Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
Course Overview / Course Structure
| Course Name | Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Type | Full-time or part-time |
| Mode | On-campus or by distance education |
| Duration | 1.125 years (full-time equivalent) |
| Credit Points | |
| Starting Semesters | 1 & 2 |
| Course Code | SS42 |
| CRICOS Code | 027553M |
| Host School | Social Sciences |
Course Specific Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
Credit for Prior Study Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
Admissions, Enrolments & General Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
General Information
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies is equivalent to 1.125 years of fulltime study, or part-time equivalent. It is intended to provide an initial qualification in counselling for graduates from other fields, such as teachers, pastors, health care workers and welfare workers, although graduates from other fields of study are welcome to apply. The course is designed to provide a coherent program of study incorporating theoretical reflection, understanding of issues and practical skills in the area of counselling, and understanding of the self, group processes and theological reflection.
Career Outcomes
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Professional Recognition
PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) has recently published the requirements for courses to be listed on its register of approved courses. Due to this development, changes are being proposed to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies in order for it to be eligible for PACFA accreditation. These changes, which will affect students who are planning to complete their studies in 2009 or later, include the addition of a second practicum unit and the offering of the course over a minimum of four semesters, rather than three semesters. Students who wish to discuss the impact of any proposed changes upon their study programs are to contact the Dean, School of Social Sciences.
The Counselling Profession
Successful engagement in the Counselling profession requires a level of personal maturity and self-awareness. PACFA therefore recommends that both current and prospective students are periodically assessed for their personal growth and likely suitability for the Counselling profession.
Consequently, entry to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies is dependent not only on previous academic studies but also on personal suitability as assessed through an interview, a personal statement, referee reports and information collected on the 'Supplementary Details' page of the CHC Application for Admission form.
Further information regarding these processes is available from the School of Social Sciences.
Attendance
Full-time students undertake 3-4 units per semester. Each unit is equivalent to 10 credit points). Students may enrol in fewer units per semester and extend their degree over a longer period. Australian students enrolled in three or more units may be eligible to claim Austudy benefits. International students are required to study a minimum of 30 credit hours (3 subject equivalent) per semester to fulfil Australian study visa requirements.
Workload for the Course
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies requires 90 credit points for completion. Each credit point indicates an expected student involvement of one hour per week for one semester. A standard unit carrying a weighting of 10 credit points normally involves 10 hours of study and research per week. Students undertaking fulltime study will have a semester load of 40 credit points.
Students may apply for transfer of credit from previous studies. Application for transfer of credit is to be made at the time of entry into the course. During their course of study, students may also apply to engage in cross-institutional study towards the requirements of the course. A maximum of 50% of the course may be undertaken through transfer of credit and/or cross-institutional study.
Course Structure
Fulltime students should normally enrol in three consecutive semesters. The skills units from the list below should be completed over the three semesters in the sequence HB460, HB461, HB561.
The units to be studied in the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies are as follows:
Relationship to other courses
Students who are enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies may exit this course with the Graduate Certificate in Human Behaviour or Graduate Diploma in Human Studies, subject to course rules.
Students who begin the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies and then find that they wish to continue their studies into the Master of Counselling or Master of Counselling (Honours), or to change the focus of their studies, may transfer to other postgraduate Social Sciences courses, subject to the entry requirements of those courses. Students who transfer course are then subject to the rules of their new course.
Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies and wish to continue their studies into the Master of Counselling or Master of Counselling (Honours) may apply to enrol in those courses, subject to entry requirements.
Summary of Course Rules – Graduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
1) A total of 90 credit points are required for completion of the award.
2) Coursework units of 80 credit points and a Practicum unit of 10 credit points, as specified, are required for completion of the award.
4) No more than 40 credit points gained in prior or concurrent studies at another institution may be credited towards the requirements of the award.
5) The maximum allowable time for completion of the award shall be TEN years.
6) Variations of course rules must receive the approval of the Dean and the Board of Studies.
