Torrens University Australia
Graduate Certificate of Counselling Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 Months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Explore counselling theories, therapeutic communication, human development and self-care across four core subjects, combining online learning with 40 hours of on-campus experiential practical skills training.
Course overview
Enhance your counselling and interpersonal communication skills with Torrens University’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling. Designed to deepen your understanding of the human psyche, counselling theories and barriers to wellbeing, this AQF Level 8 qualification can extend relevant skills in fields including nursing, social work and teaching.
Across four core subjects, you will examine advanced therapeutic communication, theoretical approaches to counselling, life stages and development and self-care and resilience. You will learn to support clients within ethical and professional requirements, apply psychosocial wellbeing to practice and connect counselling theories and practical skills with lived experience and personal self-care.
Delivered in blended mode, the course combines online learning with at least 40 hours of experiential practical skills training through campus-based Practical Intensive Workshops. It can be completed in two trimesters full time or four or more trimesters part time. For applicants without a degree in a related field, Torrens states that successful completion is required before enrolling in its Graduate Diploma, Master or Advanced Master of Counselling.
Key facts
What you will study
These four core subjects must be completed.
- Advanced Therapeutic Communication
- Theoretical Approaches to Counselling
- Life Stages and Development
- Self Care & Developing Resilience
Entry requirements
Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.
- AQF Level 7 (Bachelor's degree) or above in a relevant discipline.
- A Bachelor's degree and complete the Torrens Work Life entry form demonstrating your interest in and suitability to gain entry to 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, Master's, or Advanced Master's.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Support clients with a range of issues within ethical and professional requirements.
- Understand and apply psychosocial well-being to practice.
- Deepen and broaden communication skills.
- Apply theories and practical skills to personal lived experience and to demonstrate self-care.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling has been designed to prepare you for employment in a role that leverages counselling and communication skills. Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to progress your career in the professional domain of counselling or continue your studies.
- Counsellor
- Case manager
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Addiction counsellor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative subject price in 2026: $2,488 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total course fee: $9,952
Subject prices are based on 10-credit-point blocks.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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.