Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling is a one-year full-time or part-time equivalent course that provides students with the practical skills and knowledge to build a career in rehabilitation counselling. The course is accredited by the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC) and is designed to support individuals and communities through physical injuries, psychological conditions, disability, or disadvantage.

Key Facts

• Award: Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
• Start dates: Semester 1 (March 2026), Semester 2 (July 2026)
• Duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal
• Scholarships: Available, with details provided on the university's website
• Fees: $33,000 per 120 credit points (note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year)

About the Course

The Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling gives students the foundations to develop a rewarding career that supports others through significant life changes. Students will build their professional expertise, develop their understanding of client relationships and service coordination, and explore different counselling models and techniques. The course includes a practical work placement in a specialist rehabilitation facility or human service agency, providing hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop professional networks.

Course Structure

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across one year. The course structure includes:

• 120 credit points from core subjects, including:
  • ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE
  • COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS
  • EMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY
  • MANAGING WELLBEING AND PERFORMANCE
  • REHABILITATION COUNSELLING
  • REHABILITATION COUNSELLING PRACTICUM
  • SERVICE COORDINATION AND CASE MANAGEMENT
  • THE SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE IN HEALTH CARE
  • VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Work-Based Learning

The course includes compulsory placements (Work-Based Learning) designed to allow students to practice newly acquired skills, behaviors, and knowledge while integrating theory with practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply rehabilitation theory and philosophy and research and evaluation methods to rehabilitation counselling practice
• Plan, implement, and evaluate client-centered vocational assessment and training for individual clients and groups in complex rehabilitation contexts
• Apply complex and specialized counselling skills, case management theory, and psychological interventions in a rehabilitation context
• Generate professional documentation and reports for various stakeholders in a rehabilitation counselling context
• Critically reflect on rehabilitation counselling practice through monitoring and evaluation of own work and personal and professional development
• Appraise and apply legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of a rehabilitation counsellor

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to work as rehabilitation counsellors, as well as in broader counselling settings related to areas such as wellbeing, sport, and mental health. Possible roles include:

• Rehabilitation counsellor
• Counsellor
• Student wellbeing coordinator

Professional Recognition

The Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling is accredited by the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC). Graduates may apply for membership with ASORC, which may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree.

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated course fee for domestic postgraduate students is $33,000 per 120 credit points. Students may be eligible for FEE-HELP, a loan from the Australian Government that allows students to defer their tuition fees. Various scholarships are also available, with details provided on the university's website.

How to Apply

The application process can vary depending on the course. Most postgraduate courses take 15 to 20 minutes to apply for, and students can apply for up to two postgraduate courses. Students who have undertaken study in the past may be eligible for advanced standing, which can reduce the number of subjects required to complete the course.