Western Sydney University
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Develop practical counseling skills and confidently step into helping professions.
Course overview
This program will train you in the fundamental skills that are common to all recognised approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, while challenging you to develop your self awareness so that you can work ethically and responsibly with your clients. Our permanent and casual academic staff are all experienced counsellors and therapists, from a range of different professional backgrounds and orientations. You will learn from people whose clinical experience directly informs their teaching and who can relate theory to practice.
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 FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $8,699 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 40 credit points (normally four units) per year.
Student fees 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.
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.
