Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Counselling is a cross-disciplinary pathway into a career in helping human beings in distress. In counselling, clients learn and change within a dedicated helping relationship, in which high levels of skill, sensitivity, self knowledge and ethical conduct are required of the helper. The Graduate Certificate in Counselling is aimed at those who hold an existing degree in a recognised helping profession, and are already working in counselling, but who wish to upgrade their level of basic skills in this demanding area via a sequenced, cumulative training in basic skills and concomitant self awareness.
Most recognised ‘helping professions’ include some counselling training. This is often limited in scope, and taught before the student is actually practising as a counsellor. As a result, many professionals end up providing counselling services as part of their work, but recognise that their skills need upgrading.
This course will train you in the fundamental skills that are common to all recognised approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, while challenging you to develop your self awareness so that you can work ethically and responsibly with your clients. Our permanent and casual academic staff are all experienced counsellors and therapists, from a range of different professional backgrounds and orientations. You will learn from people whose clinical experience directly informs their teaching, and who can relate theory to practice.
Career Opportunities
Successful graduates work with a wide range of client groups presenting problems across the spectrum, from addictions work to family support, relationship counselling to sexual assault, and problem gambling to women’s health. Our students are mature aged adults with life experience and sought by potential employers. In addition the 300-hour agency placement in the second year of the Graduate Diploma reinforces clinical credibility.
| Local | International | |
| Delivery Mode | On campus | The Graduate Certificate in Counselling is not available for International Application. |
| Location | Penrith campus | |
| Duration | 1 Year Part Time | |
| Intake Information | Available Intake 2 (February) | |
| Course Code | 952815 [Intake 2 (February)] | |
| Fee Information | Local Course Fees (opens in a new window) |
How to Apply
All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the How to Apply pages.
If you are interested in completing a higher research degree, for example Masters Honours, information is accessible from UWS Research (opens in a new window).
