Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Transform your ability to support others with UNE’s fully online graduate diploma, blending evidence-based counselling skills with flexible study designed for your busy life.

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Time investment: 2 years full-time, Up to 4 years part-time

Location: Online

Cost: AUD 32,352

Language: English

Male therapist in a dark green button-up and glasses addresses a client as he takes notes.

Make a meaningful impact in people’s lives

In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly recognised, the demand for skilled counsellors has never been higher.

Whether it’s supporting individuals through personal crises, assisting students in educational settings, or providing guidance in community organisations, the need for compassionate, trained professionals is critical.

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling at UNE equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to make a real difference in diverse contexts.

Develop professional counselling skills

This course combines theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world counselling scenarios.

You’ll engage with various counselling models, focusing on humanistic and existential philosophies that emphasise personal growth, meaning, and freedom.

Through experiential learning, you will develop core competencies such as active listening, empathy, and ethical practice, all within a supportive online environment.

Smiling woman in a grey t-shirt and overalls attends a group therapy session

Close-up of a hand consoling someone's shoulder during a group therapy session.

Advance your counselling career your way

UNE offers flexible study options that allow you to progress at a pace that suits you, whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments.

You’ll benefit from expert guidance every step of the way, with dedicated tutors supporting you throughout your studies. This flexible approach means you can take the time you need to deepen your understanding and apply your learning with confidence.

As you complete your Graduate Diploma, you’ll also open pathways to further study, including UNE’s Master of Counselling, helping you build a rewarding career in this vital and growing field.

Where you’ll be studying

Study online with the University of New England (UNE)

UNE is a pioneer in distance education, delivering flexible, high-quality learning for over 70 years.

With a strong reputation for academic excellence and student support, UNE’s online programmes are designed to fit around your life, wherever you are.

Learn from expert academics in an inclusive digital environment and graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance your career on your terms.

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Learning outcomes

Know your theory

Apply advanced theoretical frameworks and evidence-based guidelines to support diverse client populations.

Practice with integrity

Plan, implement, and document counselling approaches that respect cultural diversity and complex client needs.

Lead productive sessions

Deliver adaptable, professional counselling interventions with well-developed judgement tailored to individuals and groups.

Reflect with purpose

Analyse your ongoing professional growth and engage in supervision and continuing education.

Collaborate effectively

Work smoothly with other professionals and communicate your skills and ideas clearly to clients and communities.

Find out more about this degree

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Additional information

To apply for this degree as an online student (whether from overseas or within Australia), you’ll need to meet one of the following:

A Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) in any discipline
The UNE Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling Major), completed from 2023 onwards
The UNE Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice
A Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master’s, or Doctorate (AQF Level 8–10 or equivalent)
At least three years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) relevant professional experience and training within the last 10 years

Relevant fields or experience may include: Aged care, disability care, youth work, counselling, psychology, nursing, medicine, social work, teaching, HR, pastoral care, community or welfare services, and similar fields.

Since this programme is taught in English, you’ll need to show you meet one of the following criteria:

English is your first language
You’ve completed at least one year of study (within the past five years) in English at senior secondary, post-secondary, or tertiary level, in a country where English is an official language
You passed an English subject at Australian Year 12 level (or an equivalent overseas qualification)
You’ve completed an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at UNE or another NEAS-accredited provider
You hold registration with a recognised body (such as AHPRA, AMC, ANMAC, NESA or APC) that requires English proficiency

Alternatively, you can also demonstrate your eligibility with one of these test scores:

IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 79 overall (with at least 22 in writing)
PTE Academic: 57 overall (with no skill below 50)

UNE’s online degrees give you the freedom to shape your learning through a flexible mix of core modules, major-specific units, and electives.

Core modules build essential business skills and knowledge to set you up for success.
Major-specific units let you dive deeper into your selected field.
Electives give you the chance to explore topics outside your major and expand your perspective.

This modular approach helps you gain a strong foundation while tailoring your degree to suit your goals.

With this diploma to back your expertise, you’ll be able to build a rewarding career in counselling and mental health, stepping into roles like: