Graduate Diploma of Counselling

The Graduate Diploma of Counselling is a comprehensive Christian counselling course that empowers Perth Bible College (PBC) students to develop a range of counselling skills and practices across different counselling areas. This course is delivered with a Christian ethos in mind at all times. It also aims to promote the study of the whole person. Objectives include learning how to work in varied settings and with diverse groups of clients, with a curriculum that emphasises well-developed personal competencies and foundational knowledge that can be applied in their current role, or to a career as a professional counsellor.

The course is offered in a blended delivery setting and highlights the importance of cultural awareness, as well as person-centred approaches. Students will learn the necessary modalities required to deliver effective counselling, and will also be guided in developing their own professional development.

Students not only receive a postgraduate qualification that can support their career in a number of professional settings, but they also receive the required eligibility for professional counselling association membership through the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Perth Bible College (PBC) is a member institution of Sydney College Divinity (SCD) and offers its Graduate Diploma of Counselling. SCD is a TEQSA-accredited Australian university college.

     

Study Load

Full-time
Part-time

Flexible Study Mode

Face-to-face
Livestream
Online

Duration

Full time: 1 year
Part time: 8 trimesters

Admission to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling requires:

  • Satisfactory completion of a three-year AQF Level 7 counselling award or equivalent, such as the SCD Bachelor of Counselling; OR
  • Hold a postgraduate qualification AQF Level 8 or above in Counselling, such as the SCD Graduate Certificate in Counselling; OR
  • Hold a three-year AQF Level 7 award in any discipline; OR
  • Qualify for professional entry as determined by the Student Support and Administration Committee, AND
  • Satisfactorily completes a pre-enrolment interview with a relevant course advisor
English Proficiency

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 in all bands of the test.

Applicants must confess their faith in Christ under the PBC Statement of Faith, be involved regularly in a local church, demonstrate a desire to be involved in church ministry, demonstrate the physical and psychological capacity for studying in a tertiary institution, agree to abide by PBC policies and procedures and agree to abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

Before applying, please ensure you have:

  • A Unique Student Identifier number (USI). If you don’t have one, you can apply here. To find your number, click here.
  • A colour PDF of your birth certificate, passport, and permanent resident visa (or a certified copy)
  • A digital passport-style image
  • A colour PDF of previous academic transcripts and certificates of completion(or a certified copy)
  • A page or two detailing your testimony, including how you became a Christian and why you believe the Lord would have you train for Christian life and service at PBC
  • Contact information for two chosen referees (2 non-related Christian referees who have known you for at least 2 years).
  • Contact information for your Pastor/Leader.

When you have all the required supporting information for your application, please apply online here.

The Graduate Diploma of Counselling is a higher education award provided by Sydney College of Divinity (SCD).

CRICOS Provider Code: 02948J
CRICOS Course Code: 114820E

Satisfactory completion of 72 credit points (8 units) from 8100 and 9200 series units in the SCD Schedule of Units of Study.

The List of Graduate Diploma & Master of Counselling Units: Two-year Cycle 2024 – 2025

To find out units available for the Graduate Diploma of Counselling, visit Master of Counselling.

Enrolment process

Before the beginning of each semester, each student shall apply for enrolment via the PBC Online Enrollment system or by completing and lodging an Enrolment Form, obtainable from the Student Office.

The Dean of Students and the Dean of Studies will arrange enrolment appointment days for enrolling new and returning students. These meetings will allow students to receive advice on which units to enrol in, ensuring they will meet the requirements of their course.

Enrolment forms must be completed before attending lectures for that semester. All enrolments must be finalised by the census date. Students cannot add new units or transfer between units after the census date.

Students may apply to change their course enrolment at the beginning of a new semester up until the census date.

Students must complete an Application for Change of Enrolment form to make such an application. Students must meet the requirements outlined in the Course Articulation and Change of Course Policy to qualify to change course enrolment.

Deferment

PBC may permit the deferral of a course enrolment of a student in some circumstances as outlined in the Enrolment – Domestic Students Policy and Enrolment – Overseas Students Policy.

Fees and charges

PBC’s most current fee structure can be found on the Course Fees page.

Academic requirements

Please carefully read the academic requirements as listed on the award that you are interested in pursuing.

Student support is an important aspect at PBC.

We take our students’ success in their studies seriously and understand that good student support requires a holistic approach. As a result of our commitment to our students, we have consistently been ranked above 90% for the student support aspect in the national Student Experience Survey facilitated by the QILT team.

Read more about Student and Campus Services.

Access and equity

PBC does not discriminate in the admission and access to its programs and activities based on disability, age, sex, race, colour of national or ethnic origin.

Apply Here    

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“The thing I loved most about PBC was the environment. We have a Christian community on campus, support from the lecturer, lovely students and fellowship. It has encouraged me to feel part of the community.”

OBANG BACHELOR OF MINISTRY (BMIN)