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Home Psychology & Counselling Graduate Diploma of Counselling

The most flexible way to a recognised counselling qualification

The most flexible way to a recognised counselling qualification. Enrol now.

Graduate Diploma of Counselling

In-depth Specialist Course in Counselling

Gain an awareness of social, legal and ethical issues necessary to develop your counselling skills. Upon completion, you'll be able to apply counselling skills and strategies in a variety of settings.

This postgraduate diploma is ideal for those who already have an undergraduate degree and are seeking a qualification to work in the field of counselling.

The course includes 200 hours of supervised work placement, where you can put theory into practice and gain valuable work experience.

Delivered by the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP), this course focuses on experiential learning, so you emerge job ready with skills you can apply immediately.

Quick Course Guide
Qualification Graduate Diploma Delivered by ACAP
Study time 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent*. Enquire now for more details on study time and enrolment dates. Student support Comprehensive support
Delivery method Flexible - on campus, by correspondence and/or online Pre-requisites Undergraduate degree or equivalent
Fieldwork 200 hours Modules 16

*Please note that two versions of this course are currently available:

2-year version

  • Available in Sydney, Brisbane and by distance education
  • Meets the minimum training standards of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

1-year version

  • Available in Melbourne

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant more information about these different versions.

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Graduate Diploma of Counselling Course Structure

There are 16 modules in this counselling course**:

  • Counselling Skills 1
  • Conflict Management
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Counselling Skills 2
  • Social, Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Counselling in Loss
  • Fieldwork Placement 1 (Work Experience)
  • Counselling Methods 1
  • Elective 1
  • Theory and Practice of Supervision
  • Counselling Methods 2
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Elective 2
  • Fieldwork Placement 2 (Clinical)
  • Professional Development and Reflective Practice
  • Integrative Project
Course modules

Upon completion, you will be eligible for advanced standing in ACAP's Master of Applied Social Science course. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more information.

** The 1-year version of this course (available in Melbourne) comprises 12 modules. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant to learn more about this option.


Exit Qualification

Once you've completed the six core modules listed below, you can choose to exit this course with a Graduate Certificate of Counselling qualification:

  • Counselling Skills
  • Conflict Management
  • Development Psychology
  • Counselling Skills 2
  • Social, Legal & Ethical Issues

Please note that this exit qualification is only available if you are studying in Sydney, Brisbane or by distance education. If you are studying in Melbourne, you can enrol directly into the 6-month Graduate Certificate in Counselling Skills course.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more information.

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Be Job Ready

Classes for this counselling course are small and interactive, and focus on hands-on learning. The curriculum is developed and updated in consultation with industry, so you are work ready upon completion and able to apply your skills immediately.


Flexible Learning Methods

To help fit your study around your lifestyle, work and family commitments, we provide a choice of learning methods:

  • On-campus in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane
    Interactive and lively classes; maximum of 18 students per class
  • By correspondence
    Study from anywhere in Australia and overseas; all you need is a postal address
  • Online
    Log on and learn from anywhere in the world; all you need is regular computer and Internet access
  • Summer School
    Intensive study option for busy students or those who want to complete their studies sooner
Flexible & Affordable Study

Flexibility and support were the reasons I chose ACAP. Choice of class times means I can continue to work full-time and the government loan scheme helps pay my fees.

Malcolm Breen

You can select a different study method for each module you enrol in. If you choose to study your full qualification by correspondence or online, you may wish to attend ACAP's intensive development workshops on campus to further develop your skills.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more information about the different study methods available and enrolment dates.

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Practical Assessments, Not Exams

There are no exams for this counselling course. As ACAP values experiential learning, the College uses assessments to determine if learning outcomes have been achieved.

ACAP's assessments combine both theory and practice, and can take the form of interviews, videotaped role-plays, self-critiques, essays, journals, projects and presentations. Most modules contain 3 assessments.


Exceptional Student Support

A wide range of student support is available:

  • Academic guidance: get professional assistance to help you understand and prepare for assessments - especially useful for those who have not studied for many years
  • Student resources: access academic and administrative information through a web-based resource centre
  • Student support counsellors: receive professional career guidance and counselling from qualified experts

In addition, those studying by correspondence or online have access to a dedicated support person by phone or email.

You may also be eligible for financial assistance through the FEE-Higher Education Loans Program (FEE-HELP). Contact a SEEK Learning consultant now to discuss your eligibility.

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About ACAP

ACAP is a leading Higher Education Provider (HEP) in applied psychology and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). ACAP educators are highly experienced practitioners with current industry knowledge.

A key component of ACAP's applied psychology and counselling courses is fieldwork, which involves you securing work placement within an organisation of your choice. ACAP will help you organise this and support you throughout your placement.

Many ACAP students are offered paid employment as a direct result of their work placements.

Find out more about ACAP.

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FAQs

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Enquire now to get more information about this course, including course fees and career options.
A SEEK Learning consultant will contact you to discuss your requirements. To speak to a consultant now,
call 1800 89 1011.

The most flexible way to a recognised counselling qualification.

The most flexible way to a recognised counselling qualification.

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Practical, Flexible, Supportive

Job-ready training

Job-ready training

Courses meet the needs of employers.

Unparalleled choice

Unparalleled choice

Classroom, online or correspondence.

Lots of support

Lots of support

Including dedicated counsellors for distance students.

Not sure yet?

Not sure yet?

Talk to us about career outcomes, FEE-HELP, study/life balance and more.

Course providers include:

SkillSoft Open Universities Australia Dynamic Web Training TAFE Open Training and Education Network ACAP - Applied Psychology and Counselling Courses