Associate Degree of Counselling and Psychotherapy

The Associate Degree of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Ikon Institute of Australia is a two-year qualification for people who want to work as counsellors. It sits at the associate degree level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's shorter than a three-year bachelor degree but still a recognised higher education award. You study the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy, how people change, how to build a therapeutic relationship, and how to work ethically with clients from different backgrounds.

How the course is structured

Australian associate degrees are usually made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You enrol in semesters or trimesters, depending on the provider's calendar, and accumulate credit points until you meet the requirements for the award. Ikon Institute of Australia delivers this course across two years of full-time study. The exact unit list, credit point values, and any elective choices are set by the institute, so check the official course page for the current structure. There is often a supervised placement or practical component in counselling qualifications, because you can't learn to sit with a client from a textbook alone. Confirm the placement hours and any requirements with Ikon directly.

What you actually study

You'll cover counselling theories and models, human development across the lifespan, mental health and wellbeing, group work, and professional ethics and legal responsibilities. Skills subjects focus on listening, questioning, reflecting, and managing a session. Assessment usually mixes essays, case studies, role plays, and supervised practice. The course is taught in Australia, and graduates often use it as a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree with credit, if they want to go on to registration as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who want to work with others in a helping role and prefer a shorter, more applied qualification than a full bachelor degree. It can also suit career changers and mature-age students. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet Ikon's English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the institute's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, a student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details on the official page.

• Counsellor in community health and welfare organisations
• Support worker in mental health services
• Case worker in family and youth services
• School support and wellbeing assistant roles
• Telephone and online counselling services
• Alcohol and other drug services
• Disability and aged care support roles
• Further study toward a bachelor degree and professional counselling registration