Course Overview
About This Course
Eligibility
Entry Requirements
- Recent Senior Secondary Education (Domestic): Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent within the past two years.
- Higher Education (Domestic): Successful completion (or partial completion) of a higher education qualification.
- VET Study (Domestic): Completion of a vocational qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Work/Life Experience (Domestic): Left senior secondary education more than two years prior and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since; must submit a written admission statement outlining reasons for pursuing the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Recent Senior Secondary Education (International): Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent within the past two years; ATAR of 65 required for guaranteed entry.
- VET Study (International): Completion of a vocational qualification at Diploma level or higher.
- Work/Life Experience (International): Left senior secondary education more than two years prior and have not undertaken VET or HE study since; must submit a written admission statement.
- English Language (International): IELTS score of 6.5 (Academic) with no less than 6.5 in Speaking and no less than 6.0 in Listening, Writing, and Reading, or equivalent.
- All applicants must complete the Learner Questionnaire found in the Application Form, demonstrating their inherent qualities and motivations to succeed in the course. Applicants may also be asked to participate in an informal interview with an Ikon representative.
Career & Study Pathways
Where this takes you
Course Content
Units of Competency
Integrative Psychotherapy in Theory
Sets the foundation for knowledge and skills in counselling and integrative arts therapy practice, introducing a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing person-centred and experiential psychotherapy, Eastern and Indigenous practices and psychodynamic interpersonal therapy.
Integrative Psychotherapy in Practice
Focuses on building the essential knowledge and core skills required for counselling and therapeutic practice through one-to-one therapeutic interactions with peers, applying foundation and intermediate counselling skills in various situations.
Models of Contemporary Practice
Develops understanding of the main theoretical perspectives and models that influence therapeutic practice and facilitate therapeutic change, covering psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioural, transpersonal and other approaches.
Ethics in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
Develops awareness and understanding of ethical and legal issues critical to counselling and psychotherapy practice, including ethical principles, theories, frameworks, relevant legislation and professional codes of ethics within the Australian professional landscape.
Mental Health and Crisis Management
Explores varied experiences of consumers using mental health services in Australia, the cultural evolution of perceptions regarding normal and abnormal behaviour, and develops skills to effectively respond to clients in mental health crises and those experiencing suicidal tendencies.
Embracing Culture, Diversity and Inclusion
Explores ethical foundations of individual worldviews, providing knowledge, skills and awareness required to engage in ethical and culturally mindful therapeutic practices, including cross-cultural skills for working with diverse populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.
Case Conceptualisation
Introduces the practice of case conceptualisation in clinical settings, guiding treatment planning and interventions during supervised practice, with emphasis on short-term treatment planning.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many subjects do I need to complete and is there a placement requirement?
You must successfully complete 8 subjects, totalling 48 credit points, to complete the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The course also includes 1 supervised placement experience totalling 120 hours, which provides invaluable hands-on experience applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios.
What is the difference in online study options for domestic and international students?
Domestic students may study the full course online, while international students may study up to one-third of the subjects in a course online.
What are the indicative domestic course fees for the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy?
The indicative domestic course fee for the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy is $22,000. FEE-HELP is available for eligible applicants. Please note that indicative course fees are an estimate only and may vary.
Does the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy provide a pathway into further study?
Yes, for those seeking additional study, this course is a pathway to Ikon's Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy, offering more career and professional development opportunities.
What is the expected study workload for this course?
For each subject, you should allocate about three hours for lectures and tutorials. Additionally, you should allow approximately 10 hours per week per subject for self-directed study to complete prescribed readings, practice skills, conduct research, and complete assessments at your own pace. The academic year is structured into three trimesters, each consisting of 11 weeks of teaching followed by an exam week.
Application
How to Apply
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.
Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.
Hear From the Students
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Master of Nursing · Griffith University