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Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Campus North Terrace Campus
Degree Type Graduate Certificate
Duration 6 months full-time
or part-time equiv.
SATAC Code 3GC056
CRICOS 072306G

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.

  • Entry Requirements

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

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 3GC056
    Intake February
    Enquiries Future Students team

    Selection Criteria
    Graduate entry

    Additional Entry Requirements
    Quotas apply. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be ranked according to a standardised interview assessment process and the University will offer places in order of rank. All applicants must provide the following additional information: - a resume that includes academic transcripts (this must be uploaded as part of the SATAC application). - attend an interview. Criminal History Clearance: Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are now required to demonstrate clearance by producing a criminal history check, obtained through a Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) check. International students are required to obtain a certificate from their home country.
    Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 3GC056

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    CRICOS 072306G
    Intake February 
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements
    Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
    IELTS Overall 7 Reading 7 Listening 7 Speaking 7 Writing 7
    TOEFL Overall 94 Reading 24 Listening 24 Speaking 23 Writing 27
    Pearsons Overall 65 Reading 65 Listening 65 Speaking 65 Writing 65
    Cambridge Overall 185 Reading 185 Listening 185 Speaking 185 Writing 185
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements
    Tertiary Qualifications Bachelor degree or equivalent.
    Additional Entry Requirements
    Quotas apply. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be ranked according to a standardised interview assessment process and the University will offer places in order of rank. All applicants must provide the following additional information: - a resume that includes academic transcripts (this must be uploaded as part of your application). - attend an interview (by phone or skype). Criminal History Clearance: Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are now required to demonstrate clearance by producing a criminal history check, obtained through a Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) check. International students are required to obtain a certificate from their home country.

    How to Apply

  • Fees and Scholarships

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

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    Tuition fees
    Australian Full-fee place: $13,000 for 12 units

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    Tuition fees International student place: $18,250 for 12 units

    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
    2. Critical thinking and problem solving
    3. Teamwork and communication skills
    4. Career and leadership readiness
    5. Intercultural and ethical competency
    6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Professional Accreditation

    The clinical pathway of the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy has been designed to meet the training requirements for counselling practitioners as outlined by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). This enables graduates to apply for registration with the Counselling Association of South Australia and PACFA, and to be listed with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

    Potential careers

    Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Therapist

  • 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 across the Lifespan



    PUB HLTH 7078 Qualitative Research Methods in Health

    Assessment

    Case reports, presentations, quizzes and written assignments.

  • Related Degrees

  • 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

  • Further Information

    Further enquiries
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day provides an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

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, 29 Aug 2019