Graduate Diploma of Counselling

A Graduate Diploma of Counselling provides an ideal stepping stone into exploring the rewarding field of counselling. With three specialisations to choose from - Child, Youth & Family Therapy; Mental Health Practice; and Trauma Focused Practice – you can tailor your coursework to suit your personal career interests.

The beauty of a graduate diploma is that it generally has similar coursework subjects as a masters degree in the same study field. So you have the flexibility of not committing to a full Master of Counselling degree straight away, but have the option to pursue this path later down the track.

To study a Graduate Diploma of Counselling at UniSQ you need hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we have a pathway options you can explore.

For further information on entry requirements including recognition of prior learning and pathways, please view the entry requirements sections of your preferred specialisation for details.

A Graduate Diploma of Counselling will take you approximately 1 year to complete. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.

At UniSQ, we understand that many of our students are balancing family, social and work commitments in their lives. Our flexible study options allow you to tailor your study to suit your needs. If required, you can reduce your study-load and choose to study part-time. We also deliver our Graduate Diploma of Counselling online, giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study.

Over 75% of UniSQ students choose to study online and benefit from our 40+ years of experience delivering flexible learning.

• Listen to recorded lectures when it suits you.
• Access the library’s free online learning services
• Connect with peers and lecturers through online discussion forums.
• Benefit from access to various academic support services.

Discover more about online study and all the other ways to study at UniSQ.

The cost of a Graduate Diploma of Counselling online or on-campus will vary depending on the learning provider you choose and the courses you decide to study.

Please view the fees and scholarships section of your chosen specialisation for details. The Graduate Diploma of Counselling also incurs additional fees including:

• Student services and amenities fees
• Residential school costs.

• The graduate diploma is an ideal stepping stone pathway into a Master of Counselling degree.
• UniSQ is rated five stars for postgraduate overall experience and graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2024).
• Pursue your area of interest with the option to choose from three industry-relevant specialisations - Child, Youth & Family Therapy; Mental Health Counselling; and Trauma Focused Practice.

Want to talk through your study options? Get in touch and we can provide you with the personalised support and advice you need.