Skip to content
Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Counselling

Domestic students International students
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (GDCN)
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May, Sep

Overview

  • Gain the advanced knowledge and expertise to prepare for, or extend, your practices in a range of specialist counselling areas, as well as fulfilling part of the requirements towards eligibility for professional counselling association membership with UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling.
  • This Graduate Diploma of Counselling is designed to build specific counselling assessment and intervention skills for working within a range of contexts and with a wide variety of issues and populations.
  • You’ll learn to apply contemporary theories and models central to counselling assessment, and client-centered therapy, that is both trauma informed and culturally sensitive.
  • Upon completion, our Graduate Diploma of Counselling allows you to articulate directly into the second year of the Master of Counselling, giving you the opportunity to fulfil your counsellor training.

Study options

Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Child, Youth & Family Therapy)
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Mental Health Practice)
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice)
Two men collaborating at a computer workstation in an office environment.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

Talk to us
Why study a 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.

What are the entry requirements for a Graduate Diploma of Counselling?

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.

How long does a Graduate Diploma of Counselling take?
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.
Are flexible study options available?

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.

How much does a Graduate Diploma of Counselling cost in Australia?

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.
Why study a Graduate Diploma of Counselling with UniSQ?

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