Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling

The Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling is a two-year course for people who want to work with couples, families and individuals on the relationships that shape their lives. You will study how relationships work, how they break down, and how counselling can help. Typical units cover counselling theories, couple and family therapy, grief and loss, conflict and communication, ethics and professional practice, and mental health issues in relationships. You will also learn how to assess risk, work with children in family breakdown, and practise within the law and professional codes.

How the course is structured

As a graduate diploma, this course sits at AQF level 8. It usually takes two years of full-time study, or part-time equivalent. Most Australian institutions run semesters or trimesters, and you enrol in units of study worth a set number of credit points. You need to pass all core units and any electives to graduate. Some courses include a capstone unit where you bring your learning together, often through a supervised case study or a research project. Because relationship counselling is a practical field, the course includes supervised clinical placement. You will see real clients under supervision, usually in a community or church-based counselling service, and log a set number of client contact hours. This placement is a core part of the qualification, not an optional extra.

What you will learn

You will learn to build a therapeutic relationship with clients from different backgrounds, use evidence-based approaches such as systemic and emotionally focused therapy, and manage sessions safely. You will practise listening, asking questions, and helping people find their own answers. You will also learn to write case notes, work in a team, and refer clients to other services when needed. By the end, you should be able to conduct counselling sessions, assess relationship issues, and reflect on your own practice.

Who it suits

This course suits people who already have a bachelor degree in counselling, psychology, social work, theology, or a related field, and want to specialise in relationship work. It also suits pastors, chaplains, and community workers who want formal counselling training. If you are patient, good with people, and comfortable with the messiness of human relationships, this could be for you.

Australian context

The Australian College of Christianity is a private provider, and this course is registered on CRICOS (course code 0100496) for international students. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. International students must meet English requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for coursework postgraduate courses, though some fields require higher. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the college’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always confirm details on the official page.

• Relationship counsellor in private practice, community health centres, or family support services
• Family counsellor in agencies dealing with separation, divorce, and parenting arrangements
• Couple therapist in counselling organisations or church-based services
• Case worker or support worker in family violence and child protection services
• Pastoral counsellor or chaplain in schools, hospitals, or faith communities
• Youth counsellor focusing on relationships and family conflict
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) counsellor in workplaces
• Telehealth counsellor providing online relationship counselling

Australian industries that hire relationship counsellors include health care and social assistance, community services, education, and religious organisations. Many counsellors work part-time or in private practice. Registration with a professional body such as PACFA or ACA may be available depending on your qualifications and experience. Check with the college and the professional body for details.