ObjectivesIn this course you will choose to specialise in addictions, counselling or rehabilitation counselling. In all streams you will explore professional practice issues, focusing on ethics of counselling, professional counselling competencies and professional identity issues. Addictions In this stream you will develop a greater understanding of addictive behaviours. You will also develop skills in the management and prevention of problems related to substance abuse. Counselling This stream will enhance your existing counselling and group work skills. You will explore individual counselling, professional practice issues, group leadership and design, health and human development issues. Rehabilitation Counselling This stream will enhance your understanding of rehabilitation and vocational counselling. You will explore philosophical, historical and legislative developments in this field, along with issues of ethnicity, gender, age, disability and personal work values.
Entry requirementsA bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline plus at least one year of work experience in interpersonal service provision or a related field. Applicants without a tertiary degree whose professional experience indicates they would benefit from the course are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma in Counselling
Course descriptionGraduate Diploma in Counselling
GradDipCouns(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 062562G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year
Introduction
This course is suitable for personnel working in a range of health, educational and human service areas. The development of knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication, group leadership, an understanding of health and human development issues andsociocultural contexts using didactic and experiential learning processes . The program enhances the existing experiential knowledge base of students and is an introduction to further training in professional counselling. It enables students to specialise in either the Counselling Stream, Addictions Stream or Rehabilitation Counselling. The experienced counsellors and psychologists in the Graduate Diploma in Counselling utilise teaching and learning practices designed to broaden analytical thinking and critical evaluation, synthesise and integrate information, and develop professional competence. The program expands and builds upon a student's reflective practice; to provide the potential for greater self-awareness and create the essentials for the building of a therapeutic alliance.
Course Entry Requirements
A bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline and at least one year full time or equivalent work experience in interpersonal service provision or a related field. Applicants without a tertiary degree or equivalent but who meet the requirementsfor tertiary entrance and whose professional experience indicates they would benefit from the course are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis. All applicants are required to complete the following : 1. Curtin application for admission and enrolment form; 2. Provide a recent curriculum vitae including relevant work experience; 3.Two referee reports; 4. A certified copy of previous tertiary or other relevant qualifications; 5. A written statement expressing your reasons for applying to this course (no more than 500 words); 6. Shortlisted candidates attend an interview. Non standard applications will be considered on merit.
Specific Requirements
Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance Section of this publication.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.
Duration and Availability
The fee-paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study and entry into this course is available at the commencement of each year.
Intermediate Awards 1
A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:
Intermediate Awards II
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Course Organisation
Students will be required to complete units delivered in either weekly lectures/seminars, or in intensive workshop format, for example two or three day workshop/seminars held during semester.
Professional Recognition
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for membership to the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Association of Western Australia (PACAWA).
Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment within a variety of environments including health, educational and human service industries.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.
Special Note
The School of Psychology previously offered a Graduate Diploma in Counselling with two streams (Addictions and Health Counselling), and a Master of Health Counselling . Approved changes to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling fully articulate the Graduate Diploma and the Master of Health Counselling courses such that the Graduate Diploma in Counselling constitutes the first year of Master of Counselling - Health Sciences. The changes also offer three streams (Counselling, Addictions and Rehabilitation Counselling).
Course Structure Disclaimer Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Majors, Streams or Other Core Components
311212 v.1 Counselling Stream 200.0
OR
311211 v.1 Rehabilitation Counselling Stream 200.0
OR
311210 v.1 Addictions Stream 200.0 200.0
Availability
Year Location Period All*
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.