Program Overview

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Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies – PGDipCounGuidSt

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies is designed to develop and advance knowledge and understanding of the dimensions of counselling and guidance. This qualification is a stand-alone academic programme that provides comprehensive conceptual knowledge and understanding of the dimensions of guidance and counselling and their contributions to a wide variety of personal and professional contexts.

Type of Qualification

• Postgraduate diploma
• Level of study: Postgraduate study (NZQF level 8)

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Distance and online
• Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies – PGDipCounGuidSt

This postgraduate diploma will advance your knowledge and understanding in counselling and guidance practice and roles. It is suitable for those already in a human services role encompassing counselling and guidance responsibilities or considering moving more fully into this domain.

Your Qualification Options

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance does not in itself enable you to become a qualified counsellor.
• Further study: This postgraduate diploma is an academic prerequisite for seeking admission into the advanced professional qualification, Master of Counselling.

A PGDipCounGuidSt is a Good Fit if You

• Have an undergraduate degree and want to gain recognition and further develop your professional capabilities
• Want to further develop your knowledge and professional capabilities in the human services field
• Are looking towards seeking admission into the Master of Counselling

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey: All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Specific requirements: To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies, you will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent.
• English language requirements: To study this qualification, you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

• For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations or contact us.

English Language Skills

• If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum Time Limits for Completion

• There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official Regulations

• To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies requires 120 credits.
• A student studying full-time would be able to complete the 120 credits in one year, involving 60 credits per semester.
• For those studying part-time, credits can be accumulated over time.

Courses and Specialisations

• Compulsory courses: 120 credits
• Course planning key: Prerequisites, corequisites, restrictions

Compulsory Courses

• Choose 120 credits from:
  • Counselling Theory (30 credits)
  • Guidance in Education (30 credits)
  • Family and Couples Counselling (30 credits)
  • Culture and Counselling (30 credits)

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $10,652
  • International students: $38,840
• Course fees: You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
• Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme: You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
• Scholarship and award opportunities: Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

Fees Disclaimer

• This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment.

Careers and Job Opportunities

• Graduates with a postgraduate diploma normally work as helping professionals or use the qualification to add to skills in their existing role.

Related Study Options

• Master of Counselling – MCouns
  • Qualification: 120 credits
  • Location: Distance and online
  • Description: Massey’s Master of Counselling will prepare you for a career as a counsellor and a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).