Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Avondale University
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 02731D
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is a 96 credit point course delivered at AQF Level 8, divided over 16 units (15 counselling units and one religious studies unit to meet Avondale's requirements as a Christian College of Higher Education). It provides students with both the experiential and theoretical foundation to function as professional counsellors in Australia. Posited in a Christian worldview, this supportive, two-year course emphasises the common factors essential to counselling, introduces various counselling methods, and builds basic and advanced counselling skills. The Graduate Diploma in Counselling also introduces students to research in the science of counselling and provides a one-year clinical placement. An application for accreditation of the course with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) is planned as the course is designed to meet the requirements of PACFA but it should be noted that accreditation is not yet in place given the recency of the course commencement.
Structure
Units for Graduate Diploma in Counselling Name of UnitName of UnitName of UnitName of UnitSem 1CNSL41100Fundamentals of CounsellingCNSL41110Psychotherapy and Counselling TheoriesCNSL41130Ethics, Diversity and Spiritual IntegrationCNSL41140Developmental Theories and CounsellingSem 2CNSL41240Systemic and Family Therapy ApproachesCNSL41120Spiritual Perspectives on Emotional DisordersCNSL41160Introduction to Psychology for CounsellingCNSL41200Interpersonal Approach and Treatment StrategiesSem 3CNSL41230Mental Health & PsychopathologyCNSL41260Counselling Children & AdolescentsCNSL41300Counselling Practice ICNSL41400Research in Counselling Practice ASem 4CNSL41250Counselling CouplesReligion UnitCNSL41310Counselling Practice IICNSL41410Research in Counselling Practice B
Standard entry requirements
- GENERAL ADMISSION CRITERIATo qualify for admission, you must have completed:An Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited university or higher education provider
- OrAn overseas qualification comparable to an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 or higherSPECIFIC ADMISSION CRITERIAThe following are the specific criteria for admission:Pre-admission interview with the course convenor, placement coordinator, and an experienced counsellor or psychologisADVANCED STANDINGApplicants with an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 8 qualification (or higher) in a cognate area may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Refer to the Advanced Standing Policy for more information.INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTSThe Graduate Diploma in Counselling is available to domestic students and international students studying outside of Australia. The course is unavailable to international students in Australia on a student visa.ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSApplicant's who completed their bachelor's degree (or overseas equivalent) in a language other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no sub-band below 6.0.
Study information
| Campus | Fees | Mid year intake | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Macquarie | International: $54,479 | No |
|
