University of Southern Queensland
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Introduce you to counselling practice through a blend of residential schools, online tutorials and foundational courses.
Course overview
Earning the Graduate Diploma of Counselling will make you eligible for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). With three core courses focused specifically on your chosen specialisation of Trauma-Focused Practice, you will learn about trauma-informed practice as a framework for understanding the impact of trauma and investigate the various models and approaches to recognising and treating trauma. You will also develop skills and learn about different approaches to working with trauma in contemporary society, within diverse populations and across the lifespan. Explore theories and models of trauma, the skills and interventions required and the ethical and legal aspects underpinning your practice.
Guided by experienced academics and industry professionals, prepare for a career that you can sustain by learning about vicarious trauma and the ability to recognise signs of burnout to ensure you’re skilled in sustainable self-care practice.
Further study and Professional accreditation
A UniSQ Graduate Diploma of Counselling enables you to apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association. However, if you wish to gain professional accreditation and practice as a counsellor, USQ recommends you study for the Master of Counselling. You may be eligible to transfer to the Master of Counselling once you have completed 50 per cent of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (which must include two Foundation of Practice courses).
Key facts
What you will study
To complete this degree, students must take eight units. Each course is worth one unit.
Core courses
- Counselling Skills and Applications
- Counselling Frameworks
- Counselling and Diversity Across the Lifespan
- Professional Counselling Practice, Identity and Ethics
- Presenting Issues and Mental Health
Specialisation courses
- Trauma Informed Care and Practice
- Trauma Theories and Introduction to Treatment Modalities
- Working with Addiction
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian three-year bachelor's degree in an area (or equivalent)
English language requirements
You must meet the applicable English language requirements. This degree requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you need to take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply a core body of knowledge, including contemporary theories and models central to counselling assessment and client-centred therapy that is both trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
- Effectively utilise a range of advanced interpersonal, written, oral and digital literacy skills that are appropriate from a decolonising perspective when communicating with culturally diverse audiences, including clients and professionals, utilising person-first language.
- Apply critical reasoning, reflective practice and professional and ethical judgement with initiative to identify and resolve a range of therapeutic, professional, legal and ethical practice issues.
- Consolidate theory and practice within a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive integrative framework to effectively provide counselling within diverse cultural and practice contexts and client groups.
- Utilise relevant research literature, methodologies and findings to inform practice development and decision-making processes.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling will be eligible for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Your skills will prepare you for positions requiring trauma counselling competencies within counselling, social work, human services, policing and criminal justice, education and health.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $28,320 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual fee is based on a study load of eight units.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of courses studied.
- Choice of courses.
- 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.
