University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
Build foundational counselling knowledge and practical communication skills across counselling theory, ethical practice and inclusive approaches, with a pathway to further postgraduate counselling study.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Counselling introduces the foundational knowledge and skills used in counselling and related human service settings. You will examine major counselling and psychotherapy approaches, consider how counselling theories are applied in practice and develop an understanding of the helping relationship and its role in supporting people across a range of contexts.
Throughout the course, you will develop core counselling and interpersonal communication skills, including reflective practice and approaches informed by established counselling frameworks. You will also examine ethical and professional conduct, including ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, power and privilege and responsibilities relating to client safety.
The course also explores diversity, inclusion and respect in counselling practice. You will consider how culture, identity, gender, sexuality, disability, age and experiences of stigma or discrimination can influence counselling relationships. This study supports the development of respectful communication and an awareness of different social and cultural contexts.
The Graduate Certificate comprises 12 credit points across four compulsory units and is delivered online over eight months, with each unit studied in a seven-week study block. Successful completion provides a pathway into UC’s Graduate Diploma in Counselling or Master of Counselling. The Graduate Certificate itself does not have external professional accreditation and no RPL is offered for its units.
Key facts
15th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling encompasses four units.
Core units
- Counselling Theory and Approaches
- Core Counselling Skills
- Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
- Diversity Inclusion Respect
Entry requirements
Admission to this course is competitive. Applications are assessed based on academic merit and the number of available places.
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline.
- Hold an AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Counselling or a counselling-related discipline and provide evidence of four years of full-time counselling or counselling-related work experience.
Applicants must also meet the course’s non-standard English language requirements.
Additional admission requirements
Students must complete the four Graduate Certificate units before progressing to either the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (SCG401) or the Master of Counselling (SCM401).
Recognition of Prior Learning
No Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is offered for any units in this 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.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Foundations of counselling: Acquire a critical understanding of the skills and major models of counselling that support work across a range of human service roles.
- Respectful approach to counselling: Develop knowledge of how to work respectfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
Career outcomes
Graduates develop foundational counselling skills that can be applied across a range of organisations, counselling teams and human service settings. Career pathways identified by UC include:
- Counsellor
- Youth worker
- Community support worker
- Case worker
- Family counsellor
- Development officer
- Other human service roles
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2027: $3,750 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course cost in 2027: $15,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling comprises four units and is completed part-time over approximately eight months. Fees are indicative and may be reviewed annually by the University of Canberra.
Student fees may vary depending on the number of units studied and any changes to tuition fees.
You may also be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Canberra directly to confirm current fees.
FEE-HELP may be available to eligible full-fee paying domestic students to assist with tuition fees.
Who You Will Learn From
Dr. Rana Tayara
Program Lead, Discipline of Counselling
“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. Susan Sisko
Program Director for Postgraduate Counselling
“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.”
