Graduate Certificate of 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

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.

Eligibility for registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) requires a minimum qualification of a Diploma or Graduate Diploma in Counselling. As such the Graduate Certificate of Counselling can contribute towards a Graduate Diploma (and can be a useful starting point), however it is not sufficient to qualify for registration as a counsellor with the ACA without the additional study required for the Graduate Diploma.

Psychology graduates should note that the Graduate Certificate in Counselling is not an accredited fourth year program in psychology and a graduate will not be eligible for registration as a psychologist.

Higher education

All applicants must submit a full official academic transcript/s to evidence that their undergraduate degree in psychology (or equivalent) has been completed. In some instances, transcripts will not be available until after the closing date and will need to be submitted as soon as they become available. Applicants must hold a Bachelor Degree from a recognised Institution. The degree should include:

• A degree with a major in psychology, behavioural or psychological science; or

• A degree in an affiliated area of human services, such as education, social work, law or nursing; or

• Other equivalent qualifications or combination of qualifications which required at least one year of full-time tertiary study, or is deemed equivalent by the College of Health and Medicine . Refer applications to UTAS         

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning

In this program you will develop foundational 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.

You will also develop an understanding of the social, cultural and developmental context in which counselling occurs and a range of therapeutic approaches appropriate to a range of client ages, needs and circumstances. The program also aims to provide professional development opportunities for people working in counselling roles.

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking part-time study the following study pattern is recommended.

The course is only available for part-time study. 

Completion of 4 core subjects from the schedule below: 

• TAS-KHA501 Counselling Skills 1
• TAS-KHA502 Counselling Skills 2
• TAS-KHA505 Professional Ethics and Practice
• TAS-KHA507 Adjustment To Change

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 4 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.