Skip to content
Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Mental Health Counselling)

Domestic students International students
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Mental Health Counselling) (GDCN)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year or part-time equivalent
Start
  • Feb, Jul

Go to

Overview

  • Do you have a passion for supporting those with mental health conditions? Our Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Mental Health Counselling) will help develop the necessary expertise in topics including mental health conditions in society, their aetiology, evidence-based treatment approaches, assessment models and psychopharmacology.
  • While study is mainly external, you will be required to attend mandatory residential schools at USQ Ipswich campus associated with four designated courses to meet the required number of hours of face-to-face instruction and ensure you have the best possible skills preparation. 

Further study

If you'd like to go on to study the Master of Counselling, you need to complete at least 50 percent of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling course load (including two Foundation of Practice courses).

Professional accreditation

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling will be able to apply for membership of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and registration as a counsellor with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

Career outcomes

  • As a graduate, you will be equipped to specialise in mental health counselling, case management and wellbeing.

Entry requirements 

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 8 units. Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at 1 unit. To study full-time you would usually complete 4 units per semester.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses* 7
1 x approved course 1
Total 8

 

*Some of the courses have a mandatory 4-day residential school at USQ Ipswich and 10 hours of mandatory online tutorials.

Refer to the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Residential schools

If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use the facilities and meet staff and other students.

This degree has a mandatory attendance requirement for some of the residential school courses. View the USQ Handbook or please contact us for more information.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 23440

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2022. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP. 

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At USQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to USQ.

Apply direct to USQ

The closing dates for applying directly to USQ are:

  • Semester 2, 2022 - applications close Monday 11 July, with Semester 2 commencing on Monday 11 July, 2022.
  • Semester 1, 2023 - application closing date to be advised. Semester 1 commences in February, 2023.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at USQ that is relevant to you.

Students receiving computer assistance.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with Australia's #1 university for graduate starting salary* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2022

Talk to us