Western Sydney University
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Offers a dynamic, evidence-based foundation for those seeking to build practical counselling skills and step confidently into helping professions.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling is aimed at those who hold an existing degree in a recognised helping profession and are already working in counselling but wish to upgrade their level of basic skills in this demanding area via sequenced, cumulative training in basic skills and concomitant self-awareness. Most recognised 'helping professions' include some counselling training.
This program will train you in the fundamental skills common to all recognised approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, while challenging you to develop your self-awareness to work ethically and responsibly with your clients. The university's permanent and casual academic staff are all experienced counsellors and therapists, from various professional backgrounds and orientations. You will learn from people whose clinical experience directly informs their teaching and who can relate theory to practice.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 10 credit points.
Core subjects
- Foundations of Psychotherapy and Counselling 1
- Foundations of Psychotherapy and Counselling 2
- Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
Entry requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or higher in any discipline and participate in a group interview to demonstrate their suitability for the program.
Applicants are also required to upload the following with their application:
- A detailed CV that includes relevant life experience, work or volunteer experience.
- An accompanying Statement of Intent (maximum 500 words) explaining why they are seeking entry to the program and how they believe their experience, personal abilities and interests make them suited to becoming a person-centred counsellor.
English language requirements
Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Family Support
- Addiction Counselling
- Relationship Counselling
- Women's Health
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $8,496 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. This estimate is based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fee may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that this estimate does not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- 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.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per subject you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
