Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Victoria University

About

The Graduate Diploma of Counselling will extend your expertise in counselling theory and practice.

You will cover:

psychological theory counselling interventions and psychological therapies (either for adults, or children and adolescents) an understanding of a range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss an understanding of the ethics of the ethics of counselling practical skills through industry-based learning and placement.

The course is offered part-time over two years and is designed to provide a professional foundation in counselling theory and practice.

You can specialise in one of two streams:

general child and adolescent.

This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Please note, this is not a psychology course accredited by the Australian Psychological Society.

Structure

To attain the Graduate Diploma in Counselling students will be required to complete:

  • 96credit points of Core studies

Course structure and units

  • Foundations of Counselling Unit code APT6016 Credits12

Or

  • Foundations of Child and Adolescent Counselling Unit code APT6019 Credits12
  • Counselling Theories and Interventions Unit code APT6017 Credits12
  • Counselling across the Lifespan Unit code APT6018 Credits12
  • Ethics and Professional Practice for Counsellors Unit code APT6020 Credits12
  • Practicum 1 Unit code APT6001 Credits12
  • Supervision and Reflection Practice for Counsellors Unit code APT6021 Credits12
  • Working with Diversity in Counselling Unit code APT6023 Credits12
  • Practicum 2 Unit code APT6002 Credits12

Entry requirements

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any disciplineORCompletion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.ANDSuitability for the profession of counselling as determined at an interview.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Additional information

An interview is required for applicants to this course.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Critically review counselling theories and contemporary professional literature to apply evidence-based practice to counselling interventions;  
  2. Investigate cultural and systemic elements relevant to counselling practice including inter-professional relations;  
  3. Appraise psychological theories and therapeutic approaches offered by helping professionals in relationship to the role of the counsellor;  
  4. Formulate evidence-based intervention plans for a range of counselling presentations addressing psychosocial issues;  
  5. Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that are likely to be encountered by practising counsellors; and  
  6. Demonstrate appropriate and responsive counselling practice in a professional workplace setting.  

Institution