Graduate Diploma Of Counselling

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. Graduates may find employment as case workers, health care professionals, and community care workers. The Graduate Diploma also provides the foundational learning necessary for progression into further study within a Master of Counselling and following that, employment as a clinical counsellor.

Credit Points

96 credit points at 800-level.
All units of study are 12 credit points. 

Course Duration

1 year full-time, or up to a maximum of 3 years part-time. 

Course Structure

Students complete:

• 8 Core Units (96 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 eight core units (96 credit points) must be completed to complete the award.

Other Protocols of this Course

• Applicants who have an existing graduate degree in counselling, and who wish to apply for credit should contact CCSC Administration [email protected]