Postgraduate counselling qualifications in Australia

In Australia, there are three postgraduate counselling qualifications you can choose from, providing you with the knowledge and skills to succeed as a counsellor. Most course providers allow you to study these courses part-time and online, giving you plenty of flexibility to study at a time that suits you. Each qualification is outlined below, along with the entry requirements, so you can see which one is the right option for you.

Graduate Certificate in Counselling

A graduate certificate in counselling is an excellent introduction to counselling and is designed for anyone who is new to counselling or looking to make a career change. The course features four units, which will take eight months to complete. The goal of the course is to gain the foundations in counselling and introduce you to the field. This can be a good option if you are returning to education after an extended break or have never studied counselling before. The unit titles for a graduate certificate in counselling can vary depending on the course provider, but you can expect to see unit lists including:

✅ Core counselling skills

✅ Counselling theory and approaches

✅ Diversity, inclusion, respect

✅ Principles of ethical conduct in counselling

You usually need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline, or an AQF diploma or advanced diploma in counselling or a counselling-related subject. Depending on your qualifications, you might need four years of work experience in a counselling-related role. Your course provider can provide you with details about your entry requirements and what counts as work experience.

After completing your course, you can use the qualification to move onto further study, completing a graduate diploma or a master of counselling.

Graduate Diploma in Counselling

A graduate diploma in counselling is designed to expand your current knowledge, providing you with the skills to work as a counsellor. A graduate diploma features eight units that can be completed part-time and online. There is also a placement unit, where you will work with an approved counselling agency to practice your knowledge. You will usually spend sixteen months completing the course, with units including the following:

✔️ Core counselling skills

✔️ Counselling theory and approaches

✔️ Counselling skills in practice

✔️ Diversity, inclusion, respect

✔️ Introduction to placement and supervision

✔️ Loss, grief, and trauma in counselling

✔️ Placement unit

✔️ Principles of ethical conduct in counselling

To apply for the course, you will need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a discipline. You might also need relevant work experience, depending on your previous education, and to pass a non-standard English language requirement if English is not your first language. The entry requirements for a graduate diploma in counselling can vary depending on the course provider, so it is essential that you check with your course provider before applying.

Master of Counselling

A master of counselling course is usually accredited by the ACA and is an excellent course to help you find a role as a counsellor. It is the highest level you can study online and will feature 12 units and two placements where you will put your knowledge to the test and work as a counsellor. The units are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to help your clients, with unit titles including:

✅ Creative practices in counselling

✅ Core counselling skills

✅ Counselling theory and approaches

✅ Counselling skills in practice

✅ Diversity, inclusion, respect

✅ Introduction to placement and supervision

✅ Loss, grief, and trauma in counselling

✅ Next level counselling skills

✅ Placement 1 and 2

✅ Understanding mental health

To apply for a master of counselling, you will need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a similar discipline. You can apply for this course if you have previously completed a graduate certificate or diploma in counselling, too, depending on your course provider. You might also need to complete a non-standard English test if English is not your first language. Before applying for the course, we recommend checking with your course provider to see what the requirements are.

What counselling qualifications do I need to be a counsellor in Australia?

To be a counsellor in Australia, you currently do not require qualifications or formal training. While this means anyone can call themselves a counsellor and start practising, it is not that simple. When you apply for counselling roles, you are usually asked for previous experience and qualifications, so you will find it challenging to find roles as a counsellor, especially in healthcare settings.

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) works to ensure all counsellors maintain high levels of care and are trained to offer professional help to their clients. It is common to see counselling roles requiring a graduate diploma or higher, accepting clients who have completed ACA-accredited courses. While you might not technically need a qualification, you will find it difficult to find a role as a counsellor that does not require any formal qualifications.

Find your counselling course to study today

A postgraduate counselling course is one of the best ways to guarantee your career as a counsellor The University of Canberra offers a range of ACA-accredited counselling courses, with flexible study options that allow you to achieve your new career. Reach out to the University of Canberra to start your your postgraduate counselling course today.