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Counselling Courses

Find the best Counselling Courses

Short course or microcredential

Parramatta
The Australian College of Nursing’s (ACN) National Immunisation Program for Healthcare Practitioners course is based on the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017) and has been accredited by the ANMAC subsidiary Health Education Services Australia (HESA) to deliver this course. HESA is the National body for health education accreditation and ACN is the first institution to have its Immunisation course accredited.
Duration
Flexible, self-paced (a minimum of 21 days up to a maximum of 120 days)
Study Mode
Online

Masters (Coursework)

Toowoomba
Are you wishing to extend your teaching career into the field of Guidance and Counselling as a guidance officer, guidance counsellor or school counsellor? The Master of Education (Guidance and Counselling) will help prepare you to make this transition.
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Approved bachelor degree, or equivalent, in education. Candidates with a bachelor degree, or equivalent, in a non-related discipline may be eligible for entry into USQ’s Graduate Certificate of Education. Upon completion and achievement of a minimum GPA of 4. 0, they may apply for entry into the Master of Education. English Language Requirements You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6. 5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program. We can help

Intake Months
Feb, Jul, Nov
Duration
1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Study Mode
Online, In person
Domestic Tuition Fees
$6,560 per year / $9,840 total
Graduate Satisfaction
81.80%

Graduate Certificate

Toowoomba
Are you wishing to extend your teaching career into the field of Guidance and Counselling as a guidance officer, guidance counsellor or school counsellor? The Graduate Certificate of Education (Counselling in Educational Contexts) will help prepare you to make this transition.
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 3-year bachelor degree from an Australian university or equivalent. English Language Requirements You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6. 5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program. We can help

Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Duration
0.5 year full-time, 1 year part-time
Study Mode
Online, In person
Domestic Tuition Fees
$9,480 per year / $9,480 total

Masters (Coursework)

Kelvin Grove, External
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements

You must have a:

  • A recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in teaching or education; plus
  • Current Australian teacher registration.
Intake Months
Jan, Jun
Duration
1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Study Mode
Online, In person
Graduate Satisfaction
80.70%

Masters (Coursework)

Townsville, Online
Make a lasting impact on the lives of others by developing the skills to support the social and emotional welfare of people and communities.
Entry Requirements

AQF level 7 bachelor in cognate discipline

Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Duration
1.5 years full-time
Study Mode
Online, In person
Domestic Tuition Fees
$5,419 per year / $8,129 total

Masters (Coursework)

Kelvin Grove
Develop advanced knowledge and skills in counselling therapy. Learn about approaches and techniques that can be applied in a range of settings to support the wellbeing of clients.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements

You must have one of:

  • A recognised bachelor degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale); or
  • A recognised bachelor honours graduate certificate graduate diploma master or doctorate degree in any discipline area with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale); or
  • A recognised bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale) followed by at least three years full-time (or equivalent) work in a relevant field.
Relevant discipline/field
  • Behavourial science psychology
  • Biomedicine biomedical medical science
  • Counselling
  • Education
  • Human services
  • Human resources management
  • Health (eg nursing medicine public health etc)
  • Leisure management
  • Social science sociology
  • Social youth etc work
Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience could include:

  • The facilitation and management of ongoing helping relationships that employs intentional use of therapeutic conversation and a therapeutic relationship; and/or
  • Volunteer or community work that is supervised/mentored within an ethical framework; and/or
  • Work that provides opportunities and support for professional development and reflective helping practice including the provision of feedback and training.

You will need to provide with your application your CV plus statements of service for most recent relevant employment. If you have been employed for less than one year full-time in most relevant employment you will need to provide a statement of service from your previous relevant employer.

Additional entry requirements

You must:

  • Provide a personal statement (PDF file 186 KB)
  • If shortlisted attend in-person group interview to assess your suitability for the program and interpersonal skills in a counselling context.
Overseas qualifications

We will consider equivalent overseas qualifications for admissions purposes. If you have tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

English language proficiency

We require students to demonstrate they can speak write read and comprehend academic English to a specified standard.

Our English proficiency requirements for this course are:

  • IELTS (Academic): 7.0 or better overall with no subscore below 7.0
  • PTE: 65 or better overall with no subscore below 65
  • TOEFL (IBT): 98 or better overall with a writing subscore of 27 or better listening and reading subscore of 24 or better and speaking subscore of 23 or better
  • Cambridge English Score: 185 or better overall with no subscore below 185

The test must have been completed within 2 years prior to the proposed course start month.

