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Postgraduate TAS-COU-GDI-2021

Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Help people navigate life's challenges

Study the fundamentals of counselling before diving into specialty topics such as relationship, substance use and rehabilitation therapies. Hone your practical skills so that you can work in a variety of social work and community care professions.

Available loans

Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

Total subjects

8

Price

$19,216

Study method

100% online

Assessments

100% online

Applications Close

  • 27 Jun 21
University of Tasmania logo
Australia’s fourth oldest university, the University of Tasmania, is highly regarded internationally for teaching and academic excellence. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and more than 50 postgraduate programs across a range of disciplines. The university offers students a diverse range of opportunities, the chance to learn from leading experts, and excellent preparation for their future careers.

QS RANKING 2021

19

Times Higher Education Ranking 2021

25

  • 2021

Degree structure

Degree details

What you'll learn

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

  1. Demonstrate and articulate advanced and growing knowledge of the discipline of counselling, psychotherapy and human behaviour with consideration for the lifespan and developmental issues of the individual and/or audience. This includes the understanding of theoretical underpinnings, current research and development of theory to create links in praxis (linking theory with practice).
  2. Apply advanced evidence based practice utilising higher order cognitive skills that demonstrate developing appropriate therapeutic approaches and strategies with initiative, autonomy and responsibility for their professional practice supported by reflexivity as they relate to the corresponding developmental stages across childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age.
  3. Express creativity and critical thinking skills to evaluate, interpret, synthesise and theorise about relevant counselling developments and complex information which contribute to highly skilled work in assessment and referral of clients in professional practice and developing academic communication and write reports and case notes.
  4. Express advanced skills in communication, collaboration and consultation with specialist, non-specialist and culturally diverse audiences and demonstrating coherent interpretations of theoretical propositions and professional decision making.
  5. Utilise advanced knowledge and application of codes of conduct, ethical practice and up to date legal requirements in accordance with standards of relevant professional regulatory bodies and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all aspects of counselling.
  6. Demonstrate developing understanding of and insight of self, personal values and preferred styles of counselling, and others through personal and professional development and supervision, identifying personal limitations and biases, and demonstrating and recognizing appropriate referral options for clients and ongoing, regular individual supervision to inform best practice.
Career opportunities

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.

Entry requirements

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


Competence: 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).
  4. Two (2) academic and/or professional references.
Description

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.

Degree structure details

Recommended Study Pattern

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

Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:

  • 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.

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Once you've checked your eligibility, you can apply online through Open Universities Australia.
 
1Select 'Apply now'
 

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2Complete your details
 

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