Are you considering a postgraduate course in counselling and can’t decide between a graduate diploma and a certificate? Both sound similar, but how do you distinguish between them and pick the right option for you and your career?
By turning to us for advice, of course! Our brief guide today outlines a graduate diploma and graduate certificate in counselling, explores their differences, and helps you decide which is best for you.
What Is A Graduate Diploma In Counselling?
A graduate diploma in counselling focuses on theory and methodology, giving you a foundational understanding of counselling. It also involves a placement, where you will put your skills to the test and use your knowledge to support clients with supervision and guidance from a mentor. The course usually lasts a year when completed full-time, but part-time and online options are available.
A graduate diploma in counselling usually contains eight units, where you will cover the following units:
- Counselling theory and approaches
- Core counselling skills
- Diversity and inclusion
- Principles of ethical conduct
- Introduction to placement
- Loss, grief, and trauma in counselling
- Counselling skills in practice
- Placement unit
The titles of these units will vary from course to course, but you can expect similar content to be included, preparing you for work as a counsellor. The course will provide you with the skills to work as a counsellor, although there might be fewer job opportunities than those with a master’s degree. A graduate diploma allows you to work as a counsellor and is a pathway to further study, too, should you want to specialise in gaining your master’s degree.
What Is A Graduate Certificate In Counselling?
A graduate certificate in counselling is a short course that provides an overview of counselling theory and methods, allowing you to learn about the basics of counselling and how the theories can influence the approaches in real-life sessions. The course takes six months when studying full-time, but online and part-time options allow you to spread your studying out to suit your lifestyle.
A graduate certificate usually features four units, including:
- Counselling theory and approaches
- Core counselling skills
- Diversity and inclusion
- Principles of ethical conduct in counselling
These units’ titles and contents can vary from course to course, but you can expect to gain an overview of counselling and learn how to be a respectful counsellor. You need more than a graduate certificate in Australia to allow you to work as an accredited counsellor. However, it teaches you the skills that allow you to work as a life coach and can teach beneficial skills to aid your work as a social worker, teacher, or nurse.
The credits from a graduate certificate can also be used towards a diploma or master’s degree should you wish to further your education.
What Is The Difference Between A Graduate Diploma And Certificate?
There are a few differences between a graduate diploma and a graduate certificate in counselling, which we have listed below for you:
- A graduate diploma is longer than a certificate and provides you with a detailed insight into working as a counsellor
- A graduate diploma allows you to work as an accredited counsellor, although it usually only provides access to entry-level jobs
- A graduate diploma involves a placement unit where you will work as a counsellor
- A graduate certificate is quicker to complete and offers an insight into counselling, which can be used for life coaching or to bolster other careers
- A graduate certificate is cheaper to obtain, making it a good choice for those on a budget
Should I Do A Graduate Diploma Or Certificate In Counselling?
Deciding which course to do is a personal choice and one that should be made based on your needs and career aspirations. Those wanting to work as a counsellor should opt for a graduate diploma. It takes longer but provides an accredited course that allows you to progress as a counsellor or make the career change you want.
Those looking to add to their skills without spending much money or time should consider a graduate certificate. It allows you to learn more about counselling, increase your skills, and aid you in roles like teaching or nursing. You can always return to turn the course into a diploma, if you will, allowing you to progress to a counsellor when you have more time or funds to dedicate to the course.
Final Thoughts
A graduate diploma and certificate are helpful courses that allow you to learn more about counselling, change your career, and progress to higher roles. Both courses can help you, but a graduate diploma has the accreditation to allow you to work as a counsellor once you graduate.