Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Create connection

Counsellors support others in exploring and overcoming emotional, mental and lifestyle issues. Counselling is a rewarding career choice for those who want to work with people, develop personal wisdom and transform lives.

Because our graduate certificate offers recognition for prior learning, it’s well suited to people who’ve worked in counselling-related roles before.

What will you do?

  • Undertake two core courses and two electives.
  • Learn from academics with extensive professional counselling experience.
  • Practise and improve key skills through case-based learning.
  • Build theoretical understandings.

Where could it take you?

You’ll have the option to continue your studies with the Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. With further training under your belt, you could run a private practice or conduct group therapy at a wellbeing centre. You might support young people in your community through roles and programs in schools or youth work. Perhaps you’ll be a relationship or return-to-work counsellor.



Note: 
This degree is only available in blended mode and on-campus attendance is required.  If you are a continuing student in the degree and are unable to attend campus, please contact your program coordinator for program advice.


  • 16% industry growth predicted by 2025^
  • Learn from experienced counsellors
  • Develop practical counselling skills

^Imip.gov.au Occupation Projection

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GC056
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake

February

Additional Entry Requirements

Entry to this degree is competitive and quotas apply. All applicants must provide the following additional information:

  • a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae resume that includes academic transcripts (this must be uploaded as part of the SATAC application).
  • attend an interview (if eligible).

The Counselling & Psychotherapy Admissions Guide details important information regarding the entry requirements for entry at the University of Adelaide. All applicants are advised to read the Guide. Failure to do so will not warrant special consideration.

Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study

A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $16,250

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

 

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Mental Health Worker;  Counsellor;  Psychotherapist;  Therapist;  Community Services Officer

Degree Structure

Students complete 2 core courses and 2 elective courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Core Courses - to the value of 6 units

Elective Courses- to the value of 6 units



Recommended study plan
Year 1

PUB HLTH 5005 Counselling Skills 1



PUB HLTH 5008 Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories



PUB HLTH 5007 Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship



PUB HLTH 7078 Qualitative Research Methods in Health

Assessment

Case reports, presentations, quizzes and written assignments.

Further Study

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy are a nested suite of degrees, allowing for entry and exit at three different points:

Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

• 6 months (full time)

• 4 courses (12 units)

exit point or can lead into:
Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy


• + 6 months (full time)

• 8 courses (additional 12 units)

exit point or can lead into:
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

• + 12 months (full time)

• Clinical (Placement) or Research (Thesis) (additional 24 units)

exit point

Testimonial

I was continually inspired by the passion of my supervisory panel and their commitment to improving the lives of young people.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 30 Nov 2023