- 0.5 years (or part-time equivalent)
- Online
- Feb, May
- View dates
- AUD 2,312
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Advance your career or build the groundwork for further study with UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Education Studies.
- Graduate with skills aligned with industry roles across a range of educational settings. Tailor your learning by choosing a specialisation that complements your interest area and career aspirations.
- Apply your learning and see its impact in practice - study courses that provide you with opportunities to address real-world challenges through independent work in an approved workplace professional development activity.
- Lay a solid foundation for further study – after completing this graduate certificate you can continue upskilling with a Master of Education. A pathway exists all the way to doctoral studies with the Doctor of Philosophy.
Specialisations in the Graduate Certificate of Education Studies
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Career development
Develop your expertise as a practitioner and build the skills to guide others toward achieving their career development goals.
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Counselling in Educational Contexts
Extend your professional expertise by developing counselling skills to support student growth and wellbeing.
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Professional Advancement in Educational Contexts
Enhance your career potential, developing essential interpersonal skills and the foundational knowledge to support individuals on their learning journey.
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Special and Inclusive Education
Build the expertise to support inclusive education, with a focus on learners with disabilities and additional needs.
Dedicated to helping
UniSQ is dedicated to helping everyone develop their abilities and academic skills so they can reach their full potential on their chosen path.
Maeghan
Career outcomes
With a wide variety of transferable skills, you will have the option to step into a range of professions in education-related fields. As a graduate, you could find work in roles in work environments from schools, TAFEs and universities to government agencies and industry.
Depending on your specialisation, you will graduate with the skills necessary for roles in educational settings specifically in career development, counselling in educational contexts, special and inclusive education and professional advancement in educational contexts.
This graduate certificate does not qualify you for teacher registration in Queensland. You can qualify for teacher registration in Queensland with the Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years), Master of Learning and Teaching (Primary) or Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary).
Professional accreditation
The Career Development specialisation addresses core and selected specialist competencies from the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners, and it has been officially endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia as a qualification for the status of professional career development practitioner under the Professional Standards.
The Counselling in Educational Contexts specialisation meets the requirement for associate membership to the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association (QGCA) and allows for articulation into the Master of Education which is required for full membership to the QGCA.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Education Studies, you must successfully complete 4 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Other study options
At UniSQ, we support busy, modern learners wanting to start or progress in their careers. Whatever your goals, we offer flexible study options such as opportunities to upskill without committing to a full degree.
Discover UniSQ’s industry-driven short courses.
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Graduate Diploma of Education or the Master of Education (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (4 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
What you will learn during your Graduate Certificate in Education Studies will vary depending on the education provider you choose to study with and what specialisation you choose to pursue.
At UniSQ our Graduate Certificate of Education Studies degrees are part of the Education and Teaching study area and include courses such as consultation and communication, counselling in educational settings and learning difficulties.
You can choose from the following specialisations:
Do you want a career change or advance in your current role? Discover advancements in education while addressing real issues through independent workplace professional development.
By studying a Graduate Certificate of Education Studies you will enhance your key transferrable skills such as communication, planning, leadership and teaching, opening up career opportunities in a variety of sectors and fields.
UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Education Studies online allows you to fit study into your life – from anywhere around the world. As an online student, you’ll receive the same level of support as an on-campus student. The only difference is you’re in control of when, where and how you learn.
A Graduate Certificate of Education Studies qualification can lead to fulfilling careers in:
- schools, TAFE and universities
- government and private sectors
- disability services
- training
- human resources.
Depending on the specialisation you choose career opportunities for Graduate of Certificate of Education Studies graduates may include:
- career counsellor
- career development practitioner
- career educator
- disability support officer
- employment counsellor
- guidance officer
- guidance counsellor
- school counsellor
- work-integrated learning coordinator.
If you want to enhance your knowledge in your chosen specialisation, use your Graduate Certificate in Education Studies as a stepping-stone to study a Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Education.
The Graduate Certificate of Education Studies major that’s right for you will vary depending on your interests and goals. At UniSQ we have three different majors to choose from.
- Career Development - ideal for those who support the career planning and development of students, clients and organisations.
- Counselling in Educational Contexts - extend your teaching expertise by understanding key issues faced by students and how you can support them.
- Special & Inclusive Education- Gain the skills and knowledge needed to foster inclusive learning, particularly for those with disabilities and additional learning needs.
The entry requirements to study a Graduate Certificate of Education Studies will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
At UniSQ you need to have completed a 3-year bachelor's degree from an Australian university or equivalent.
For further information please view the entry requirements section of this page.
- The Graduate Certificate of Education Studies (Career Development) has been officially endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia as a qualification for the status of professional career development practitioner under the Professional Standards.
- Become an associate membership of the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association (QGCA) with UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Education Studies (Counselling in Educational Contexts).
- UniSQ's expert lecturers model the latest teaching approaches ensuring maximum support for online learning.
