Diploma of Counselling
Thinking of becoming a counsellor?
Become a professional counsellor with a Diploma of Counselling at Vision College.
Are you someone that hurting people are drawn to for help and support? Learn how to effectively assist people towards growth and change through counselling.
This programme is designed to train ethical, professional counsellors. Our students graduate with a high level of self-awareness, strong competence in academic research and writing, and practical counselling skills based on a sound understanding of philosophies and models. Tutors are committed to working from both a professional and Christian world view.
The Diploma of Counselling can be studied full or part-time on-campus or part-time by (partial) distance.
Full-time Explanation
Click here for the part-time and distance explanation
The first year of the Diploma helps students develop a strong understanding of theory, as well as the development of practical counselling skills. On campus students attend lectures, while distance students study by correspondence, and attend seminar weeks and block courses on campus.
The second year involves 110 hours of supervised practicum along with distance study and block courses. Graduates are able to provide counselling services to assist individuals and families, and will make referrals to specialist services when needed.
Graduates of the Diploma of Counselling may become members of New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association (NZCCA) and New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
Course Snapshot
| Qualification: | Diploma of Counselling |
| Level: | 6 |
| Length: | 2 years |
| Start Dates: | February |
| Fee Guidelines 2010: | Domestic Student: $5200 Per year Plus Enrolment Fee $170 (Year 1) $120 (Year 2) |
| International Fees: $14800 (Year1) $11900 (Year 2) Plus Adminstration Fee $200 | |
| Course Related Costs are extra |
Study Options
| Christchurch Campus: | On-campus. Full-time. 2 years. OR On-campus. Part-time. 3 years. |
| Hamilton Campus: | On-campus. Full-time. 2 years. OR On-campus. Part-time. 3 years. |
| Distance Learning: | Partial Distance. Part-time. 3 years. Hamilton Block Courses. OR Partial Distance. Part-time. 3 years. Christchurch Block Courses. |
What does the qualification level mean?
How does the partial distance option work?
Can I get a student loan?
Papers
- Counselling Principles and Practice
- Counselling Skills & Dynamics
- Theology
- Marriage Relationship and Family Systems
- Abnormal Psychology
- Lifespan Human Development
- Assessment and Measurement
- Working with Groups
- Personal and Spiritual Formation
- Personal and Professional Boundaries
- Seminars
- Case Study work
- Supervised Counselling Practice
- Essay on Applied Counselling
- Community Agency project
- Guided Reading
Availability of subjects listed may vary.
Christian Flavour
The course has a strong Christian flavour to it. You don’t have to be a Christian to be a student on the course, but you do need to be comfortable with Christian content. One of the important aspects of our Diploma is that we don’t just focus on developing the skills of counselling. We also have a strong focus on developing the person of the counsellor. Our aim is that when students graduate they will be safe and whole counsellors. We spend time reflecting using the bible and students describe the course as being an emotional, intellectual and spiritual journey. It really is a great environment to be part of.
Entry Requirements
- Be a minimum age of 24 years on February 1 of the year in which study commences
- Complete a Police check. (International students must obtain a police certificate from their country of origin.)
- Provide two short written assignments
- Provide two written references
- Have an interview to determine personal interest
- Be suitable for the professional field and study at tertiary level
- Agree to have ten hours of personal counselling
- Students for whom English is a second language must also have an IELTS score of 7.0 (academic) with no individual band lower than 6.5, or equivalent. If the student has completed a qualification in English at New Zealand Diploma level or above, the IELTS requirement may be waved.
Graduate Opportunities
- Counselling agencies
- People helping in a variety of community agencies
- Church work
- Schools
Further Study
- Degree in Counselling
- Some credits may be accepted towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Wellington Institute of Technology.
How do I Enrol?
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| International Students: use the International Enrolment Form |
Download Health and Ethical Form 
Download Ministry of Justice Form
