellors in agencies, schools, government or non-government Organisations (NGO's) as case workers, health care professionals, and community care workers.

Credit Points

32 credit points at 600-level.
All units of study are 4 credit points. 

Course Duration

The course is based on 2 semesters (each of 13 weeks duration). Full-time students complete the course in one year.

The maximum length of candidature is:  Full time: 2.5 years, Part time: 5 years.

Course Structure

Students complete:

• 7 Core Units (28 credit points)
• 1 Elective Unit (4 credit points)

Study Modes

Units are available both on-campus and online.

Rules of Progression

• The seven core units (28 credit points) plus 1 elective unit (4 credit points) must be completed to complete the award.

Other Protocols of this Course

• With permission from the Dean of Counselling, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care students may complete 1 unit of study from the Master of Counselling units in place of the elective unit. 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 from the Master of Counselling Course units.