Fees
$3,562 per unit | FEE-HELP available
Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct
Units
8 units, 7 weeks each
Duration
16 months part-time
Why study the online Graduate Diploma in Counselling at UC?
Skills relevant to industry
Extend and enhance practical skills that are identified by industry experts as key to meeting the complex needs of individuals and communities.
Dedicated student support
Be supported by a learning community of students and academics.
Expert placement support
Have the opportunity to undertake a placement at an approved counselling agency.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Diploma in Counselling further develops your counselling skills with practical, in-person experience, support and feedback from academics. The course will extend and expand your counselling skills and deepen your knowledge and theoretical understanding of trauma, loss and grief, and its impact on people's lives.
What you will learn
Build on the foundations of counselling
Acquire a critical understanding of human diversity and the major models of counselling that will strengthen your capability to work in a range of social and cultural contexts.
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.
ACA accredited
The course is recognised as a professional qualification in counselling and accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), in line with their Professional Training Standards.
Your course pathway
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling comprises 8 units and upon successful completion, is an excellent pathway to the master’s degree should you choose to undertake an additional four units.
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
8 units | 16 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 Diploma in Counselling encompasses 8 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
Course information
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, applicants must:
- have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline
- fulfil non-standard English language requirements that are outlined in ‘Additional requirements’.
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
Build on the foundational counselling skills with experiential practice that are applicable to a wide variety of organisations and teams. This qualification allows you to take the next step in your career as a:
- Private practice counsellor
- Family relationship counsellor
- Support worker
- Case worker
- Youth worker
- Substance abuse counsellor
- Corrections and prison support
- Child and adolescent counsellor
- Mental health worker and many other human service roles.
Taught by the industry’s best
“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 industry’s best
“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 Postgraduate Counselling
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in Australia, many counselling roles are accessible with a Graduate Diploma of Counselling, particularly when the qualification meets recognised professional standards. Counselling is a self-regulated profession, meaning employers and professional associations set eligibility requirements rather than statutory registration.
A Graduate Diploma of Counselling is commonly accepted for entry-level and intermediate roles in community services, education, health, and not-for-profit settings. Graduates may also be eligible to apply for professional membership with bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), depending on course accreditation and individual circumstances.
At UC, the Graduate Diploma pathway aligns with ACA requirements. While some courses nationally may also support PACFA applications, UC’s counselling programs are accredited by the ACA, and PACFA membership eligibility is not guaranteed for UC graduates.
Counsellor earnings in Australia vary widely depending on experience, sector, location, and whether the role is salaried or private practice. Entry-level counsellors typically earn less than experienced practitioners working in specialised or leadership roles.
Graduates from counselling diplomas and graduate-level qualifications generally progress in earning capacity as they gain supervised practice hours, professional membership, and workplace experience, particularly within health, education, and community services.
A Diploma or Graduate Diploma of Counselling can be worthwhile for individuals seeking a practical, career-focused pathway into the counselling profession without committing to a longer psychology degree. These qualifications emphasise applied skills, ethics, and client work.
A Graduate Diploma of Counselling sits at a higher academic level than a standard diploma and is often chosen by career-changers or graduates from other disciplines seeking professional recognition and broader employment scope.
Yes. Demand for counselling services continues to grow across Australia due to increased awareness of mental health, wellbeing, trauma, and relationship support. Counsellors are employed across schools, workplaces, health services, community organisations, and private practice.
Graduates of counselling diplomas and counselling graduate diploma programs are particularly skilled in community-based and early-intervention roles, where practical skills and client engagement are prioritised.
Most graduate diplomas in Australia consist of eight subjects, or the equivalent of one year of full-time study. This structure allows students to gain concentrated professional knowledge in a relatively short timeframe.
The online UC Graduate Diploma in Counselling follows this standard postgraduate structure, comprising eight units, including an eight-week placement, making it a common choice for those seeking an accelerated counselling qualification.
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.
