Victoria University
Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Strengthen your counselling skills through advanced study in evidence-based intervention, trauma-informed practice, ethics and culturally responsive counselling.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice at Victoria University provides advanced study in counselling theory, intervention and professional practice. You will examine human development, wellbeing and the social and cultural factors that influence counselling across diverse communities and life stages.
Through role plays and interactive class activities, you will strengthen your skills in counselling assessment, case formulation and evidence-based intervention. Study also covers trauma-informed counselling, ethical and professional practice, reflective supervision, working with diverse populations and approaches to supporting children and adolescents.
Delivered online through real-time classes, the course can be completed in one year of full-time study or longer part-time. The interactive format combines theoretical learning with practical, skills-based activities that allow you to apply counselling techniques in a supported class environment.
Key facts
What you will study
To attain the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice, students will be required to complete 96 credit points of core studies.
Core units
- Foundations of Counselling
- Counselling Theories and Interventions
- Counselling across the Lifespan
- Foundations of Child and Adolescent Counselling
- Trauma-informed Counselling
- Supervision and Reflection Practice for Counsellors
- Ethics and Professional Practice for Counsellors
- Working with Diversity in Counselling
Entry requirements
To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. Victoria University also considers non-academic research and work experience for research candidates.
Admission criteria
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completion of an Australian Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
- Completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Special entry programs
If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of the university's special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
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 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.
- Critically reflect on core ethical and professional conduct issues likely to be encountered when working with people in a counselling context.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative full fee in 2027: $30,100 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 96 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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.
