- Type of qualification
- Postgraduate diploma
- Level of study
-
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
NZQF level 8Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
- Where you can study
-
Distance and online
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies – PGDipCounGuidSt
With the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies you will develop knowledge and understanding regarding counselling and guidance practice and roles. Are you already in a human services role encompassing counselling and guidance responsibilities? Considering moving more fully into this domain? This postgraduate diploma will advance your knowledge and understanding in this regard.
This qualification is a stand-alone academic programme that is not in itself a professional counselling credential. Its primary purpose is to provide comprehensive conceptual knowledge and understanding of the dimensions of guidance and counselling and their contributions to a wide variety of personal and professional contexts.
There will be some attention in the qualification to basic counselling skills learning, but more within the broad context of helping skills relevant to enhancing relationships, supporting, and developing individuals, groups and organisational systems.
Students will also develop knowledge, understanding, and abilities for critiquing and drawing on research relevant to helping and human service contexts.
Whilst a stand-alone qualification, it also functions as a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the Master of Counselling for students who gain admission into that qualification. As such it is the standard major academic prerequisite for entry into that professional counselling qualification.
Your qualification options.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance does not in itself enable you to become a qualified counsellor.
Further study
This postgraduate diploma is an academic prerequisite if you are thinking of seeking admission into the advanced professional qualification, Master of Counselling. Completion of that qualification is a pathway for gaining membership into the national counselling professional body (the New Zealand Association of Counsellors) and to practise as a professional counsellor.
A PGDipCounGuidSt is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate degree, and want to gain recognition and further develop your professional capabilities
- want to further develop your knowledge and professional capabilities in the human services field
- are looking towards seeking admission into the Master of Counselling.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies you will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies
The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies requires 120 credits.
A student studying full-time would be able to complete the 120 credits in one year, involving 60 credits per semester. For those studying part-time, credits can be accumulated over time.
This qualification is normally commenced in Semester One because the core courses are double semester, starting in February each year and ending in October.
To progress to the Master of Counselling, students need to graduate from the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance with a B Grade average and above and apply for selection.
Courses and specialisations
Courses and specialisations
Credit summary
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
120 credits
- Compulsory courses – 120 credits
Compulsory Courses (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 253750 Counselling Theory 30 credits
A study of the theoretical bases of counselling. The course examines the place of counselling in society, its philosophical foundations, empirical status and major principles. Particular emphasis is given to selected approaches.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253753 Guidance in Education 30 credits
A study of guidance in educational settings. Attention is given to the philosophical foundations of guidance, its social implications, organisation and roles. Intervention procedures for individuals and groups are examined.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253754 Family and Couples Counselling 30 credits
A study of the theoretical bases of family and couples counselling. Attention is given to the concepts of 'family' and 'couple' and to systems theory. The processes of counselling families and couples are examined with regard to various approaches.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253755 Culture and Counselling 30 credits
An examination of the significance of culture in counselling. A multicultural perspective is adopted but with particular attention to the context in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $10,652
- International students: $38,840
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarships and awards
Search our scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Graduates with a postgraduate diploma normally work as helping professionals or use the qualification to add to skills in their existing role.
Related study options
Master of Counselling – MCouns
Massey’s Master of Counselling will prepare you for a career as a counsellor and a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
Related content
