Queensland University of Technology
Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Help students navigate the intricate pathways that connect education to employment.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) empowers you to be at the forefront of this vital field. Gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamic world of work and equip yourself with up-to-date knowledge of career theory, processes and best practices. Develop the essential skills to build strong relationships with students or clients, guiding them through the intricate pathways connecting their aspirations to fulfilling careers.
This course is not an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course and does not qualify graduates for teacher registration in Australia.
Why this course
The Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) equips graduates to offer high-quality career guidance. The essential skills and knowledge graduates acquire will help them guide students and clients toward fulfilling careers.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete a total of 48 credit points, equivalent to four units. Each unit is worth 12 credit points.
Core units
- Counselling Skills and Contexts
- Evolving Perspectives in Career Development
- Career Development Programs
- Career Counselling
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) with one of the following:
Six-month program
- A completed recognised bachelor's degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline.
- A completed recognised diploma in a relevant area, with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) of professional work experience in an appropriate area.
- Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in a relevant area.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to have your past studies or work experience count as credit towards your QUT course. QUT call this ‘advanced standing’. That means you might not have to complete all the units in your course structure. You may be able to graduate sooner. Exemptions are assessed individually – talk to QUT's Course Consultant for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates will build active listening, empathy and communication skills; learn how to guide clients through the process of identifying goals, exploring options and creating actionable plans; develop skills to understand and address the needs of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds; and gain keen insights into local, national and global labour markets.
Potential career opportunities:
- Career Development Practitioner
- Careers Consultant
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2026: $2,400 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Course fees can change depending on the units you select and any credits you receive for previous academic experience. Please note that fees are reviewed by QUT annually, which can impact the overall course fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
When you enrol in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Australian Government covers a significant portion of your course fees, which you do not need to repay, saving you thousands of dollars.
You pay the remaining amount, known as the Student Contribution, which you can finance through a HECS-HELP loan.
A limited number of CSPs are available for this qualification.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
