Skip to content
Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol & Drug Studies)

Domestic students International students
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol & Drug Studies) (GDCN)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year or part-time equivalent
Start
  • Feb, Jul

Go to

Overview

  • With UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies) develop your knowledge and practical skills to make a real impact in people’s lives.
  • As part of your studies, you’ll learn how to counsel people struggling with substance misuse, conduct motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and gain an insight into psychoactive drugs.
  • While study is mainly external, you will be required to attend mandatory residential schools at UniSQ Ipswich campus associated with four designated courses to meet the required number of hours of face-to-face instruction and ensure you have the best possible skills preparation.

Further study

A UniSQ Graduate Diploma of Counselling enables you to apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association. However, if you wish to gain professional accreditation and practice as a counsellor we recommend you go on to study the Master of Counselling. You may be eligible to transfer to the Master of Counselling once you have completed 50 percent of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (which must include two Foundation of Practice courses).

Career outcomes

  • As a graduate, you will be equipped to provide specialised skills in assessment and treatment of substance misuse disorders, relevant to your practice specialisation.

Entry requirements 

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 8 units. Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at 1 unit. To study full-time you would usually complete 4 units per semester.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses* 7
1 x approved course 1
Total 8

 

*Some of the core courses have a mandatory 4-day residential school at UniSQ Ipswich and 10 hours of mandatory online tutorials.

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Residential schools

If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use the facilities and meet staff and other students.

This degree has a mandatory attendance requirement for some of the residential school courses. View the UniSQ Handbook or please contact us for more information.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 25760

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2023. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP. 

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply direct to UniSQ

The closing dates for applying directly to UniSQ are:

  • Semester 1, 2023 - applications close on 20 February and the Semester 1 study period commences on Monday 20 February, 2023.
  • Semester 2, 2023 - applications close on 10 July and the Semester 1 study period commences on Monday 10 July, 2023.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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

Talk to us