University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma in Counselling Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Build advanced counselling knowledge and practical skills across counselling theory, ethics, diversity, trauma, loss and grief, with supervised practical experience through a counselling placement.
Course overview
Develop the skills to support people when life becomes difficult. The University of Canberra’s Graduate Diploma in Counselling combines a grounding in counselling theory with practical experience, preparing you to respond thoughtfully to the needs of individuals and communities.
Explore counselling approaches, ethical conduct and the importance of diversity, inclusion and respect in the helping relationship. Deepen your understanding of loss, grief and trauma, examining their impact on people’s lives while developing your ability to work across different social and cultural contexts.
Put your learning into practice through counselling skills development, preparation for supervision and a placement at an approved counselling agency. Practical, in-person learning and feedback from academics help you connect theoretical understanding with the demands of counselling work. A dedicated Student Success Adviser supports you throughout your studies.
Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association and recognised as a professional counselling qualification, this eight-unit course can be completed over 16 months part-time. Combine online learning with practical experience as you work towards counselling and human service roles, or continue into UC’s Master of Counselling with a further four units.
Key facts
March, 2027
May, 2027
July, 2027
August, 2027
October, 2027
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling encompasses eight units.
Core units
- Counselling Theory and Approaches
- Core Counselling Skills
- Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
- Diversity Inclusion Respect
- Introduction to Placement and Supervision
- Counselling Skills in Practice
- Loss, Grief and Trauma in Counselling
- Placement A - Putting It All into Practice
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, applicants must:
- Have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline.
- Meet the non-standard English language requirements for the course.
English language requirements
Applicants must achieve an IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0, or an approved equivalent.
Alternative or equivalent ways of meeting the English language requirements may also be accepted. Refer to the University of Canberra’s English proficiency requirements for further information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
This course is a professional qualification in counselling, offering a flexible pathway for entry-level 'helping professionals'. Studying in a supportive learning environment with a focus on skills development, students will:
- Learn the skills to identify challenges in the counselling field and implement ethical and realistic solutions
- Communicate knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively within a range of cultural and interdisciplinary contexts
- Gain an understanding of the principles of ethical and professional practice and respect all aspects of diversity
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of major theories, models and techniques specific to counselling
- Display a high level of understanding of major evidence-based research theory and current practices in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. With a focus on experiential learning, the student will be offered a counselling placement, participate in small group supervision and a five-day face-to-face residential.
Career outcomes
Build on foundational counselling skills through experiential practice that can be applied across a variety of organisations and teams. Career opportunities include:
- Relationship counsellor
- Financial counsellor
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- School counsellor
- Youth worker
- Family support worker
- Private practitioner
- Psychotherapist
Fees and FEE-HELP
Total indicative amount in 2027: $30,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
- Price per unit: $3,750
- Total course price: $30,000
The indicative amount to complete this course in 2027 is calculated based on the total course requirement of 24 credit points (8 units).
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Annual changes to tuition fees.
Students may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm current fees.
FEE-HELP may be available to eligible domestic students enrolled in a full-fee paying place.