Postgraduate Course

Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Expand your understanding of mental health practices and develop the professional skills needed for a career in counselling with a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. 

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
G1055
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Duration
1
Selection rank
CRICOS code
056249A
First year fee (domestic)
$24,120
First year fee (international)
$37,080
Full course fee (domestic)
$24,120
Full course fee (international)
$37,080
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The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

Counsellors help people through difficult times in their lives, often when they are most vulnerable. Prepare for a career in counselling by building your personal and professional skills. With a focus on building counselling relationships with your clients that are essential to effective practice, you’ll gain the skills you need to succeed in a rewarding career.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop professional skills for a career in counselling by critically appraising the counselling literature, learning foundation skills of applied counselling practice, and developing a sound understanding of the core principles of counselling and case conceptualisation. Hear how these real-world learning principles have cemented Counselling student Jay's love for the practice.

After graduating from this course, you can apply to study the Master of Counselling and gain exemption from those units that are common to both degrees.

3 reasons to study a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Murdoch

  1. Study on your own terms – we offer flexible study arrangements allowing you to study full-time or part-time or at our Perth or Mandurah campus to suit your circumstances.
  2. Learn from highly experienced staff with industry and practical experience in counselling.
  3. Benefit from experiential learning in a supportive environment.

What you'll learn

  • Coached practice in small groups
  • Counselling adults
  • Counselling children and adolescents
  • Experiential learning in group counselling
  • Introduction to creative arts therapies

Your future career

Graduates with corresponding undergraduate degrees may be employed in government and non-government counselling organisations working with adults, children, families and couples. Careers could include:

  • Counsellor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Caseworker
  • Support Worker
  • Mental health professional

Professional accreditation

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

The Graduate Diploma is a requisite step towards the Master of Counselling degree which has Professional Accreditation with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for Level 1 membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Graduates may apply to enter the Master of Counselling degree which has Professional Accreditation with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Course Core24 credit points
Required Units24 credit points
CSL566Case Conceptualisation and Assessment in Counselling3
CSL576Introduction to Creative Arts Therapies in Counselling3
CSL578Counselling Children and Adolescents3
CSL581Experiential Learning in Group Counselling3
CSL582Principles of Counselling 16
CSL583Counselling Adults3
SHP632Applied Health Research Methods: From Research to Practice3
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Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Completion of a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent in any discipline. Applications based on previous study or professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How to apply

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Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  2. Change of name documentation
  3. Marriage certificate
  4. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
    • GTE Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  2. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  3. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  4. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  5. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
  6. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
How to apply
how-to-apply

All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.