Graduate Diploma in Counselling (M6I)

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years, up to a maximum of 3 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Distance Hobart
Semester 1

Commonwealth Supported places available

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years
Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Distance Hobart
Semester 1
Please note: applications will open for Semester 1, 2021 intake in August. 
This course does not accept Semester 2 applications

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.

Career outcomes

My current studies are giving me the opportunity to broaden my skills. There is a strong emphasis on role-play and simulated scenarios which allow me to continue developing my knowledge base. We have used real life case studies in workshops to gain our practical skills.

Ella Cuthbertson, Graduate Diploma in Counselling

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.

Course structure

Core Units

On successfully completing this subject, students will be able to use practical skills for more effective interpersonal communication, as well as basic counselling skills. This unit examines styles of counselling with integration of theories of counselling with its practice. The…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit covers the skills needed for various components of the counselling process. KHA502 introduces counselling skills relevant to specific work situations such as conflict resolution, working with difficult clients and brief intervention strategies. Multicultural counselling will also be addressed.This…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

In this unit participants develop and clarify their awareness and thinking around ethical and practice dilemmas within professional counselling practice. Emphasis will be placed on the development of personal standards of practice and on the acquisition and application of decision-making…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit explores current thinking and strategies around dealing with issues of adjustment to change. That change includes changes involving loss, grief and trauma. Death and bereavement will be addressed including dealing with grief as a natural process and with…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

In this unit students will explore issues related to counselling with children and adolescents. Consideration is given to developmental issues, attachment, disorders of childhood and adolescence, chronic illness and disability. Strategies for intervention will also be addressed including engaging children…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit focuses on the issues and challenges, both in theory and practice, of working with clients in the context of their intimate personal relationships. Students will have the opportunity to develop their thinking and skills in working systemically with…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This Unit provides an introduction to studies in addictive behaviours in preparation for employment in the areas of alcohol and other substance counselling, treatment and prevention. It provides an overview of models of treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours with…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit provides an introduction to the theory and practice as a consultant working in rehabilitation counselling. Topics covered include case management, as well as vocational, medical and forensic rehabilitation. Organisational structures and the individual experience are examined.The acquisition of…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Entry 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

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)

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate of Counselling (M5I) are eligible to apply for credit transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (M6I).

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate of Counselling may be eligible for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

International students

2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $34,950 AUD*.

Course cost based on a rate of $34,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

International students

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Scholarships

Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.

Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior.

For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to Scholarships.

Additional costs

In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

  • Text books and stationery
  • Accommodation
  • Student Services and Amenities Fee
Domestic Students

If you are a domestic student, you may be eligible to receive a Commonwealth supported place. To find out what to pay and whether you are eligible refer to Scholarships, fees and costs.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic
1300 363 864
International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

Next steps