Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Apply advanced counselling specific knowledge and skills to human behaviour with consideration for the lifespan, cultural and developmental issues of the individual and/or audience to address different client presentations.
2. Use critically reflective practice skills to maintain facilitative counselling relationships in complex professional practice contexts including loss, grief, trauma, addiction, relationships, and working with young people.
3. Integrate theory and evidence to design and evaluate individualised counselling treatment approaches.
4. Apply advanced knowledge of relevant codes of conduct, self-reflection, critical thinking skills and professional standards of workplace practice in consultation with professional bodies and supervisors to constructively critique one's own counselling performance.

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 a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). 

Graduates may meet the requirements for registration with the ACA as a professional member. There may be additional requirements for registration beyond the completion of the course. For further registration requirements, please visit the Australian Counselling Association website . 

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us (https://www.utas.edu.au/enquire) for further information. 

Higher education

Applicants must have: 

• 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

All applicants must submit:

1. 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.
2. A curriculum vitae which includes details of any relevant work experience (including voluntary work).
3. A supporting statement specifically outlining their reasons for applying for a Counselling qualification at the University of Tasmania (1 to 2 pages maximum).

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.

In this program you will develop 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 of a range of therapeutic approaches and appropriate to a range of client ages, needs and circumstances. This program also aims to provide professional development opportunities for people working in counselling roles, including addiction services, family and relationships and trauma.

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Completion of 8 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
• TAS-KHA601 Addictive Behaviours
• TAS-KHA602 Rehabilitation Counselling
• TAS-KHA618 Working with Children and Young People
• TAS-KHA619 Relationship Counselling

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.