Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Counselling

The Graduate Certificate of Counselling is designed to introduce students to the essential knowledge and skills that will prepare them for a helping career or expand on their current understanding and practice to improve their skills for their current work situations. This course will equip students to:

• Provide face to face and online counselling
• Gain practical knowledge of how to apply person-centred approaches to counselling situations
• Work in a culturally responsive and respectful framework with clients and communities
• Develop reflective practices that lead to self-awareness
• Understand the major counselling theories and their change mechanisms
• React professionally and ethically to challenges in helping professions
• Identify the professional roles and responsibilities of a counsellor and pathways to further qualifications

Course Details

• Duration: The standard duration for this course is 8 months (4 Study Blocks). The maximum duration is 3 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• Delivery Mode: This course is offered fully online.
• Location: All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
• Faculty: Faculty of Health
• Discipline(s): Counselling
• AQF Level: 8
• Fees:
  • Per Unit: $3,412.5 (2025), $3,562.5 (2026)
  • Full Course: Fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
• English Language Requirements: There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0.

Admission Requirements

• Admission to this course is competitive. Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic merit and the number of available places.
• Academic Entry Requirements: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in any discipline; OR hold an AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a Counselling or Counselling related subject and provide proof of 4 years full-time counselling/counselling related experience.
• Assumed Knowledge: None.
• Credit Arrangements: There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Course Requirements

• Graduate Certificate in Counselling (SCC401): 12 credit points
  • Required units:
    • Counselling Theory and Approaches G (11739) - 3 credit points
    • Core Counselling Skills G (11740) - 3 credit points
    • Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling G (11741) - 3 credit points
    • Diversity Inclusion Respect G (11742) - 3 credit points

Learning Outcomes

• Apply reflective practice in personal and professional development.
• Evaluate literature in relevant fields to inform professional practice and support pathways to further learning.
• Communicate relevant professional knowledge effectively and respectfully to a variety of audiences and in different formats.
• Demonstrate discipline-specific skill-based practice.
• Demonstrate collaborative skills.
• Demonstrate ethical awareness and professional conduct in the context of the counselling profession and its obligations to diversity, communities, and society.

Awards

• Graduate Certificate in Counselling: GradCert Couns

Enrolment Data

• 2023 enrolments for this course by location: UC - Canberra, Online (176)

Similar Courses

• Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (SCM501.1)
• Graduate Diploma in Counselling (SCG401.1)
• Master of Counselling (SCM401.1)