Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Counselling at UNE?

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling provides professional training to prepare graduates to work in a diverse range of counselling contexts. Offering a combination of theoretical and experiential learning via distance education, the course is ideally suited to individuals wishing to gain an industry-recognised qualification whilst continuing to meet their work and family commitments. The course provides a direct pathway to the Master of Counselling at UNE.

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), a national peak association, and Australia's largest single registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists. Student membership with the ACA is available while undertaking the course, with professional membership eligibility after graduation. Graduates who engage in ongoing professional development are also eligible to be listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP), an independent national register of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities in the counselling, health, education and human services sectors.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1 Year Full-time
Up to 4 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 2, Online

Official Abbreviation GradDipCouns
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Course Duration
  • 1 Year Full-time
  • Up to 4 years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 48
Intensive Schools

Mandatory Intensive schools are a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a cognate discipline*; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a different discipline and hold the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice from the University of New England; or

(c) hold an AQF Level 7 qualification in a different discipline and hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline*; or.

(d) satisfy the School by means of other relevant qualifications and workplace experience [at least equivalent to Admission Rule (a)] of adequate preparation for candidature.

*Cognate disciplines include, but are not limed to: counselling, psychology, social work, nursing, teaching, human resources, life coaching, community services, children's services, youth work, care for the aged, care for the disabled, residential client care, welfare studies, human welfare studies and services.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Academic Colours

Old Rose (BCC 157)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Graduate Diploma in Counselling in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a cognate discipline*; or
(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a different discipline and hold the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice from the University of New England; or
(c) hold an AQF Level 7 qualification in a different discipline and hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline*; or
(d) satisfy the School by means of other relevant qualifications and workplace experience [at least equivalent to Admission Rule (a)] of adequate preparation for candidature.

*Cognate disciplines include, but are not limited to: counselling, psychology, social work, nursing, teaching, human resources, life coaching, community services, children’s services, youth work, care for the aged, care for the disabled, residential client care, welfare studies, human welfare studies and services.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), (b), (c) or (d) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points, including a minimum of 30 credit points at 400-level and a maximum of 18 credit points at 500-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 48 cps
Total 48 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

This course aims to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practice-based counselling skills.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge and skills-based practice in the discipline of counselling;
  2. utilise contemporary research and evidence-based guidelines together with a professional understanding of diverse client populations and the main theoretical approaches used, in order to best meet their needs;
  3. apply principles of ethico-legal practice to plan and document ways of working with clients in complex situations, demonstrating respect for diversity and well-developed judgement;
  4. conduct skills-based practice sessions in a competent, adaptable and professional manner in order to best meet the needs of clients and groups;
  5. engage reflexively in analysis of the development of their professional practice, counselling and supervision skills and on the need for ongoing supervision and professional development; and
  6. demonstrate the capacity to work interprofessionally and to communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to others.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students will adopt a culturally sensitive, global perspective during the acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills in counselling.

Communication Skills

Students will increase their English language proficiency by developing communication skills to build empathic relationships with clients based on approaches outlined and the ability to critically reflect on the use of these skills.

Problem Solving

Students will develop their ability to review, analyse and critically reflect on knowledge and identify appropriate ways to support clients with complex issues.

Information Literacy

Students will increase their capacity to critically evaluate the sources and validity of relevant information and their ability to think critically and evaluate complex ideas and experiences, using specialised techniques.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students will increase their capacity to reason, practice and behave in an ethically sound and socially responsible manner towards their clients, colleagues and the wider community.

Lifelong Learning

Students will expand their capacity to take responsibility and be accountable for personal and professional practice as a counsellor through self-reflexive practice.

Independence and Collaboration

Students will extend their understanding of the importance of both effective, multi-disciplinary teamwork and the capacity for competent independent practice when working with clients, their families and the community.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International. This course is only available online (distance education).

For more information, click here

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