Course

Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Approved Abbreviation: GradDipCouns

Western Sydney University Course Code: 1647.1

New students should refer to the following latest course version.

1647.2 - Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Course enquires should be directed to the Course Advisor.

This multi-disciplinary course provides education and training in counselling for graduates who have a relevant first degree, graduates with professional qualifications seeking to develop their counselling skills and graduates who want to meet the PACFA Professional Training Standards.

The provision of counselling occurs in a variety of contexts and settings; from independent practitioners to a member of an interdisciplinary team within health, community and organisational settings. For many professionals, counselling is a core part of their professional activities. This degree is ideal for qualified professionals who wish to develop skills in counselling interventions. This degree will enable graduates to engage in counselling practice with greater theoretical knowledge and skills, authority and safety.

Study Mode
Two years part-time

Advanced standing

Applications for advanced standing will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policy.

Admission

Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on admission to postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.

Candidates can enter this program by relevant undergraduate qualifications (Social Sciences with relevant majors, Social Work, Community Welfare, Psychology, Behavioural Sciences, Health Science, Nursing, Education) or equivalent prior learning recognition as assessed by portfolio. An on-campus interview will be required of all applicants. At the interview, applicants will need to provide a CV with evidence of related prior learning and/or experience related to counselling.

International applicants should contact International Office for details on admission.

Contact information for the International Office is available via the UWS website:

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

In the second year of the program, students who are currently employed in a workplace where they already undertake counselling will enrol in 400085 Workbased Learning (Applied Counselling). Students who are not currently employed in a counselling-related capacity will complete a placement occupying 1-2 days per week and will enrol in 400399 Field Placement Learning (Applied Counselling).

Recommended sequence

Part-time

Year 1

First session

101434

Counselling: Principles and Paradigms in Practice (PG)

101432

Skills in Counselling 1

Second session

101433

Skills in Counselling 2

101435