100% Online
Gain the foundation to guide the way
Leave your details and we will call you back with information on your preferred courses.
Find out more about:
"Studying online with UC has added much awesome stuff in my life, Filler text with max 3 lines, Character limit this area"
By submitting this form, you agree that a representative of University of Canberra may contact you by email, phone and SMS in relation to your enquiry and to provide you with further information about its programs. You may opt out at any time. For more information on how your personal information will be collected, stored and used, please see our Privacy Statement.
Learn the theoretical and practical elements of the helping relationship to make ethical decisions in a range of contexts.
Be supported by a learning community of students and academics.
Accelerated and designed for busy professionals.
.avif)
Guide the way by gaining foundational skills so you can be on a pathway to practise respectful and inclusive counselling. You will experience interactive teaching in a supportive learning environment.
.avif)
Learn about the foundations of counselling, including theories and approaches, the principles of ethical conduct and the factors that influence cultural diversity.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling comprises 4 units. Upon successful completion, it is a pathway to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling or the Master of Counselling should you study a further 4 units or 8 units, respectively.
Graduate Certificate in Counselling |
4 units | 8 months*
Gain the foundations of counselling with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling and graduate in as little as 8 months.
Graduate Diploma in Counselling |
8 units | 16 months*
Build on the foundational units plus undertake 1 placement unit at an approved counselling agency to complete the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
Master of
Counselling |
12 units | 2 years*
Complete all 12 units, including 2 placement units at an approved counselling agency to graduate with a master’s degree.
*Maximum 5 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion. The duration is dependent on individual study path. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information.
Unsure about your situation or need help to understand the course structure, details or pathways? We are here to help you.
The University of Canberra's online courses have six intakes per year. The diagram below shows all the upcoming intakes with the next intake highlighted.
Professor Rachel Gibson
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health
“These courses will prepare you for a career in health and human services. From working as a case manager in a community organisation, improving mental health for school students or running your own private practice, studying counselling online with the University of Canberra will provide you with all you need to succeed."
© 2025 University of Canberra. All Rights Reserved.
Applicants must hold current registration as a nurse in Australia.
If you are not currently a Registered Nurse (Division 1), you may be interested in studying our on-campus Bachelor of Nursing.
Learn moreUC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where the Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.
To be eligible for this course, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
To find out more about the entry requirements, schedule a call with a Student Enrolment Adviser, or explore over 200 University of Canberra courses from a diverse range of study areas.
This course is available to Australian citizens and permanent residents only.
To be eligible for this course, you'll need to have an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification in a related field from a recognised institution. You also need to have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent), at a minimum of AQF Level 7 in social sciences and human behaviour.
Read more about the entry requirements on the course page or schedule a call with a Student Enrolment Advisor to find out if the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is the right degree for you. Meanwhile, explore our other 100% online postgraduate courses.
To be eligible for this course, you’ll need:
Current registration as a teacher at proficient level or higher with an Australian regulatory authority/registration authority (e.g., TQI, NESA).
OR
A three-year undergraduate degree in Education or relevant field as approved by the University of Canberra, and at least three years' FTE professional experience in education.
OR
Graduate and/or postgraduate education qualifications as approved by the University of Canberra.
If you are looking to become a qualified teacher, you may be interested in our on-campus Master of Teaching course.
To be eligible for this course, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent). However, it can be in any non-law discipline.
To find out more about the entry requirements, schedule a call with a Student Enrolment Adviser, or explore over 200 University of Canberra courses from a diverse range of study areas.
