Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Course overview Prepare for a career in counselling by strengthening both your personal and professional skills. You’ll learn how to support people during vulnerable times in their lives and develop the relationship-building skills that are key to effective counselling practice. As a student, you’ll explore the latest evidence-based counselling practices through immersive, hands-on learning. You’ll develop core counselling skills, learn how to conceptualise cases and apply your knowledge in real-world settings, including in the area of mental health and Indigenous, multicultural and other diverse communities. After graduating from this course, you can apply for the Master of Counselling and complete it in one year. 3 reasons to study a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Murdoch Flexible study arrangements: study full or part time Experienced staff: you will learn from highly industry trained experienced staff who have practical experience in counselling Hands on learning: Gain practical experience in a supportive environment. What you’ll learn Counselling skills Counselling theories and approaches Counselling across the lifespan Case conceptualisation and assessment Mental health counselling Counselling Indigenous, multicultural and diverse populations Experiential learning in group counselling Learn to communicate effectively, ethically, and with cultural competence in professional practice Your future career Graduates with corresponding undergraduate degrees may be employed in a variety of sectors across government and non-government counselling organisations working with adults, children, families and couples. Careers could include: Education and training Healthcare and social assistance Other services Professional accreditation This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). The Graduate Diploma is a requisite step towards the Master of Counselling degree which has Professional Accreditation with the ACA and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA Professional recognition Graduates are eligible to apply for Level 1 membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Graduates may apply to enter the Master of Counselling degree which also has Professional Accreditation with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Start dates Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode In this attendance mode , teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes . Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode In this attendance mode , teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes . Start dates (Transnational) Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode In this attendance mode , teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. Semester 2, 2026 Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd No No Yes Semester 2, 2027 Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd No No Yes Semester 1, 2027 Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd No No Yes View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes . #1 in WA For learner engagement, learning resources, student support and teaching quality at undergraduate level in Health Services and Support. Good Universities Guide 2026* Put theory into practice Gain experience in our state-of-the-art clinical teaching wards and simulation suites. Get industry experience Our outreach programs stretch as far as the Kimberly region of WA, where students can provide health care to remote and regional communities.