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Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate of Counselling

Graduate Certificate of Counselling (GCCO)

Study mode
  • External
  • Online
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Feb, Jul
Note: The Alcohol and Drug, Child, Youth and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counselling specialisations can be fully studied online.

Overview

  • Are you looking to enhance your counselling skills? UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling will allow you to upskill, specialise and diversify your career with specialist counselling skills.
  • Our online counselling degree is perfect for current professionals and graduates in health, psychology, social work, or human services.
  • Throughout your studies, you will gain counselling techniques, diagnosis and online therapeutic interventions skills transferable to a variety of careers and industries.
  • For those seeking registration as a counsellor, please refer to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling degrees.
 

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated five out of five stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2023

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What can you do with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling?

With many career prospects to explore, the employment opportunities that may suit you will depend on the specialisation you choose to study. At UniSQ, you can choose from a number of specialisations that align with your career interests including Alcohol and Drug Studies, Child, Youth and Family Therapy, Foundations of Practice and Mental Health Counselling.

A Graduate Certificate of Counselling qualification from UniSQ can open up many opportunities for employment in a variety of counselling and human services roles including:

  • government
  • private organisations
  • private practice.

If you want to enhance your counselling knowledge in your chosen specialisation, use your Graduate Certificate in Counselling as a stepping-stone to study a Graduate Diploma of Counselling or Master of Counselling

Why study a Graduate Certificate of Counselling?

A career in counselling is a challenging yet rewarding career with vast employment opportunities. By following your passion with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling online, you’ll use your specialised knowledge and expertise to positively impact the lives of others. If you are passionate about helping others, the Graduate Certificate of Counselling might be for you.

UniSQ’s online counselling degree is designed to develop your career within the health, psychology or human services profession and is an exciting professional development opportunity for psychologists and social workers. 

How do I choose the right major for me?

The Graduate Certificate of Counselling major that’s right for you will vary depending on your interests and goals. At UniSQ we have three different majors to choose from.

  • Alcohol & Drug Studies - acquire practical skills needed to counsel people struggling with substance misuse.
  • Child, Youth & Family Therapy - learn about child abuse prevention and intervention, along with relationship, family, child and youth counselling.
  • Foundations of Practice - a qualification to build upon your transferrable skills which includes national mental health standards, professional practice, risk management counselling frameworks, ethics and legislation.
  • Mental Health Counselling - support those in our community with mental health conditions by learning about therapeutic interventions, assessment models and psychopharmacology.

If you are unsure which path is right for you, get in touch with one of our degree advisors to talk through your options. 

How long does a Graduate Certificate of Counselling take at UniSQ?
A Graduate Certificate of Counselling will take you approximately one year to complete. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to complete the required courses.
Why study a Graduate Certificate of Counselling with UniSQ?

There are many great reasons to study a Master of Counselling:

  • UniSQ's staff are leaders in Psychology and Human Services and are dedicated to ensuring you have the skills needed to make meaningful impacts.
  • UniSQ is rated five out of five stars for postgraduate overall experience and student support (Good Universities Guide, 2023).
  • Graduate from UniSQ as a skilled professional able to develop, support and advance the social and psychological wellbeing of individuals and communities within in-demand industry.
  • UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees as a pathway to the Graduate Certificate of Counselling if you don’t meet the entry requirements. 
What qualification do I need to be a counsellor?

UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling provides a solid foundation if you want to build on your current skill set or undertake professional development.

If you want to become registered as a counsellor in Australia you can study a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling at UniSQ. Depending on your chosen specialisation you will then be able to apply for membership of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and register as a counsellor with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP)