Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
An in-depth, practice-oriented program designed to equip students with advanced therapeutic skills and a strong ethical framework for professional counselling roles.
Course overview
The counsellor-client relationship is the most important factor in generating successful outcomes in counselling. This program gives you keen insights into the nature of what it means to be human and the tools you need to help distressed clients overcome mental illness and achieve optimum well-being. It is designed for students from any discipline who work in a helping profession and is an ideal choice if you wish to enhance your skills.
Counselling is a cross-disciplinary pathway into a career in helping people in distress. In counselling, clients learn about themselves and how they can make changes to improve their lives. This process requires you to build a dedicated helping relationship, for which you need high skill levels, sensitivity, self-knowledge and ethical conduct. In contrast to some of the longer-established assisting professions, counselling, as taught in this program, places greater emphasis on creating a therapeutic environment for the client than on specific techniques or applying particular theoretical models. This program offers an invaluable field placement, allowing you to work directly with clients whilst undergoing clinical supervision and incorporating learning on campus. In addition, you will learn how to critically examine theories and approaches in light of their contribution to a contemporary relational understanding and practice of counselling.
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 80 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 10 credit points.
Core subjects
- Foundations of Psychotherapy and Counselling 1 (20 credit points)
- Foundations of Psychotherapy and Counselling 2
- Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
- Clinical Studies in Psychotherapy and Counselling (20 credit points)
- Further Clinical Studies in Psychotherapy and Counselling (20 credit points)
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.
Invitations to the interview process will be selected based on CV and Statement of Intent. Interviewees will be ranked, as the number of admissions to the program is limited.
Applicants are 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.
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: $16,992 (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.
