If you are still deciding whether AIPC's Diploma of Professional Counselling is the course for you, consider the following:

• The Diploma covers an array of useful and practical counselling skills and techniques including communication, micro-counselling skills, five therapies including the popular person-centred therapy and solution focussed therapy, ethics, stress management, families, relationships and group counselling.

• Our uniquely designed course materials make it easy for you to learn and progress through your studies.  You can cover your course requirements through more traditional study modes such as home study or in-class, or undertake your studies online through our interactive Online Resources Centre on the AIPC website.

• Because the Diploma is self-paced, you can structure your course to suit your lifestyle by fitting your studies around the other commitments in your life.

• You have the opportunity to complement your counselling studies through our Advanced Study Major program.  Learn more about specialised counselling areas such as Relationship Counselling and Conflict Resolution, Child Development and Effective Parenting, Grief and Loss Counselling and Abuse Counselling.

We also have a number of avenues for our students to receive study support from access to our qualified Education Advisers on the Study Assistance Line (1300 139 239), small group and one-on-one tutorials, and online study support through the Online Education Adviser and Knowledge Base.

Take advantage of a choice of payment options including a substantial discount for upfront payment or benefit from a regular payment plan.  The Diploma is also approved for Austudy, PES and Youth Allowance funding.

For more information about the Diploma of Professional Counselling, visit our website at www.aipc.net.au.

People's use of and reliance upon the internet is becoming more and more prevalent in today's society.  The internet is becoming a popular method to communicate, research, shop, bank or to 'do business'.  These days, many organisations realise the advantages of enabling customers to enquire, transact and purchase products and services online.

The education and training industry is no different.  Combined with the push towards more flexible learning opportunities for students, online learning is becoming a popular delivery method for many types of courses.

Over the last few years, the Institute has spent considerable time developing our Online Resource Centre (ORC), an interactive study and learning option for our students.  Along with a number of study tools such as a Knowledge Base and Study Hints and Tips, the ORC has an online learning section.  This section enables students to study online by:

• downloading the workbooks and books of readings for each unit,
• completing the workbook activities and uploading them for marking,
• after marking, the marked workbook is then uploaded back to the student.

There are a number of benefits for students studying online including:

• Faster marking of workbooks, because workbooks do not spend time 'in the post'.  This also means less expense for students because they are not paying for postage.
• Improved security - completed workbooks are immediately received by AIPC and logged into our system.
• Easier access to online study assistance such as the Online Education Adviser, Knowledge Base and Study Hints & Tips.

For those students who may be a little apprehensive about studying online, rest assured the system is easy to use.  Detailed instructions are provided so that you can start using the system quickly and easily.  And, if you do run into the odd problem, just call Head Office on 1800 657 667 and the helpful staff there will be able to provide assistance over the phone.

Students can access the ORC through our website at www.aipc.net.au. The first time you go into this section of the site, you will need to register for use.  Your password for registration to the ORC will be emailed to you promptly.