Monash University
Graduate Certificate of Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Acquire knowledge of relevant theories, concepts, principles, issues and contexts essential for effective counselling, along with necessary preparatory skills.
Course overview
This course addresses these growing needs by developing you as a professional, allowing you to explore, identify and examine intervention strategies to assist at-risk people.
Designed by experienced educators with substantial experience working as professional counsellors and psychologists, this course will provide knowledge of theory, concepts, principles, issues and contexts relevant to working as a counsellor, as well as preparatory skills. In this course, you will focus on the following areas:
- Lifespan development and counselling approaches relevant to issues experienced during the lifespan.
- Theory and counselling practice that leads towards positive change, effective coping and mental/emotional well-being.
- Principles, guidelines and issues in conducting counselling in an ethically appropriate manner.
- Foundational interviewing and counselling skills as an interpersonal process and applying these to diverse contexts.
Start of expanded content
For those already in an established career, the course will provide complementary knowledge and understanding of human behaviour that may be applied to enable a positive, supportive and safe workplace environment.
Completing the Graduate Certificate of Counselling does not guarantee admission into the Master of Counselling course. Applicants interested in progressing to the Master of Counselling course must submit a new course application. Admission into the Master of Counselling is competitive and based on academic merit.
Key facts
What you will study
The course comprises 24 credit points structured into four units, which will provide you with an introduction to the field of counselling.
- Lifespan Development and Counselling
- Counselling for Change and Transition
- Introduction to Ethics and Professional Issues in Counselling
- Foundations in Counselling: Evidence-Based Practice
Entry requirements
- Applicants must have successfully completed a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a 60% average for an application to be considered.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
- Describe the application of a range of counselling skills and practices relevant over the lifespan and to life stages.
- Identify relevant counselling theories, principles and strategies to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures that facilitate positive change and mental wellbeing.
- Facilitate effective counselling based on sound ethical decision-making, which is supported by intentional self-reflection.
- Evaluate theoretical and research literature as it pertains to counselling practice.
- Demonstrate the capacity to synthesise and communicate ideas at an advanced academic level.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Average 2025 first-year fee: $16,900 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 24 credit points (normally four units) per semester or 48 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee 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.
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.
