Graduate Certificate of Counselling
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling provides students with training in the theory and practice of counselling. The course is designed for students who are seeking to develop counselling skills for their current employment in fields such as nursing, social work, pastoral care and teaching. Students are equipped with a range of counselling skills that can be applied across work settings, client types and cultural groups.
Duration
1 year part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Part-time
2024 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
26 February 2024
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling course provides students with training in the theory and practice of counselling. The course is available part-time in Australia, and full-time and part-time in Singapore.
The course best suits those students whose primary occupation is not counselling but for whom basic counselling skills are required. Students undertaking the Graduate Certificate might be looking to develop their counselling skills for their current employment in fields such as nursing, social work, pastoral care, and teaching. Students are taught a range of counselling skills that can be applied across work settings and client types.
This course is offered in Singapore in collaboration with the Executive Counselling and Training Academy. It is available to Singapore citizens, Singapore permanent residents, holders of a valid Singapore dependant’s pass, and holders of a valid Singapore work permit.
Note: This program is not available for study to onshore international students studying on a student visa.
Course structure
The postgraduate programs in Counselling are a nested suite consisting of three exit points: Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters.
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Counselling, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units (50 credit points).
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Counselling is 25 credit points (normally two units)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Counselling is 25 credit points (normally two units)
Units of study
Hawthorn on-campus students
Singapore
Executive Counselling and Training Academy students only
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Graduates may work in a range of professional settings, including community and mental health, private practice, social work, grief counselling, pastoral care and mediation.
Aims and objectives
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- exercise independent judgement relevant to counselling theory and practice in the field of human services counselling, couple counselling and forensic counselling
- initiate, plan, implement and evaluate basic counselling interventions with a range of client groups and presentations across the lifespan
- apply basic and more advanced skills to work therapeutically with a range of clients in human services and couple counselling contexts using counselling methods and techniques that are drawn from different evidence-based approaches, all of which emphasise the important role of assessment, empathy, the therapeutic relationship, ethical decision making and professional supervision
- reflect on, and take responsibility for, their own learning and self-management processes in relation to counselling work with clients that promotes self-reflection and the development as a professional counsellor in a human services, couple counselling or forensic context.
Graduate skills
The Swinburne Graduate Attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural).
Professional recognition
May be eligible to apply for membership to the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), PACFA, and the Australian Association for Relationship Counsellors.
The Swinburne experience
- Study abroad.
Study abroad opportunities
May be eligible to apply for membership to the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), PACFA, and the Australian Association for Relationship Counsellors.
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Degree and/or experience
Completion of an approved undergraduate or postgraduate degree or approved equivalent. While no specific area of study is required as a prerequisite, it would be advantageous for students to have experience in human services, couple counselling or forensic settings. Selection is based on an interview and the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined by academic and work experience, referee reports, and the stated reasons for wishing to undertake the program. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit. Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success. The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Working with Children Check
All students studying this course in Australia will be required to submit a current Working with Children Check and Police Check.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
How to apply
Closing dates for applications for Semester 1, 2024 Intake:
Round 1: 5pm, Thursday, 26 October 2023 (timely applications)
Round 1: 5pm, Thursday, 26 October 2023 (timely applications)
Round 2: 5pm, Friday 18 January 2024 (late applications)