Graduate Diploma in Counselling

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling prepares graduates to work as university-qualified registered counsellors in a diverse range of counselling contexts.

Combining online study with mandatory intensive schools in a blended learning format, the course is ideally suited to individuals with a prior degree in any discipline wishing to gain an industry-recognised, tertiary-level qualification whilst continuing to meet their work and family commitments.

As part of the award, students can complete either the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Counselling Placement Pathway which includes 40 hours of face-to-face counselling;

10 hours of clinical supervision and 150 hours of agency-based activities.

The course provides a direct pathway to the Master of Counselling at UNE and is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), a national peak association, and Australia's largest single registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists.

Student membership with the ACA is available while undertaking the course, with professional membership eligibility after graduation.

Graduates who engage in ongoing professional development are also eligible to be listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP), an independent national register of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.

Course Aims

This course aims to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practice-based counselling skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge and skills-based practice in the discipline of counselling; utilise contemporary research and evidence-based guidelines, together with a professional understanding of diverse client populations and the main approaches used, in order to best meet their client's needs; apply principles of ethico-legal practice to plan, implement, analyse and document ways of working with clients in complex situations, demonstrating respect for diversity; conduct skills-based practice sessions in a competent, adaptable and professional manner, demonstrating well-developed judgement, in order to best meet the needs of clients and groups; engage reflexively in analysis of the development of their professional practice, counselling and supervision skills and on the need for ongoing supervision and professional development; and demonstrate the capacity to work inter-professionally and to communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to others.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Students will adopt a culturally sensitive, global perspective during the acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills in counselling. Communication Skills Students will increase their English language proficiency by developing communication skills to build empathic relationships with clients based on approaches outlined and the ability to critically reflect on the use of these skills. Problem Solving Students will develop their ability to review, analyse and critically reflect on knowledge and identify appropriate ways to support clients with complex issues. Information Literacy Students will increase their capacity to critically evaluate the sources and validity of relevant information and their ability to think critically and evaluate complex ideas and experiences, using specialised techniques. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students will increase their capacity to reason, practice and behave in an ethically sound and socially responsible manner towards their clients, colleagues and the wider community. Lifelong Learning Students will expand their capacity to take responsibility and be accountable for personal and professional practice as a counsellor through self-reflexive practice. Independence and Collaboration Students will extend their understanding of the importance of both effective, multi-disciplinary teamwork and the capacity for competent independent practice when working with clients, their families and the community.