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Murdoch University

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Graduate Certificate in Counselling

  • Graduate Certificate

Passionate about helping people navigate their mental health journey? Take the first step in developing professional competence for a career in counselling, or advance your current career with the knowledge from a Graduate Certificate in Counselling. 

Key details

Degree Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
0.5 year full-time
Course Code
C1111, 080704E
Domestic Fees
$18,540 total
International Fees
$18,540 total

About this course

Overview

Counsellors help people through difficult times of their lives, often when they are most vulnerable. If you are looking to begin your journey to become a professional counsellor, or need to develop counselling skills for your current role as a teacher, nurse or human services professional, this course will develop your professional competence and personal readiness for a career in counselling.

You'll learn through experiential education, enabling you to focus on the quality of counselling relationships as a key feature of effective counselling practice.

After graduating from this course you may apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapies or Master of Counselling and will be exempt from the units already completed which are common to both degrees.

3 reasons to study a Graduate Certificate in Counselling at Murdoch

  1. Study on your own terms - we offer flexible study arrangements allowing you to study full-time or part-time or at our Perth or Mandurah campus to suit your circumstances.
  2. Benefit from experiential learning in a supportive environment.
  3. Learn from highly experienced staff with industry and practical experience in counselling.

What you'll learn

  • Coached practice in small groups
  • Case studies, role plays and guest lecturer
  • Counselling adults
  • Counselling children and adolescents
  • Experiential learning in group counselling

Your future career

The Graduate Certificate in Counselling provides you with an introduction to counselling, enabling you to add counselling skills to existing professional roles in health, education, social services or business.

Professional accreditation

The Graduate Certificate is a step towards the Master of Counselling degree which has Professional Accreditation with Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Professional recognition

Employers in a variety of fields, from Counselling, Social Services, Teaching and Nursing, consider the Graduate Certificate as valid for professional development opportunities.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement

Enabling courses (in Year 12) - standard

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Enabling courses (after Year 12) - standard

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Successful completion of the course.

Enabling courses (in Year 12) - standard

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Enabling courses (after Year 12) - standard

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of the course.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
GCE A Levels

Aggregate of 6 points from:

  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

VET course studied at school
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total score of 24 or higher.

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
70

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Case-by-case assessment.

Enabling courses (in Year 12) - standard

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
CPS 54 or higher.
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement

Aggregate of 6 points from:

  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement
Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement
70
Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Minimum English requirement
Case-by-case assessment.

Enabling courses (in Year 12) - standard

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement
CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Minimum academic requirement

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4
Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Completion of a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent in any discipline. Applications based on previous study or professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  2. Change of name documentation
  3. Marriage certificate
  4. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
    • GTE Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  2. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  3. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  4. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  5. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
  6. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing