Graduate Diploma in Counselling [M6I]

This course equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills in counselling, together with an understanding of the ethical, legal and professional issues in relation to the practice of counselling required for employment in a range of counselling roles.

Students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural and developmental context in which counselling occurs and of a range of therapeutic approaches and appropriate to a range of client ages, needs and circumstances.The course also aims to provide professional development opportunities for people working in counselling roles.

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is a skill based course which aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for employment in a range of counselling roles. The course focuses on developing an understanding of the theoretical basis of counselling and the ethical, legal and professional issues in relation to the practice of counselling, and the acquisition of counselling skills.

Students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural and developmental context in which counselling occurs and of a range of therapeutic approaches and appropriate to a range of client ages, needs and circumstances. The course also aims to provide professional development opportunities for people working in counselling roles.

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

If you're interested in studying the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (M6I) you'll need to meet one of the following entry requirements:

Completion of:

• a degree with a major in psychology, behavioural or psychological science
• a degree in an affiliated area of human services, such as education, social work, law or nursing

Please note, students are also required to provide evidence of paid or voluntary work experience, a personal statement and academic references. Further information will be provided to students once they have applied.

In special cases candidates who do not satisfy the normal entry requirements but have completed the Graduate Certificate of Counselling and / or have relevant professional experience, may be accepted for entry to the course.

Further details regarding applying for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling can be found in the 2021 Postgraduate Counselling Program FAQs Ver2 (PDF 154KB)

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

Counselling graduates work in a wide range of settings including relationship counselling organisations, secondary and post-secondary education, community welfare centres, drug and alcohol agencies, church agencies, and private practice. Other graduates utilise their counselling skills in their existing employment. You might also find employment in Crisis & Trauma counselling, EAP services, Career counselling / Employment Services, Disability, Aged Care, Justice / Community Corrections, Child & Adolescent services.

Professional Recognition

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Upon graduating students may apply to register as a professional member of ACA, which is Australia's largest single registration body for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. For more information refer to ACA.

Eligibility for listing on the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Register normally requires two years of postgraduate training, however, admission to the Register based on recognition of prior learning, practice and supervision is also possible. For further information, refer to PACFA.

Psychology graduates should note that the Graduate Diploma in Counselling is not an accredited fourth year program in psychology and a graduate will not be eligible for registration as a psychologist.

International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.

STEP 1: Choose and research your course

STEP 2: Prepare your documents

STEP 3: Lodge your application

STEP 4: Accept your offer