Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
120
Overview
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies from UC develops foundational counselling knowledge and practical skills that are applicable across educational, community, and health settings within Aotearoa New Zealand.
By developing specialist knowledge in contemporary, evidence-informed counselling theories you will be equipped to enter the workforce in mental health, wellbeing, and counselling support roles, or continue your postgraduate study in counselling, progressing toward professional registration.
- Examine contemporary, evidence-informed counselling theories and skills.
- Learn to apply foundational counselling knowledge and skills in ethically and culturally responsive ways.
- Explore the ethical and legal considerations of counselling practice.
- Develop bicultural competence and the ability to apply it to foundational therapeutic practice.
- Written assignments, presentations, case studies, portfolios.
- Examine contemporary, evidence-informed counselling theories and skills.
- Learn to apply foundational counselling knowledge and skills in ethically and culturally responsive ways.
- Explore the ethical and legal considerations of counselling practice.
- Develop bicultural competence and the ability to apply it to foundational therapeutic practice.
- Written assignments, presentations, case studies, portfolios.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
To enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies, you must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with a B Grade average in 300-level courses, or the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies with a B Grade average.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies or use the admission requirements checker.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
To enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies, you must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with a B Grade average in 300-level courses, or the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies with a B Grade average.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies or use the admission requirements checker.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
To qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies a student must gain 120 points including:
- 60 points from compulsory courses
- 15 points from group 1 elective courses
- 15 points from group 2 elective courses
- 30 points from group 3 elective courses
The Diploma can be started in Semester 1 or Semester 2 (February or July) and will take a minimum of 1 year full-time study, or up to 4 years part-time.
For the full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
To qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies a student must gain 120 points including:
- 60 points from compulsory courses
- 15 points from group 1 elective courses
- 15 points from group 2 elective courses
- 30 points from group 3 elective courses
The Diploma can be started in Semester 1 or Semester 2 (February or July) and will take a minimum of 1 year full-time study, or up to 4 years part-time.
For the full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
To complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies you must complete the following courses:
Both compulsory courses:
- COUN671 - Counselling and Psychology: Theories and Skills
- COUN681 - Solution-focused theory and skills with individuals and groups
And 15 points from:
And 15 points from:
- CFPY405 - Psychology and Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
- PUBH421 - Hauora Māori
- SOWK612 - Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
And 30 points from these elective courses.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
To complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies you must complete the following courses:
Both compulsory courses:
- COUN671 - Counselling and Psychology: Theories and Skills
- COUN681 - Solution-focused theory and skills with individuals and groups
And 15 points from:
And 15 points from:
- CFPY405 - Psychology and Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
- PUBH421 - Hauora Māori
- SOWK612 - Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
And 30 points from these elective courses.
Domestic
2026 tuition fee estimate: $10,288 (120 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $10,905 (120 points)
International
2026 Special Programme Fee: $45,300 (120 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee: $47,600 (120 points)
2028 Special Programme Fee: $50,000 (120 points)
Domestic
2026 tuition fee estimate: $10,288 (120 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $10,905 (120 points)
International
2026 Special Programme Fee: $45,300 (120 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee: $47,600 (120 points)
2028 Special Programme Fee: $50,000 (120 points)
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies may apply for the Master of Counselling.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies may apply for the Master of Counselling.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies will be prepared for employment in a range of supervised and support roles across health, education, and community sectors, including counselling support, mental health and wellbeing services, youth work, and whānau-centred practice environments. Graduates who are already working as professionals in other contexts such as nursing, occupational therapy, youth work, will be prepared to engage in therapeutic work within their current scope of practice.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies will be prepared for employment in a range of supervised and support roles across health, education, and community sectors, including counselling support, mental health and wellbeing services, youth work, and whānau-centred practice environments. Graduates who are already working as professionals in other contexts such as nursing, occupational therapy, youth work, will be prepared to engage in therapeutic work within their current scope of practice.
