Graduate Certificate in Counselling

What is a Graduate Certificate of Counselling?

The Graduate Certificate of Counselling provides a postgraduate qualification that enhances counselling and interpersonal communication skills. It delivers an improved understanding of the human psyche, counselling theories and barriers to overcome in order to support an individual’s wellbeing. This course is valuable to professionals looking to extend relevant skills in fields such as nursing, social work and teaching.

Designed to fit in with you
With some of your learning materials online, you can tailor a schedule to fit your personal needs. 

Learn from specialists in their field 
Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

Dive into 40+ years of experience
The Jansen Newman Institute (JNI) at Torrens University Australia provides a rich, practical counselling experience. 

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate of Counselling develops your knowledge of the theoretical and ethical underpinnings of counselling, delivery methods including telehealth, suicidality, common mental health conditions and the importance of personal and professional self-care and effective boundaries. The course enables you to start or progress towards a successful and rewarding career in the counselling and wellbeing industry.

Career opportunities

This course has been designed to prepare you for employment in a role which leverages counselling and communication skills. Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to progress your career in the professional domain of counselling or continue your studies.

Career paths

Counselling
Case Manager
Rehabilitation Support Services
Mental Health Support Services
Domestic Violence Support Service
Addiction Support Services
Family Services
Child Protection

Career paths
Interior Designer

Virtual Environment Designer

Residential Design Consultant

Innovative Home Technology Consultant

Property Stylist

Housing Solutions Strategist

Learn more about careers in health

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

4 Core subjects

Advanced Therapeutic Communication | ATC401

Communication skills are fundamental to therapeutic relationships. This subject explores the nature of interpersonal communication including different communication channels and barriers to effective communication. The role of self-perception and culture in interpersonal communication, listening and reflection play in effective communication will be critically appraised.
Students will examine how different types of relationships both personal and professional can be enhanced through more effective communication. This subject concludes with a discussion of power in interpersonal relationships, and how and when confidentially and the therapeutic responsibility to exercise ‘duty of care’ might conflict
Students will demonstrate micro-skills, attending and communication process skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, nuanced listening and reflecting skills, and the use and abuse of questions.
Theoretical Approaches to Counselling | TAC402

This subject introduces a variety of counselling approaches. Students are required to explore approaches to theories, modalities and practice skills.
Students are introduced to a selection of counselling theories, including:
• Person‐centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused techniques
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based practice
Students will participate in different experiential learning scenarios to develop their understanding of various counselling interventions This subject also establishes a firm foundation for the concepts and techniques developed in later subjects.
Life Stages and Development | LSD403

The subject introduces the field of developmental psychology and explores why people behave in certain ways, what drives or motivates human behaviour, and links between developmental experience and trauma. Students will examine the key life stages of birth, early and later childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, mid‐life, aging and death in their social and cultural contexts.
The subject provides an opportunity for students to explore how theories of attachment, cognitive and social development explain human development across the lifespan with particular reference to the effects of trauma. The influences of biology, gender, culture, ethnicity and socio‐political contexts in these development periods will also be investigated.
Self Care & Developing Resilience | SDR404

Resilience, a quality that allows individuals to recover from times of difficulty and crisis and can be developed through understanding and practice. The subject covers the principles of social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing as they relate to health behaviours. Students will analyse the role of capacity building and the promotion of wellbeing through strategies to enhance personal and professional self-care. The impact of vicarious trauma and the effects of burnout for professionals will be explored.
Students will be required to critically self-reflect applying theories and practice skills to personal lived experience and history and use this knowledge to develop a cohesive self-care plan suitable to future industry practice.
Mental Health | MEH505

In this subject, students will develop the knowledge and understanding of how to work effectively with people with a mental illness. Students will gain an understanding of common types of mental illness and the social and psychological determinants of mental health. Reduction of lethal risk and domestic abuse are key components of this subject. Common personality disorders will be outlined and explored.
Digital Counselling | DGC506

Understanding digital culture and its impact upon intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intercultural experience in a globalised society is fundamental to therapeutic relationships.
This subject examines the ways in which technology influences thinking and behaviour introducing phenomena such as disinhibition, net-worked relationships, multiple, contingent and mobile identities, dissociative imagination and behaviours, and the desire for liminal experience. Through a critical analysis of the impact of technology this subject assists students to utilise traditional face-to-face counselling theories and methods in digital environments, including apps, SMS, videoconferencing, and virtual reality as it applies to counselling.
This subject provides students with the tools to create, and manage, a digitally competent ethical and professionally appropriate interpersonal online presence and strategies for managing client privacy and security. Current and future trends in social media and information communication technology and their impact on practice will also be considered.
Clinical Practice & Supervision | CPS507

Clinical practice and supervision. Students will receive 48 hours of supervision and experience face to face counselling. The importance of ethics, professional boundaries, counselling theories and practice will be covered.
Particular attention is devoted to client assessment and treatment planning; to skills of dealing with client resistance; assessing risk and to issues of transference and counter-transference. Students will be required to write up cases to professional standard.
Advanced Counselling Skills | ACS504

This subject introduces a variety of counselling approaches. Students are required to explore approaches to theories, modalities and practice skills.
Students are introduced to a selection of counselling theories, including:
• Person‐centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based practice
Students will participate in different experiential learning scenarios to develop their understanding of various counselling interventions This subject also establishes a firm foundation for the concepts and techniques developed in later subjects.

Industry partners

When you study with Torrens University Australia, you will benefit from our extensive network of industry partners. You’ll learn from industry professionals, gain invaluable insights and build key industry relationships. We are proud of our expanding network of partnerships and welcome opportunities to build new ones.

Learning outcomes

Support clients with a range of issues within ethical and professional requirements
Understand and apply psychosocial wellbeing to practice
Deepen and broaden communication skills
Apply theories and practical skills to personal lived experience and to demonstrate self-care

Hear from our current Health lecturers and industry professionals on how we deliver our career focused approach to your education.

Domestic entry requirements, fees and scholarships

Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

OR Successfully complete the Graduate Certificate prior to enrolling in the Graduate Diploma, Master or Advanced Master.

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

View full course admission information

Fees: Domestic students

Domestic fees

Check the Domestic Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course.

View our fees
FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
View our fees

Scholarships: Domestic students

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Scholarship types
Business

Alumni

Industry

Indigenous

View all scholarships

How to apply: Domestic students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Frequently asked questions

What are the admissions requirements for international students?

Overseas Year 12 equivalent applicants who have completed a secondary school qualification from an overseas institution, will have their application assessed by the International Admissions team to determine equivalency with the Australian secondary school certificate.  International students will also have to satisfy minimum English language proficiency requirements. To find out more, visit Admissions Criteria.
What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
What are course credits?

Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits

.
What does admissions criteria mean?

Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.

To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.

All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
I don’t have a portfolio and I want to study a degree. What can I do?

If you have met the entry requirement for the course, you do not need to submit a design portfolio.

If you can’t meet the entry requirement and don’t have a portfolio, you will need to show evidence of prior industry/work experience OR have completed or partially completed study from an accredited institution to gain entry into the course.

If you would like to talk through the entry requirements, please contact one of our Course and Careers Advisors.
I have a portfolio but haven’t completed a Higher School Certificate or equivalent. How can I gain entry into a degree?

We offer several pathway options for students who have not completed a Higher School Certificate or equivalent.

For some courses, entry can be achieved by undertaking a diploma course first (pathway criteria applies), and on successful completion of the diploma you can credit this study towards completion of a degree. Mature-aged students (21 and over) are also welcome to apply directly based on work experience and/or an existing portfolio. To find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or applying directly, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor.
What makes a good portfolio?

A good portfolio should include 6-10 pieces of original creative work and provide evidence of both your creativity and skill.

To find out more, visit portfolio and interviews for guidance on what to include in your application portfolio or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor.
How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?

Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.

Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.

Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
How much are Torrens University Australia courses?

For a full list of tuition fees, visit Tuition Fees.

Remember, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your fees can be covered by FEE-HELP. You can find out more information on FEE-HELP on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
To get a FEE-HELP loan, you must:

be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia, or

be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements.

be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans

be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)

submit the Request for FEE-HELP form to your provider by the census date

not have already borrowed up to your HELP loan limit.

Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies.

If you are studying at a non-university, you will also need to meet the ‘pass rate’ requirements.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor and we can guide you through the process.
Can I apply for FEE-HELP?

To be eligible for FEE-HELP you need to be an Australian citizen , and have a tax file number. You must also be studying at an approved higher education provider, such as Torrens University Australia.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?

If you receive an offer from Torrens University Australia, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP. You will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form if you want to defer payment of some, or all, of your tuition fees. You will need to quote your tax file number or provide a Certificate of Application for a Tax File Number. The form must be completed before the due date.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to our Course and Careers Advisors and we can guide you through the process.
Is there a FEE-HELP limit?

For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. The Australian Government publishes the HELP Loan limit on their website.

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition costs. Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. Note: Any loan fees that were applied to study prior to January 1, 2019 will not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.

Students repay the loan to the Australian Government through the tax system once a student reaches the minimum income threshold level for repayment, which for 2019-20 is $45,881.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or Contact Us and we can guide you through the process.
What courses are available for FEE-HELP?

To find out more, visit How to Apply.
What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full-fee-paying students pay their tuition costs.

You must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan, such as Torrens University Australia.

A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs like accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and must be repaid once you start earning above a certain income threshold.

To find out more, visit the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.
How do I apply?

Applying is easy and can be done online by filling out the apply form. If you have any difficulty, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. International applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislative requirements, for example, requirements for student visas (this does not apply for online study outside of Australia).
How will I know if my application has been processed?

Our Course and Careers Advisors will help you through every step of the application process and provide you with updates. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email.
I am having trouble with my application. Who can help?

Our friendly Course and Careers Advisors are available to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Fill out the contact us form and one of them will reach out to you.
How can I contact Torrens University Australia?

The best way to get in contact with Torrens University Australia is to fill out the Contact us form or call 1300 575 803.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

To find out how to apply for scholarships in Australia, visit Scholarships.

All faculties of Torrens University Australia offer scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Depending on the scholarship type, we don’t just look at your academic record, we want to know what makes you unique in terms of things such as activities, leadership skills and hobbies. When you speak to one of our Course and Career Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.
What type of scholarships do you offer?

We offer scholarships in different areas. These include Alumni, Industry, Indigenous, International, Business, Hospitality, Hotel Management, Nursing, Health, and Design, and Creative Technology.

To find out more, visit Scholarships or let one of our Course and Career Advisors know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application.

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Graduate Certificate of Counselling