University of Adelaide
Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
A unique blend of evidence-based theory with immersive clinical practice, equipping students to support mental health with both compassion and scientific insight.
Course overview
Counsellors support others in exploring and overcoming emotional, mental and lifestyle issues. Counselling is a rewarding career choice for those who want to work with people, develop personal wisdom and transform lives.
What will you do?
- Undertake eight courses reflecting the latest developments in the field.
- Learn from academics with extensive professional counselling experience.
- Build hands-on skills through experiential learning, including using actors to simulate realistic counselling sessions.
- Collaborate with peers and develop social skills through extensive face-to-face teaching.
- Benefit from case-based learning in small group workshops.
- Gain a core understanding of CBT, grief, attachment theory and ethical practice.
Where could it take you?
You’ll graduate eligible for the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and registration with the Australian Counselling Association. You could support young people in your community through programs in schools or youth work. You might run a private practice or conduct group therapy at a well-being centre. Perhaps you’ll be a relationship or return-to-work counsellor.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, students must complete six core courses and two electives, each worth three units.
Core courses
Students must complete all of the following courses:
- Counselling Skills I
- Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
- Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
- Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
- Counselling Skills II
- Nature of Grief
Electives
Students must choose two of the following courses:
- Cognitive Behaviour
- Qualitative Research Methods In Health
- Developing a Novel Research Question
Students may choose other postgraduate coursework courses offered by the University or another university that the Faculty approves in lieu of elective courses.
Entry requirements
Higher Education Study
A completed bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Entry to this program is competitive and quotas apply. All applicants must:
- Provide a copy of their finalised official results in the form of an official transcript, finalised results that can be officially verified by the University of Adelaide or results showing they are in their final semester of study.
- Provide Casper Situational Judgement Test (CSJT) results by the relevant date for the round they are applying.
- Attend an interview (if invited).
The Counselling and Psychotherapy Admissions Guide details important information regarding the entry requirements for the University of Adelaide. All applicants are advised to read the Guide. Failure to do so will not warrant special consideration.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed your studies at another institution, you can apply for credit towards your University of Adelaide program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Therapist
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual tuition fee in 2025: $34,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on a full-time study load of 24 units.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
