Fees
$3,562 per unit | FEE-HELP available
Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct
Units
4 units, 7 weeks each
Duration
8 months part-time
Why study the online Graduate Certificate in Counselling at UC?
Skills relevant to industry
Learn the theoretical and practical elements of the helping relationship to make ethical decisions in a range of contexts.
Dedicated student support
Be supported by a learning community of students and academics.
Accelerated learning with
immediate application
Study one unit at a time, online and accelerated, instantly adding value to your career and organisation.
Course overview
Guide the way by gaining the foundational skills in counselling to practise respectful and inclusive counselling. You will experience interactive teaching in a supportive learning environment.
What you will learn
Foundations of counselling
Acquire a critical understanding of the skills and major models of counselling that will support you to work in a range of human service roles.
Respectful approach to counselling
Develop the knowledge on how to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
Dedicated support
A Student Success Adviser is allocated to support you throughout your study journey, right from enrolment through to graduation.
Your course pathway
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling comprises 4 units. Upon successful completion, it is a pathway to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling or the Master of Counselling should you study a further 4 units or 8 units, respectively.
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
4 units | 8 months*
*Maximum 5 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion. The duration is dependent on individual study path and placement requirements. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information.
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling encompasses 4 units.
Counselling Theory and Approaches
Core Counselling Skills
Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
Diversity Inclusion Respect
Course information
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Counselling, applicants must:
- have an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in any discipline; OR
- hold an AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a Counselling or Counselling related subject and provide proof of 4 years full time counselling/counselling related experience.
- fulfil non-standard English language requirements that are outlined in ‘Additional requirements’.
Additionally, completion of the graduate certificate would allow a student to be eligible for direct admission to the graduate diploma and master’s degree.
Ready to learn more?
Download your course brochure for more detailed information including:
- What you’ll study
- Recognition of prior learning
- Entry requirements
- Fees and FEE-HELP
Career outcomes
Students of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling develop foundational skills that are applicable to a wide variety of organisations and counselling teams. This qualification allows you to take the next step in your career as a counsellor, youth worker, community support worker, case worker, family counsellor, development officer and many other human service roles.
Taught by the best in the industry
“I believe counselling is both a skill and a responsibility. In our programs, students are supported to think critically, practise ethically, and develop the confidence to sit with complexity. We are committed to rigorous training, inclusive practice, and preparing graduates who can work competently across diverse communities.”
Dr. Rana Tayara
Program Lead, Discipline of Counselling
Taught by the best in the industry
“Training as a counsellor at the University of Canberra fosters profound personal growth as well as preparation to work in a diverse and meaningful profession. As a student, you gain versatile knowledge and skills applicable across many sectors. With Australia’s growing mental health demand, your future career offers stable, impactful work in private practice, community health, or specialist counselling roles."
Dr. Susan Sisko
Program Director for Post Graduate Counselling
Question not covered here?
We’re here to help. Our Student Enrolment Adviser can tell you more about:
- Finding your ideal course
- How courses are structured
- How online study works
- How to apply and enrol
Ready to apply?
Start your application to study with UC Online.
