Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
1 Year
Blended (online learning materials with on-campus Practical Intensive Workshops and work placement)
Full time / Part time / Blended · 10 hours of study per week; three hours facilitated and seven self-directed
01 Jun 2026 | 14 Sep 2026
Course Overview
Where You Can Study
Surry Hills
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Professional Body
Australian Counselling Association (ACA) / PACFA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
ACA / PACFA
Course Content
Advanced Therapeutic Communication
Explores the nature of interpersonal communication including different communication channels and barriers to effective communication. Covers the role of self-perception, culture, listening and reflection in effective communication, power in interpersonal relationships, and when confidentiality and 'duty of care' might conflict.
Theoretical Approaches to Counselling
Introduces a variety of counselling approaches including Person-centred Therapy, CBT, DBT, Solution Focused techniques, ACT, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based practice. Includes compulsory Practical Intensive Workshop attendance (on campus) over two weekend sessions per trimester.
Life Stages and Development
Introduces developmental psychology and explores key life stages from birth to death in social and cultural contexts. Examines theories of attachment, cognitive and social development with reference to trauma, and the influences of biology, gender, culture, ethnicity and socio-political contexts.
Self Care & Developing Resilience
Covers principles of social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing, capacity building and promotion of wellbeing through self-care strategies. Explores the impact of vicarious trauma and burnout for professionals, and requires students to develop a cohesive self-care plan.
Mental Health
Develops knowledge and understanding of how to work effectively with people with a mental illness. Covers common types of mental illness, social and psychological determinants of mental health, reduction of lethal risk, domestic abuse, and common personality disorders.
Digital Counselling
Examines the impact of digital culture on intrapersonal, interpersonal and intercultural experience. Assists students to utilise counselling theories and methods in digital environments including apps, SMS, videoconferencing and virtual reality, and addresses client privacy, security, and professional online presence.
Clinical Practice & Supervision
Students undertake 40 hours of supervised counselling at an external organisation or The Practice – The Wellbeing Centre, and receive 10 hours of group supervision. Covers the phases in the counselling relationship, professional and ethical conduct, record keeping, risk assessment, client resistance, and self-reflection.
Advanced Counselling Skills
Introduces a variety of counselling approaches including Person-centred Therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based practice. Includes compulsory Practical Intensive Workshop attendance (on campus). Pre-requisite: TAC402 Theoretical Approaches to Counselling.
Common Questions
This course has a requirement of 40 hours of practical supervised placement, conducted either at the Sydney Clinic – The Practice Wellbeing Centre (which offers low-cost counselling services to the public) and/or in selected outplacements through external organisations. Students must also complete at least 80 hours of experiential practical skills training at campus-based Practical Intensive Workshops spread across two subjects (TAC402 and ACS504).
Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). It is also an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.
Applicants must hold an AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or above in a relevant discipline, or hold a Bachelor's degree and complete the Torrens Work Life entry form demonstrating interest in and suitability for the course. Students who do not have a prior degree in a related field must successfully complete the Graduate Certificate prior to enrolling in the Graduate Diploma, as this is a professional accreditation requirement.
The course is delivered in a blended mode, with all learning materials available online. However, there are compulsory on-campus attendance requirements: two subjects (TAC402 and ACS504) include Practical Intensive Workshops held over two weekend sessions (Saturday and Sunday) at the end of Weeks 6 and 12 of each trimester, running from 9.00am to 6.00pm AEST each day. Additionally, one subject (CPS507) includes compulsory attendance at work integrated learning placements.
Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Counselling can act as a pathway to the Master of Counselling. The Master of Counselling is available to domestic students, comprises 8 core subjects, is delivered in a blended mode, and can be completed in 1.5 years full time or 3 years part time.
Application
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!
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
