University of Southern Queensland
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Child, Youth and Family Therapy) Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Offers an in-depth exploration of therapeutic strategies tailored to young people and families, blending theory with practical insights to prepare graduates for impactful, relationship-centred practice.
Course overview
- Build or extend your expertise in a specialist counselling area with UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling. Acquire advanced knowledge and skills while fulfilling part of the eligibility requirements for professional counselling association membership. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
- Gain an introduction to counselling practice through a blend of residential schools, online tutorials and foundational courses. Learn to apply contemporary theories and models central to counselling assessment and client‑centred therapy that are both trauma‑informed and culturally sensitive.
- Be industry‑ready – this diploma is designed to build specific counselling assessment and intervention skills for working within a range of contexts and with a wide variety of issues and populations.
- Get one step closer to becoming a qualified counsellor – upon completion of this diploma, you can articulate into the Master of Counselling, giving you the opportunity to fulfil your counsellor training.
- Study the majority of your diploma online. To meet the required number of hours of face‑to‑face instruction and ensure you have the best possible skills preparation, you’ll also be required to attend mandatory residential schools at UniSQ Ipswich for four of your courses.
- Become a specialist in the nuances of working with children, young people and families, and make a positive impact on your community.
- Learn to assess your clients’ needs, provide appropriate interventions and articulate clear strategies of engagement.
- Examine specific methods of engagement and intervention with child and youth clients, including developmental considerations for intervention and child abuse prevention.
In the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Child, Youth and Family Therapy), students will specialise in relationship, child, youth and family counselling, learn to effectively assess needs, engage with clients and apply appropriate strategies and interventions.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete this degree, students must take eight units. Each course is worth one unit.
- Counselling Skills and Applications
- Counselling Frameworks
- Counselling and Diversity Across the Lifespan
- Professional Counselling Practice, Identity and Ethics
- Presenting Issues and Mental Health
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian university three-year bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any area.
English language requirements
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements, and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you need to take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply a core body of knowledge, including contemporary theories and models central to counselling assessment and client-centred therapy that is both trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
- Effectively utilise a range of advanced interpersonal, written, oral and digital literacy skills that are appropriate from a decolonising perspective when communicating with culturally diverse audiences, including clients and professionals, utilising person-first language.
- Apply critical reasoning, reflective practice and professional and ethical judgement with initiative to identify and resolve a range of therapeutic, professional, legal and ethical practice issues.
- Consolidate theory and practice within a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, integrative framework to effectively provide counselling within diverse cultural and practice contexts and client groups.
- Utilise relevant research literature, methodologies and findings to inform practice development and decision-making processes.
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you will be equipped to specialise in counselling, case management, wellbeing and youth work skills within a child, youth and family therapy career.
Career opportunities exist in a range of counselling and human services roles within government, non‑government and private organisations, or alternatively, graduates may become self‑employed in private practice.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $29,760 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student annual 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 program.