University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
Build advanced counselling knowledge and practical skills across counselling theory, ethics, diversity, trauma, loss and grief, with supervised practical experience through a counselling placement.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Diploma in Counselling builds on foundational counselling knowledge and develops the theoretical and practical skills required to work with people across a range of social and cultural contexts. You will examine major counselling approaches while developing skills in ethical practice, communication, professional conduct and working respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
As you progress through the course, you will extend your counselling skills through study in areas including loss, grief and trauma. The course combines theoretical learning with opportunities to apply counselling techniques and critically reflect on your developing professional practice.
Practical experience is incorporated through Placement A – Putting It All into Practice, completed at an approved counselling agency. UC Online describes the course as including one placement unit and refers to an eight-week placement, giving students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional counselling environment.
The course comprises 24 credit points across eight units and is designed for part-time online study. It is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as a professional counselling qualification. Graduates may also continue into UC’s Master of Counselling by completing an additional four units.
Key facts
15th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling encompasses eight units.
Core units
- Counselling Theory and Approaches
- Core Counselling Skills
- Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
- Diversity Inclusion Respect
- Introduction to Placement and Supervision
- Counselling Skills in Practice
- Loss, Grief and Trauma in Counselling
- Placement A - Putting It All into Practice
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, applicants must:
- Have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline.
- Meet the non-standard English language requirements for the course.
English language requirements
Applicants must achieve an IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0, or an approved equivalent.
Alternative or equivalent ways of meeting the English language requirements may also be accepted. Refer to the University of Canberra’s English proficiency requirements for further information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Build on the foundations of counselling: Acquire a critical understanding of human diversity and the major models of counselling that will strengthen your capability to work in a range of social and cultural contexts.
- Respectful approach to counselling: Develop knowledge of how to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
Career outcomes
Build on foundational counselling skills through experiential practice that can be applied across a variety of organisations and teams. Career opportunities include:
- Private practice counsellor
- Family relationship counsellor
- Support worker
- Case worker
- Youth worker
- Substance abuse counsellor
- Corrections and prison support
- Child and adolescent counsellor
- Mental health worker
- Other human service roles
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $3,562.50 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course cost in 2026: $28,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling comprises eight units. The indicative total course cost is based on the published 2026 fee of $3,562.50 per unit.
Fees are subject to annual review and may increase each calendar year. The amount you pay may vary depending on factors such as recognition of prior learning, leave from study and unit availability. Tuition fees do not include other fees and charges.
Eligible domestic full-fee paying students may be able to use FEE-HELP to defer some or all of their tuition fees.
Who You Will Learn From
Dr. Rana Tayara
Program Lead, Discipline of Counselling
“I believe counselling is both a skill and a responsibility. In our programs, students are supported to think critically, practise ethically, and develop the confidence to sit with complexity. We are committed to rigorous training, inclusive practice, and preparing graduates who can work competently across diverse communities.”
Dr. Susan Sisko
Program Director for Postgraduate Counselling
“Training as a counsellor at the University of Canberra fosters profound personal growth as well as preparation to work in a diverse and meaningful profession. As a student, you gain versatile knowledge and skills applicable across many sectors. With Australia’s growing mental health demand, your future career offers stable, impactful work in private practice, community health, or specialist counselling roles.”
