- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
If you have a bachelors degree in education, counselling, nursing or social work and at least three years’ practical experience, this programme can broaden and advance your career. You will gain comprehensive knowledge of the theory and research that underpin counselling practice, and develop the skills necessary for effective counselling with diverse clients. You will undertake supervised practical counselling work in community settings. This programme can provide the foundation to pursue further study at masters level.
If you complete the PGDipCounsTh with a GPA of 5 or higher in the most advanced courses taken, you can apply to enter into the second year of the Master of Counselling to complete the masters qualification. To do this, you must include a research methods course in your PGDipCounsTh study.
Programme structure
The PGDipCounsTh is equivalent to the first year of the Master of Counselling (MCouns).
If you complete the PGDipCounsTh with a GPA of 5 or higher in the most advanced courses taken, you can apply to enter into the second year of the MCouns to complete the masters qualification.
To do this, you must include a research methods course in your PGDipCounsTh study.
120-point taught postgraduate diploma
Requirement:
- 90 points: Core courses in Professional Counselling:
- Counselling Laboratory (PROFCOUN 701)
- The Counselling Process (PROFCOUN 705)
- Cultural Issues in Counselling (PROFCOUN 706)
- Professional Issues in Counselling (PROFCOUN 708)
- Counselling Practicum (PROFCOUN 711)
- 30 points: Research courses from:
- Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700)
- Māori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787)
It is a programme requirement that students undertake a minimum of 10 hours of regular professional supervision that accompanies 100 hours of supervised professional counselling practice in one or more placement settings. The cost of this supervision is not part of the course fees and is the responsibility of the student.
Please note that this is a limited entry programme and selection criteria apply. An interview supported by referees’ statements and evidence of practical experience is required.
Interviews are conducted from October to December with the aim of informing applicants by the end of the year. Applicants may also be placed on waiting list and offered a place as spaces become available up until February the following year. In individual circumstances where applicants need to know the outcome of their application sooner (e.g. for international visa requirements, scholarships etc.), an earlier interview can be arranged.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession from a recognised university (or similar institution).
You will also need at least three years’ experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or similar profession.
Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.
Note: If you already hold the same or a substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme.
Further programme requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,033.60*
- International students
- NZ$41,594*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your study options, please get in touch with our dedicated postgraduate coordinator:
Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist
Email: pgt@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
The PGDipCounsTh is suitable for experienced and aspiring individuals who wish to develop a beginning level of skill and theory in counselling that will assist them to develop and extend their careers as counselling professionals. If you complete the PGDipCounsTh with GPA of 5 or higher in the most advanced courses taken, you can apply to enter into the second year of the MCouns to complete the masters qualification. To do this, you must include a research methods course in your PGDipCounsTh study.
Jobs related to this programme
- Counsellor in community settings
- Counsellor in government agencies (such as ACC, Corrections Department)
- Counsellor in private practice
- Counsellor in schools, and other secondary and tertiary settings
- Health and welfare services counsellor
- Human resource counsellor
- Not-for-profit agency counsellor
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
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Do you need help?
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- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513