Application dates
  • 1 July: applications open
  • 30 September: final date to apply and provide all required supporting documentation. Applications or supporting documentation received after this date will not be considered.
Selection process

Suitable applicants are shortlisted or placed on a wait list for an interview based on the responses in their personal statement.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted in mid-October to attend the in-person group interview at the Kelvin Grove campus in late October/early November. Wait listed applicants may be interviewed in late November/early December should places remain available.

Interviewed applicants will receive notification on the outcome of their application two weeks after their interview.

Applicants expecting to complete their studies by December

You must provide your academic record for all studies attempted up until semester 1 this year by 30 September. If your application is successful you will receive a conditional offer that will stipulate when your final results and course completion must be provided to confirm your place.

If you have summer/semester 3 (or equivalent) studies you will need to apply for entry next July for the year after you complete your studies.

Entry requirements

You must have one of:

  • A completed recognised bachelor degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale); or
  • A completed Australian honours bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 on QUT's 7-point scale; or
  • A completed recognised graduate certificate graduate diploma master or doctorate degree in any discipline area with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale); or
  • A recognised bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale) followed by at least three years full-time (or equivalent) work in a relevant field.
Relevant discipline/field
  • Behavourial science psychology
  • Biomedicine biomedical medical science
  • Counselling
  • Education
  • Human services
  • Human resources management
  • Health (eg nursing medicine public health etc)
  • Leisure management
  • Social science sociology
  • Social youth etc work
Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience could include:

  • The facilitation and management of ongoing helping relationships that employs intentional use of therapeutic conversation and a therapeutic relationship; and/or
  • Volunteer or community work that is supervised/mentored within an ethical framework; and/or
  • Work that provides opportunities and support for professional development and reflective helping practice including the provision of feedback and training.
You will need to provide with your application your CV plus statements of service for most recent relevant employment.
Additional entry requirements

You must:

  • Provide a personal statement (PDF file 186 KB)
  • If shortlisted attend in-person group interview to assess your suitability for the program and interpersonal skills in a counselling context. If you are not currently in Australia you will be invited to participate via Zoom.
Application dates
  • 1 July: applications open
  • 30 September: final date to apply and provide all required supporting documentation including meeting the English Language course entry requirements. Applications supporting documentation and/or English Language test results received after this date will not be considered.
Selection process

Suitable applicants are shortlisted or placed on a wait list for an interview based on the responses in their personal statement.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted in mid-October to attend the in-person group interview at the Kelvin Grove campus in late October/early November. Wait listed applicants may be interviewed in late November/early December should places remain available.

Interviewed applicants will receive notification on the outcome of their application two weeks after their interview.

Applicants expecting to complete their studies by December

You must provide your academic record for all studies attempted up until semester 1 this year by 30 September. If your application is successful you will receive a conditional offer that will stipulate when your final results and course completion must be provided to confirm your place.

If you have summer/semester 3 (or equivalent) studies you will need to apply for entry next July for the year after you complete your studies.

Intake Months
Jan
Duration
2 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
80.70%

Masters (Coursework)

Parkville
In Australasia, genetic counsellors are allied health professionals who work in partnership with clinical geneticists or other medical specialists, often as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include other allied health professionals and/or scientists.
Entry Requirements
Intake Months
Feb
Duration
2 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Study Mode
In person

Masters (Coursework)

Parkville
The Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) is designed for psychology graduates who want to develop practical skills in the applications of psychology and to employ them in the world of business; government; the non-profit sector; marketing, consumer and social research; and health.
Entry Requirements
Intake Months
Feb
Duration
18 months full-time
Study Mode
In person

Graduate Diploma

Parramatta South
The counsellor-client relationship is the single most important factor in generating successful outcomes in counselling.
Intake Months
Mar
Duration
2 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Tuition Fees
$23,240 per year
Graduate Satisfaction
85.20%

Masters (Coursework)

Parramatta South
Through counselling and psychotherapy, people gain self-understanding, expand interpersonal capacities and become capable of healthy change.
Intake Months
Mar
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Tuition Fees
$28,080 per year / $56,160 total
Graduate Satisfaction
85.20%

Counselling Courses overview

Counselling is the professional administration of psychological assistance. People in this field are expected to be exceptionally attentive listeners whilst being articulate themselves. Postgraduate counselling courses tend to cover a broad range of topics, ranging from general counselling theory to leadership and optimal communication techniques. This makes them an ideal way to pursue a fulfilling career in counselling or improve upon an existing one.

