What Is a Graduate Certificate of Counselling?
Are you looking to become a counsellor but don’t know where to start? A graduate certificate of counselling could be the perfect option for you. The course is an excellent introduction to counselling, giving you the skills needed to progress and become an effective counsellor. But what else do you need to know about the course? Our brief guide today will tell you to help you decide if it's the right option for you.
What Is a Graduate Certificate of Counselling?
A graduate certificate of counselling is the stepping stone for many students on their journey to becoming a counsellor. The postgraduate course is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to help you become a counsellor. A graduate certificate of counselling can be offered as a full or part-time course, with many course providers allowing you to study entirely online. Online study helps you to complete the course at a time that suits you, fitting it in around work or caring commitments.
A graduate certificate of counselling usually takes eight months to complete and features four units that provide you with the foundations to become an effective counsellor. The unit titles might vary depending on the course provider, but you might see titles like:
- Core counselling skills
- Counselling theory and approaches
- Diversity, inclusion, respect
- Principles of ethical conduct in counselling
Throughout these units, you will achieve the following learning outcomes of:
- Acquiring an understanding of the major models and skills of counselling that support you to work in a variety of human service roles
- Developing the knowledge of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and identities
You will receive support from your course provider while you study your course. You can expect guidance over video calls, emails, and chat forums that will help you to get the most out of the course. You can speak to your course provider to learn more about the support provided and see if it is the right provider for you.
What Qualifications Do I Need for a Graduate Certificate of Counselling?
The entry requirements for a graduate certificate in counselling vary depending on the course provider, but they are often very broad, making it easier for anyone to gain the skills they need to become a counsellor. Typically, you will need one of the following:
- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline
- An AQF diploma or advanced diploma in a counselling or counselling-related subject, with four years of full-time counselling or counselling-related experience
You should check with the course provider to see what qualifies as counselling-related experience to ensure that you qualify for the course. Most course providers can offer examples of this and check to see if your experience qualifies. Students whose first language is not English will also need to complete additional non-standard English language requirements to ensure that they will be able to successfully complete a course taught in English. The score you need for these tests will vary depending on the course provider, so be sure to speak to the provider before applying.
What Can I Do with a Graduate Certificate of Counselling?
Once you have completed your graduate certificate of counselling, you can take your next career steps as a counsellor. These include completing a graduate diploma of counselling, which is often required for paid counselling roles. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have career options after completing your graduate certificate. You can move into a variety of roles, including:
- Community support worker
- Caseworker
- Development officer
- Youth worker
Many graduates find themselves in human service roles, with the skills they have acquired allowing them to better understand and support people, ensuring they remain compassionate and professional in their new role. For many students, the graduate certificate is considered a stepping stone to their career as a counsellor, and they will continue in education, gaining their graduate diploma and even their master of counselling. Should you wish to take a break between your studies, though, there are plenty of career opportunities that await you.
Be sure to check the entry requirements of any job carefully before applying and to reach out to potential employers if you are unsure if you meet the requirements.
Find Your Counselling Course Today
A graduate certificate of counselling is an excellent option if you have no previous counselling experience or do not have a degree. It allows you to deepen your knowledge and enhance your skills before putting them into practice. Will you start your counselling course today?