Program Overview

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Graduate Certificate in Counselling

The Graduate Certificate in Counselling introduces students to the foundations of counselling theory and practice, developing the interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

About this Course

This course is ideal for those already working in education, social work, healthcare, or human services who want to enhance their qualifications. It serves as a pathway into ECU's Master of Counselling, where students can continue their studies toward professional practice and registration.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate Award.

Course code

O22

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

Admissions

ECU admission profile

Fees

• Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $13,000

Duration

Students will study 40 credit points in the first trimester and 20 credit points in the second trimester.

Availability & Campus

Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2
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City Campus | |
Joondalup | FT |
South West | |
Sri Lanka | |
Online | |

• FT = Full-time studyPT = Part-time study

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

• Academic Admission requirements (Band 6)

  • Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
    • Bachelor degree; or
    • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

• English Language requirements (Band 4)

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points
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COU6571| Foundations of Counselling Practice| 20
COU6572| Theories and Techniques in Counselling| 20
COU6573| The Role of the Counsellor| 20

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

1. Communicate effectively to a professional audience.
2. Critically analyse and apply theoretical knowledge and skills-based practice in the discipline of counselling.
3. Engage in reflective practice to monitor professional functioning for ongoing development as a counsellor.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• AUD $13,000 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee

Note

The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Counselling will be equipped with skills that can be applied in education, human services, healthcare, and community organisations. Possible future job titles include:

• Support Worker
• School Counsellor
• Community Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Mental Health Advocate
• Human Services Professional