Graduate Diploma in Counselling Online

What you will study

Core courses

To earn the Master of Counselling, you must complete each of the following core courses:

• Foundational Counselling Skills
• Ethics in Counselling Practice
• Mental Health, Trauma and Resilience  
• Counselling in a Diverse World
• Applied Counselling Approaches
• Advanced Counselling Practice^
• Counselling Placement A (approx. 100 hours)*

^ Intensive course that requires on-campus attendance to meet accreditation requirements.

* In-person attendance required at a placement site such as a health, school, non-government organisation and/or private practice.

Electives

Complete two of the following electives:

• Working with Couples and Families
• Counselling for Grief and Loss
• Psychotherapeutic Frameworks
• Counselling Practice for Trauma, Crisis and Violence

In-person requirements

On-campus residency workshop (in-person attendance required in Sydney)

As a pivotal step in your professional development and accreditation, the Advanced Counselling Practice course features an on-campus residency at UNSW Sydney. This four-day intensive experience builds on your online practice gained through the program to extend your clinical application and theory into in-person contexts, preparing you to confidently begin your placement rotations.

Guided by experienced practitioner-academics, you will engage in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you will move beyond observation into action.

To meet ACA requirements and complete your degree, you must undertake at least 100 hours of work placement. UNSW helps you secure high-quality placements as close to home as possible through its extensive network of health organisations,  schools, non-government organisations (NGOs), and private practices. Costs associated with placements are in addition to the annual tuition fee.

Entry requirements

General admission requirements

To be eligible for our Graduate Diploma in Counselling, you must have either:

• completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification in a related discipline*, OR
• completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification in any discipline plus 2 years relevant work experience**.

* Related disciplines may include psychology, social work, human services, education, youth work, community services, health sciences, nursing, mental health, behavioural science, social science and other related fields.

** Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience reflecting professional readiness, that may include supportive work, effective communication, facilitation or mentoring. 

Entry via study pathway

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be eligible for entry into the Graduate Certificate.

Additional requirements

Before commencing your placement, you may be required to provide evidence of the following, depending on the agency and state regulations:

• National Police Check
• Working With Children Check, Working With Vulnerable People Check (or relevant state-based clearance)
• Current First Aid Training
• Immunisation compliance (as required by the placement agency)

You should ensure these checks and certifications are completed prior to the commencement of your placement course. 

English language

You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling online offers mid-level qualifications that enhance your theoretical understanding and practical skills. Completing this qualification enables you to obtain a level one membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and work as a professional counsellor.

Graduates can work in various settings across the Australian healthcare landscape:

• Private practise
• Community health organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• Schools
• Health organisations  
• Corporate employee assistance programs (EAPs)

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative fee per course in 2026: $4,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total program fee in 2026: $32,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• 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.