Theories of counselling began their development in the 20th century, most notably with the work of Sigmund Freud famed additionally for his theories on psychotherapy. Modern psychologists and counsellors grapple with the work of Carl Jung in addition to Freud in an effort to better understand the mind.

While psychologists focus more on research and specific clinical practice, counsellors are focussed most on helping others in various capacities. No matter the specialisation, counsellors do much to alleviate the psychological suffering of others through strong communication.

Is counselling for me?

Counselling is for people with a passion for helping others. Remaining composed and supportive of the clientele despite whatever hardships they might be facing is crucial to success in this field. If you would like to use your empathy, confidence and emotional fortitude to help others in a fulfilling and engaging career, this postgraduate study is for you.

Study pathway

There are a variety of study options available to prospective students of counselling, each designed for people at varying stages in their career.

The Graduate Certificate of Counselling and equivalent courses are perfect for graduate students without any prior knowledge or experience of counselling. These courses normally take six months to complete if undergone full time, or a year if taken part-time.

The Graduate Diploma of Counselling and equivalents offer more comprehensive knowledge, taking one year full time or two years part-time to complete. Unlike diplomas in many other fields, the experience is recommended but not required. Students can expect to expand upon their existing knowledge of counselling theory and broaden their communication abilities through group workshops. Institutions like the University of Adelaide tend to admit students so long as they hold a bachelor level degree.

The Master of Counselling provides detailed practical knowledge of current counselling techniques and knowledge. Students of these courses can expect to not only learn, but critically evaluate current methodology while undergoing professional placement. Courses like those offered by Monash University will feature up to 200 hours of professional placement and 50 hours of supervision, with weekly participation in discussion forums. Entrants can be from any prior bachelor level degree.

It is possible to study counselling at the PhD level, but often not as a dedicated program. Prospective PhD students must embark upon a Doctor of Philosophy with counselling as their major. Curtin University, as an example, provides the opportunity to undergo research into the field through their philosophy PhD curriculum.

Employment options

Careers counsellor

Knowledge of counselling can be combined with knowledge of career pathways to assist all manner of people in finding the right job for them. Counsellors interested in this field can look to companies like Kendal Drew, who value this ability. This line of work provides the opportunity to coach people in bolstering their prospects, boosting their confidence and utilising empathy to define the ‘right’ career.

Rehabilitation counsellor

Graduates wanting to help those at the darkest periods in their life can do so as a rehabilitation counsellor. By methodically meeting with and talking to people weaning themselves from addictive substances or behaviours, a rehabilitation counsellor can be the positive change they need. Trusted organisations like the Salvation Army are always searching for people with the right knowledge and disposition to help these struggling people.

Grief counsellor

The death of a loved one can be eased with a little help. As a grief counsellor, graduates can expect to assist the bereaved in coming to terms with their loss and accepting it. Charities like HammondCare require stalwart counsellors to help the emotionally vulnerable to find their strength once again.

Specialisations

A counsellor can seek employment in many other fulfilling areas; each requires the general knowledge expected of all counsellors in addition to specialised knowledge learned on the job. The following are just some of these areas.

Advice for Counselling Courses


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Arup Sydney Office

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TAL Australia Office Tour

Concierge desk at 363 George Street

GradAustralia is rebranding to Prosple

We're thrilled to announce next month (May 2023), we'll be rebranding as Prosple! Our new name will reflect our ongoing rapid global growth and our mission to help every student get the best possible start to their career.

Your ultimate guide to negotiating salary as a fresh grad

You’ve spent years working your way through university. You chose a major, studied hard (hard enough, anyway), got good grades, and earned your degree. Now you’re eager to start your first graduate job — and you’ve got an offer letter on the table.

How to maximise your salary as a fresh graduate

For most fresh graduates looking for their first job out of university, the thought of a higher salary is appealing. If you’re not drawn to pursue a specific role, you may decide to chase a graduate job based on initial compensation and figure the rest out as you go.

Arup Sydney Office

Take a virtual tour inside Arup's office at Barrack Place, 151 Clarence St, Sydney.