Torrens University Australia
Graduate Diploma of Counselling
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 Months
Prepare for counselling practice through eight core subjects, 80 hours of on-campus experiential practical skills training and 40 hours of supervised placement, while exploring mental health, digital counselling and therapeutic communication.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Counselling is a blended postgraduate course designed to enhance your skills in counselling and interpersonal communication. Across eight core subjects, you will explore therapeutic communication, counselling theories, human development, self-care, mental health, digital counselling, clinical practice and advanced counselling skills. The course can be completed in one year full time or two years part time, with learning materials available online and compulsory on-campus components.
Practical experience includes at least 80 hours of experiential practical skills training delivered through campus-based Practical Intensive Workshops across two subjects. You will also complete 40 hours of supervised counselling placement through The Practice – Wellbeing Centre in Sydney and/or selected external organisations, supported by 10 hours of group supervision. Assessments may include activity-based assignments and online quizzes, with no formal exams.
Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, the course enables you to begin a career as a counsellor, enhance your current practice or continue to the Master of Counselling as part of Torrens University’s postgraduate counselling pathway.
Key facts
What you will study
These eight core subjects must be completed.
- Advanced Therapeutic Communication
- Theoretical Approaches to Counselling
- Life Stages and Development
- Self Care and Developing Resilience
- Mental Health
- Digital Counselling
- Clinical Practice and Supervision
- Advanced Counselling Skills
Entry requirements
Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.
- AQF Level 7 (Bachelor's degree) or above in a relevant discipline
- A Bachelor's degree and complete the Torrens Work Life entry form demonstrating your interest in and suitability to gain entry to the course. Students who do not have a prior degree in a related field must successfully complete the Graduate Certificate prior to enrolling in the Graduate Diploma, Master's or Advanced Master's. This is a professional accreditation requirement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Identify and analyse the major issues that affect the health of populations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of policy and management to promote health and welfare.
- Identify and describe environmental risk factors that affect the health and safety of a population.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the ethical practice of public health and the principles of access and equity.
- Apply local and global public health awareness to public health challenges.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Diploma of Public Health has been designed to expand your employment opportunities in roles that leverage counselling and communication skills. You’ll have a range of job opportunities available in the professional domain of counselling and other support services, as well as the opportunity to continue your studies at master's level.
Potential career paths:
- Counsellor
- Case manager
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Addiction counsellor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated total price in 2026: $19,904 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Subject prices are based on 10-credit-point blocks.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- 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.
