Course Overview

About This Course

Our Graduate Certificate in Counselling provides you with basic counselling skills. You will develop practical skills in client-centred practice to begin to navigate the complexities of human emotions, identity, and self-concept, enabling you to address clients' needs effectively. You will explore therapeutic practice, human development and ethics to begin to consider the factors that impact a person's mental wellbeing. Graduate Certificate qualifications do not qualify for membership with Australian Counselling Association (ACA). This qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Level 3, 127 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Admission Pathway 1 (Undergraduate Degree in Any Discipline): Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree (or equivalent) in any discipline will commence with the first four subjects that make up the nested Graduate Certificate.
Admission Pathway 4 (Professional Experience): Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor Degree but have at least five years FTE experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst may be eligible for admission based on their professional experience. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Head of School (or nominee).
Applicants with only previous vocational training qualifications, who do not also have ≥5 years FTE professional experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst, are not eligible for admission.
Applicants with only recent senior secondary education are not eligible for admission.
English Language Proficiency: All students need appropriate English language skills. Applicants whose first language is not English must evidence minimum English proficiency requirements by one of the following:
- Undergraduate degree or postgraduate award where English was the language of instruction; or
- An English language proficiency test achieving an IELTS Academic Overall Score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with Speaking no less than 6.5 and Listening, Writing and Reading no less than 6.0.
Applicants seeking admission based on prior qualifications must provide certified academic transcripts of their completed qualifications, and a completed admission questionnaire.
Applicants seeking admission based on professional experience must provide a curriculum vitae clearly detailing their roles, duties and duration of positions, a statement of service on employer letterhead (or accountant or solicitor if self-employed), and a completed admission questionnaire.
All applicants should read the course inherent requirements to ensure they are able to meet them.
Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview to determine suitability for the program.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles as: Supportive counsellors, Mental health support staff, Community health workers, Case managers in diverse settings such as: Schools, Community health centres, Social service agencies, Employee assistance programs, Non-profit organisations.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Counselling Association (ACA) / PACFA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACA / PACFA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units4 units

COU501

Models of Therapeutic Practice

Examines the major paradigms in counselling and psychotherapy, and their theories of therapeutic change. Students study models from the psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, constructivist postmodern and transpersonal approaches, examining their underlying theories, therapeutic processes, and techniques. Assessments: Online Quiz (30%), Critical Comparison Essay (40%), Reflective Essay (30%).

COU502

Foundations of Therapeutic Practice

Develops the skills needed to build a strong therapeutic relationship with clients, apply self-reflective and client-centred practice, and the use of more advanced counselling skills to facilitate change. Includes an on-campus intensive at Melbourne and Sydney campuses. Assessments: Triad Participation & Skills Demonstration (30%), Skills Demonstration & Self-Evaluation (50%), Peer Observation & Reflection (20%).

COU503

Ethics, Diversity & Practice

Fosters awareness and understanding of ethical issues fundamental to ethical and culturally sensitive counselling practice. Students gain knowledge of principles, frameworks and approaches that can guide ethical decision making, including legislation and codes of conduct within the Australian professional landscape. Assessments: Case Scenario Logbook (30%), Case Analysis Report (40%), Reflective Essay (30%).

COU504

Human Development

Offers an advanced exploration of human development across the lifespan through the developmental perspective. Grounded in developmental theories, contemporary research, and the developmental stages from prenatal to late adulthood. Assessments: Academic Poster (30%), Case Analysis Essay (40%), Reflective Essay (30%).

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Graduate Certificate in Counselling qualify me for membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)?

No. Graduate Certificate qualifications do not qualify for membership with Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Students who wish to pursue ACA membership should consider continuing into the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy or the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

What are the course fees for the Graduate Certificate in Counselling and is FEE-HELP available?

The indicative course fee for the Graduate Certificate in Counselling is $12,304 for domestic students (published September 2025). This qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants.

Can I continue my studies after completing the Graduate Certificate in Counselling?

Yes. Students may continue into the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy or the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Graduate Diploma includes subjects such as COU505 Understanding Mental Health, COU506 Emotion, Affect and Self in Psychotherapy, COU507 Unravelling the Concept of Mind, and COU508 Process Experiential Psychotherapy, among others.

Is there a face-to-face component in the online delivery of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling?

Yes. While the course is offered in a blended (online and on-campus) mode, face-to-face delivery includes an on-campus intensive for the subject COU502 Foundations of Therapeutic Practice. This intensive is only available at the Melbourne and Sydney campuses and will provide students with hands-on skills practice, supervised clinical simulations, and valuable interactions in a face-to-face learning environment.

Can I apply for the Graduate Certificate in Counselling if I do not hold a Bachelor Degree?

Yes, under Admission Pathway 4 (Professional Experience), applicants who do not hold a Bachelor Degree but have at least five years FTE experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst may be eligible for admission based on their professional experience. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Head of School (or nominee). Note that applicants with only previous vocational training qualifications (without ≥5 years FTE professional experience) or only recent senior secondary education are not eligible for admission.

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!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Mental Health CounsellorYouth Counsellor / School CounsellorFamily and Relationship CounsellorDrug and Alcohol Counsellor (AOD Counsellor)Trauma Counsellor

Key Skills

Active listening and reflective communicationBuilding therapeutic rapport and trust with clientsApplying counselling theories and frameworks (CBT, person-centred, psychodynamic, narrative)Crisis intervention and risk assessmentTrauma-informed and culturally safe practice

Full Course Overview

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