Edith Cowan University

Graduate Certificate of Counselling Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Build your counselling capabilities through practical learning, reflective practice and person-centred approaches.

Ready to take the next step?

Download your course guide and connect with a study advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

In a noisy world that is complex, uncertain and constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that there are people who can listen.

There is a growing demand for counselling professionals in nursing, social work, teaching and other community-based roles.

You can deepen your skills and respond to the evolving needs of individuals and communities with ECU’s online Graduate Certificate of Counselling.

You will examine techniques of counsellors in various modalities and gain practical knowledge of how to apply person-centred approaches to counselling. You will also begin to develop reflective practices to continue your development as you walk alongside individuals and communities.

The online Graduate Certificate of Counselling is an excellent pathway to ECU's online Master of Counselling. 

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Not available full-time
12 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,550
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Intake
18th January, 2027
15th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

The course has three units of study.

  • Foundations of Counselling Practice 
  • Theories and Techniques in Counselling
  • The Role of the Counsellor 

Entry requirements

Course admission requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy (with preference given to degrees relating to 'helping professions').
  • Equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
  • English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).

Outcomes

Career outcomes

  • Social Work
  • Career Coaching
  • Psychology
  • Other Allied Health
  • Human Resources
  • Youth Work
  • Human Welfare Roles
  • Local Government support/community development roles
  • Case work
  • Disability support work
  • Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science

Learning outcomes

Effective counselling techniques

  • Gain a deepened understanding of counselling approaches across psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive-behavioural and humanistic theories. Apply your practical skills and techniques to make assessments, plan treatments and implement evidence-based interventions.

Develop a person-centred approach

  • Learn how to walk alongside individuals in a process that values difference, supports self-discovery, builds on unique strengths and recognises the interrelationships between individuals, communities and social structures as important platforms for healing.

Core principles of counselling

  • Enhance your knowledge of effective counselling practice and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counsellor. Learn verbal and professional writing standards relevant throughout the counselling process.

Explore self-awareness and reflective practice

  • Engage in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice to gain a deeper understanding of the self and how this interplays with the therapeutic process, personal growth and ongoing professional development.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Full-fee paying place

Indicative unit fee in 2027: $4,550 (20-credit-point unit)
Indicative annual fee in 2027: $13,650
Indicative full-course fee: $13,650

The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on the 60 credit point (three units) course structure completed over six months.

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.