Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 Months
Develop counselling skills for current employment in fields such as nursing, social work, pastoral care and teaching.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling provides training in the theory and practice of counselling. It is designed for students seeking to develop counselling skills for current employment in fields such as nursing, social work, pastoral care and teaching. This qualification is best suited to those whose primary occupation is not counselling but who require foundational counselling skills in their role.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Counselling, a student must fulfil 50 credit points, consisting of:
- Foundations of Counselling
- Ethics and Cultural Diversity for Counsellors
- Lifespan Development and Systemic Thinking
- Advanced Counselling
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an approved undergraduate or postgraduate degree or an approved equivalent. While no specific field of study is required, experience in human services, couples counselling or forensic settings is advantageous.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant and relevant work experience may also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success in the course. The University may apply additional selection criteria and restrictions as needed.
All students studying this course in Australia are required to submit a current Working with Children Check and Police Check.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Outcomes
Graduates may work in a range of professional settings, including community and mental health, private practice, social work, grief counselling, pastoral care and mediation.
Career outcomes
- Private Practice Counselling
- Mental Health Counselling
- Youth Counselling
- Pastoral Care
- Grief Counselling
Fees and FEE-HELP
Average first year fee in 2025: $17,440 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 50 credit points (normally four units) per semester per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per semester.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Elective units.
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.
