The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is a mid-level qualification that strengthens your practical application and theoretical understanding. Upon graduating, you can obtain a level one membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

You'll complete eight courses designed to help you craft your own integrative therapeutic framework, grounded in humanistic traditions that centre the counsellor-client relationship. Crucially, we recognise the inequities and injustices that shape human experience. You will be trained to meet clients where they are, understanding how to work with courage, sensitivity and integrity in diverse counselling contexts.

Core courses

Complete each of the following core courses:

• Foundational Counselling Skills
• Ethics in Counselling Practice
• Mental health, Trauma and Resilience  
• Counselling in a Diverse World
• Applied Counselling Approaches
• Advanced Counselling Practice^
• Counselling Placement A (approx. 100 hours)*

^ Intensive course that requires on-campus attendance to meet accreditation requirements.

* In-person attendance required at a placement site such as a health, school, non-government organisation and/or private practice.

Electives

Complete two of the following electives:

• Working with Couples and Families
• Counselling for Grief and Loss
• Psychotherapeutic Frameworks
• Counselling Practice for Trauma, Crisis and Violence

To find out more about each course, download your program guide.

On-campus residency workshop (in-person attendance required in Sydney)

As a pivotal step in your professional development and accreditation, the Advanced Counselling Practice course features an on-campus residency at UNSW Sydney. This four-day intensive experience builds on your online practice experience gained through the program to extend your clinical application and theory to in person contexts, preparing you to confidently start your placement rotations.

Guided by experienced practitioner-academics, you will engage in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you will move beyond observation into action.

You will engage with:

• Deliberate practice: Refine essential advanced skills – such as complex risk assessment – through interactive scenarios and real-time feedback.
• Professional guidance: Build applied counselling techniques alongside peers, mentored by industry leaders.
• Reflective practice: Utilise innovative reflective techniques to deepen your capacity for effective supervisory relationships and sustainable self-care.

Details:

• A four-day compulsory intensive at UNSW Sydney.
• Students residing outside the Sydney area, are required to plan and pay for their own travel (e.g. flights and accommodation). We encourage you to plan ahead to make the most of this valuable on-campus experience.

Counselling Placement A

Placement courses offer real-world experience in approved counselling or human services agencies. You'll apply your learning, supported by clinical supervision from experienced counsellors both at your agency and in tutorials.

Throughout your placement, you'll build key skills through feedback and reflection with peers, helping you develop your own approach as a counsellor.

To meet ACA requirements and complete your degree, you must undertake at least 100 hours of work placement. We support your growth by helping you secure high-quality placements as close to home as possible through our extensive network of health organisations, schools, non-government organisations (NGOs) and private practices. Costs associated with placements are in addition to the annual tuition fee.

Graduates can work in various settings across the Australian healthcare landscape:

• Private practise
• Community health organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• Schools
• Health organisations  
• Corporate employee assistance programs (EAPs)

General admission requirements

To be eligible for our Graduate Diploma in Counselling, you must have either:

• completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification in a related discipline*, OR
• completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification in any discipline plus 2 years relevant work experience**.

* Related disciplines may include psychology, social work, human services, education, youth work, community services, health sciences, nursing, mental health, behavioural science, social science and other related fields. 

** Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience reflecting professional readiness, that may include supportive work, effective communication, facilitation or mentoring. 

Entry via study pathway

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be eligible for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Counselling.

Additional requirements 

Before commencing your placement, you may be required to provide evidence of the following, depending on the agency and state regulations:

• National Police Check
• Working With Children Check (or relevant state-based clearance)
• Current First Aid Training
• Immunisation compliance (as required by the placement agency)

You should ensure these checks and certifications are completed prior to the commencement of your placement course. Chat to our Student Advisors to learn more.

English language

You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments.

At UNSW Online, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward graduating from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to access course resources anytime, anywhere on any device. With mandatory live sessions to attend, you get to experience applying your counselling skills while being mentored by counselling experts as well.

We offer six study blocks, known as hexamesters, each year. These seven-week blocks with orientation time beforehand allow you to focus on one course at a time – providing the perfect balance between study and life’s other commitments.

Our academics are among the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you’ll experience the same high-quality education as our on-campus students. 

Throughout your journey, you’ll have the dedicated support of your Student Success Advisor. From enrolment to graduation, they’ll be your go-to for all non-academic queries, available by phone or email to ensure you stay on track. 

You’ll also benefit from Career Success – a self-paced, curated module designed to help you build and implement an effective career plan. With access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach as well as guides for perfecting your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career with confidence.