Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice

VU course code: HGCP | Level of study: Postgraduate

Duration

1 year full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

Online Real Time

Location

Online Real Time

Applications closed

A middle aged woman in a purple scarf looks serious as she speaks with someone

Overview

Enhance your counselling knowledge and skills with a Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice from Victoria University.

This online postgraduate counselling diploma is designed for working professionals. With our flexible course delivery, you can choose to study full-time for one year or part-time over two years.

During this time, you will expand your understanding of counselling theory and intervention practices, and apply this knowledge to a variety of scenarios.

You will enhance your ethical and professional practice with extensive learning about the impact of social systems on client wellbeing. Drawing on this expertise, you will develop specific skills in treating children and adolescents, people from diverse backgrounds, and those who have experienced trauma.

Through role plays and class activities, you will practise counselling skills and become adept at building rapport with clients to begin the therapeutic process. This practical learning can be applied in a variety of settings, including in the workplace, community settings and private practice. You will also develop skills for assessing client needs and formulating individual plans.

This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate advanced understanding of human development and a diverse range of human experiences and how they may impact on wellbeing;

Critically review counselling theories and contemporary professional literature to formulate and implement evidence-based counselling practice;

Exemplify understanding of cultural and systemic considerations relevant to counselling practice and when working in an interprofessional context;

Appraise and demonstrate advanced knowledge of psychological theories and therapeutic approaches relevant to counselling assessments, case formulations, and interventions;

Formulate evidence-based intervention plans for a range of counselling presentations with due consideration of psychosocial and cultural issues; and

Critically reflect on core ethical and professional conduct issues that are likely to be encountered when working with people in a counselling context.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course Structure

To attain the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice, students will be required to complete:

96 credit points of Core studies.

Units

Fees & Scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Fees

Scholarships

CAREERS

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice caters to professionals who are seeking to upskill while working. Counselling skills translate to many professional roles that involve social interaction. University graduates in all fields will be able to add this diploma to their skills and qualifications to improve employability.

The skills learnt during your counselling course will enhance any role that involves relational dynamics, or support your career change to a more wellbeing, people-focused role.

If you are working as a counsellor, this course will further develop your skills and knowledge in such areas as trauma-informed counselling, case formulation, and intervention.

This online postgraduate counselling course will benefit those working in: