What is a Graduate Diploma of Counselling?
The Graduate Diploma of Counselling provides a postgraduate qualification for you to enhance your skills in the professional domain of counselling and interpersonal communication. You will learn about the importance of personal and professional self-care, the effects of vicarious trauma and telehealth services. This course focuses on the theories and practices of counselling to support and foster positive human change.Learning outcomes
- Identify and analyse the major issues that affect the health of populations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of policy and management to promote health and welfare.
- Identify and describe environmental risk factors that affect the health and safety of a population.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the ethical practice of public health, and the principles of access and equity.
- Apply local and global public health awareness to public health challenges.
ACA Recognised credentials
Our graduates qualify for membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

Career opportunities
This course has been designed to expand your employment opportunities in roles that leverage counselling and communication skills. You’ll have a range of job opportunities available in the professional domain of counselling and other support services, as well as the opportunity to continue your studies at master's level.
Potential career paths
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Counsellor
Average salary: $83,000 - $111,000 -
Case Manager
Average salary: $77,000 - $109,000 -
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Average salary: $77,000 - $100,000 -
Addiction Counsellor
Average salary: $60,000 - $66,000

Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.
Requirements
Core subjects
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Advanced Therapeutic Communication | ATC401
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Theoretical Approaches to Counselling | TAC402
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Life Stages and Development | LSD403
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Self Care & Developing Resilience | SDR404
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Mental Health | MEH505
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Digital Counselling | DGC506
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Clinical Practice & Supervision | CPS507
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Advanced Counselling Skills | ACS504
Industry partners and work placements
Work placement hours
You will complete 40 hours of supervised work placement at an external organisation.
Entry details
Fees
Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.
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.
Scholarships
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:Admission criteria
Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.
OR
A Bachelor's degree and complete the Torrens Work Life entry form demonstrating your interest in and suitability to gain entry to the course.
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.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
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Want to find out more?
Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.