Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Help clients make headway

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.

What will you do?

  • Undertake eight courses reflecting the latest developments in the field.
  • Learn from academics with extensive professional counselling experience.
  • Build hands-on skills through experiential learning.
  • Benefit from case-based learning in small group workshops.
  • Gain a core understanding of CBT, grief, attachment theory and ethical practice.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate eligible for the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and registration with the Australian Counselling Association. You could support young people in your community through programs in schools or youth work. You might run a private practice or conduct group therapy at a wellbeing centre. 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 3GD072
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.


  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 9 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

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: $32,500

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

Professional Accreditation

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy enables graduates to apply for registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

Accreditation with ACA
Graduates eligible for registration at
·       ACA Level 2
·       ACA Level 3 plus 2 years supervised counselling employment

ARCAP registration: Graduates eligible for registration at Division B
·       Level 1
·       Level 2, plus 1 year supervised practice

Potential careers

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

Counsellor;  Psychotherapist;  Therapist

Degree Structure

Students complete 6 core courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy and 2 elective courses in thematic areas 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 18 units 

Electives Courses- to the value of 6 units 

or

other postgraduate coursework courses offered by the University or another university which the Faculty approves in lieu of elective courses.

Assessment

Case reports, presentations, quizzes and written assignments.

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