Why Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Support others in navigating emotional, mental and life challenges.
With a Graduate Certificate in Counselling, you may work across various settings, including schools, community organisations, or private practice. In six months of study, you will develop foundational counselling skills to support people experiencing emotional struggles and/or stress. You’ll have the option to continue your studies with the Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Overview
This graduate certificate will provide you with the foundational, practical and theoretical counselling knowledge to support Australia’s mental health workforce.
Your studies will cover topics across fundamental counselling skills, counselling and psychotherapy theory, ethics, attachment processes and qualitative research methods in health. Tailor your studies to suit your interests with elective courses and have opportunities to practice your skills with partner work. By the end of your six months of study, you might choose to continue your studies with our graduate diploma or master program.
Key features
Learn from experienced counsellors. - Explore topics covering ethics, attachment and research in counselling and psychotherapy.
- Establish practical counselling skills.
- Practice and deepen your skills with case studies.
- Select elective courses aligned to your interests.
- Enjoy the option to continue your studies with a graduate diploma or master.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Adelaide University will introduce you to the key concepts and skills you’ll need to succeed as a mental health worker.
During your studies, you’ll compete two core courses and two elective courses. Your core courses will focus on topics including:
- Introductory counselling skills: be introduced to fundamental elements of counselling including skills in listening, observing, responding empathically and appropriately to clients' needs.
- Counselling and psychotherapy theory: understand various theoretical frameworks and approaches to guide counselling and psychotherapy practice.
Elective courses will include topics on the following:
- Ethics in counselling: learn key theoretical approaches that guide ethical practice including relevant legislation, codes of conduct and consent.
- Attachment processes: understand attachment patterns, particularly their interplay between practitioner and client.
- Counselling skills: advance your counselling skills, developing counselling responses in various real client scenarios.
- Qualitative Research Methods in Health: conduct research in health with specialised skills and methodologies.
- Developing a Novel Research Question: enhance your skills in conducting, managing and reporting research.
Note: this program requires some on campus attendance so you can get the full benefits of face-to-face learning.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 12 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
|
Course code
PUBH5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 1
|
Course code
PUBH5000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
|
Course code
PUBH5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
|
Course code
PUBH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 2
|
Course code
PUBH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nature of Grief
|
Course code
PUBH5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
|
Course code
PUBH5008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|
Course code
PUBH6001
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Ready to support Australia’s mental health workforce in a meaningful way? Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy could launch you into a variety of careers. You might work in schools supporting young people through challenges such as bullying or divorce. Maybe you’ll be a community outreach coordinator, organising programs and activities to support mental health.
You might consider the following careers:
- Community service worker
- Counselling support worker
- Assistant school counsellor
- Youth worker
- Mental health support worker
- Crisis support worker
- Welfare officer
- Case worker
- Peer support worker
Industry trends
The demand for mental health professionals in Australia is growing. Almost half of our population aged 16-85 have struggled with a mental health disorder at some point in their life (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020-2022). In 2023, healthcare and social assistance was the largest employing sector (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023). As a graduate, your skills in counselling and psychotherapy will be in high demand, presenting diverse employment opportunities.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
