Why Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Support others in navigating emotional, mental and life challenges.
Counsellors work holistically to facilitate change in clients’ emotional, mental, and relational difficulties. Counselling is a rewarding career choice for students who want to pursue personal growth and collaboratively transform the lives of others. It’s a career that requires empathy, patience and exceptional interpersonal skills. If you possess these qualities and are motivated to support others, our Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy is for you.
Overview
The Adelaide University Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy will teach you how to support others through emotional, mental or life struggles. Help people understand, manage and resolve issues impacting their life and wellbeing.
Our curriculum will develop your psychotherapy skills and deepen your knowledge of key theories, issues and ethical implications in counselling. Explore topics on attachment, therapeutic relationships and grief. Choose elective courses to suit your career aspirations, including a course on CBT therapy. Experience hands-on learning with real counselling opportunities and case studies.
In just one year of study, pursue a career as a counsellor or psychotherapist. You’ll be qualified to guide individuals through common life stressors working in healthcare settings, educational institutions, social work agencies, or in the corporate sector.
Key features
Learn from academics with professional counselling experience. - Conduct counselling sessions with your peers and a surrogate client.
- Deepen your knowledge through case studies.
- Explore topics on grief, attachment theory and ethical practice.
- Study key therapies including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
- Enjoy the option to continue your studies into a master's degree.
What you'll learn
Our Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy will prepare you for a rewarding career helping others overcome adversity. You’ll explore key theoretical concepts and best practice for counselling and psychotherapy.
As part of your studies, you’ll complete seven core courses and one elective course. Core courses will explore counselling and psychotherapy skills, key theories, ethics, attachment and therapeutic relationships and grief. Develop discrete skills including observing, listening and responding accurately and empathically to clients. Understand ethical approaches including professional conduct, consent, confidentiality and working with vulnerable people. Learn how attachment styles affect the relationship between therapist and client. Explore theoretical frameworks, including concepts to understand grief and its potential to impact individuals in many ways.
Benefit from hands-on learning opportunities which will include counselling one of your peers and a surrogate client. You’ll also reflect on case studies applying key theories and practical skills.
Deepen your research capabilities or discover interesting areas of counselling and psychotherapy with the following elective courses:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Developing a Novel Research Question
- Qualitative Research Methods in Health.
Assessments include class participation, essays, reflective papers, practical skills assessment, presentations and online quizzes.
Note: this program requires on-campus attendance to ensure you receive the full benefit of face-to-face learning.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 42 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 42 units comprising:
- 42 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
|
Course code
PUBH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
|
Course code
PUBH5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 1
|
Course code
PUBH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
|
Course code
PUBH5008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 2
|
Course code
PUBH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
|
Course code
PUBH5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nature of Grief
|
Course code
PUBH5006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
|
Course code
PUBH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
|
Course code
PUBH5003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 1
|
Course code
PUBH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
|
Course code
PUBH5008
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 2
|
Course code
PUBH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
|
Course code
PUBH5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nature of Grief
|
Course code
PUBH5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods in Health
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|
Course code
PUBH6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Developing a Novel Research Question
|
Course code
PUBH6020
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
|
Course code
PUBH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
|
Course code
PUBH5003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 1
|
Course code
PUBH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
|
Course code
PUBH5008
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 2
|
Course code
PUBH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
|
Course code
PUBH5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nature of Grief
|
Course code
PUBH5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you could work across a range of mental health and community services. 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. Perhaps you’ll conduct group therapy at a wellbeing centre or run your own private practice.
You might also be interested in the following careers:
- Counsellor
- 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.
Note: this program will make you eligible for the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and registration with the Australian Counselling Association.
Industry trends
There is strong demand for mental health professionals in Australia. Research shows 42.9% of people aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020-2022). Your skills as a counsellor will be essential in supporting people struggling.
More broadly, in 2023 the healthcare and social assistance sector employed over 2.2 million people – making it the largest employing industry (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023). This means once you graduate, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities waiting for you.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Graduates are eligible for registration with ACA and to be listed with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
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.
