University of Southern Queensland
Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Offers a focused and flexible pathway for professionals to gain specialised skills in addiction support, blending evidence-based strategies with real-world application to make a lasting impact in communities.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction) introduces the theories of substance and behavioural addiction. It also explores the skills required to practice trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to addiction counselling.
In addition to three courses specifically focusing on addiction within the context of counselling, you will explore core components of counselling practice, such as lifespan development theories which detail the support required for individuals at different life stages (from early childhood into late adulthood) and from diverse population groups (neurodiverse people, First Nations communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities).
Guided by industry experts and experienced academics, you will be introduced to the counselling skills required to work with individuals, families and communities who are challenged with addiction. You will also examine preparatory information regarding relapse prevention, risk assessment and treatment planning.
You will focus on working with substance and behavioural addictions throughout the lifespan and how counsellors might approach co-existing mental health challenges.
Further study
After completing the Graduate Certificate of Counselling, you can take the credit from your studies and complete UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling or the Master of Counselling.
Key facts
14th September, 2026
What you will study
To complete this degree, students must take four units. Each course is worth one unit.
Core courses
- Trauma-Informed Care and Practice
- Presenting Issues and Mental Health
- Counselling and Diversity Across the Lifespan
- Working with Addiction
Entry requirements
A bachelor's degree or equivalent in any area from a recognised university.
English language requirements
You must meet the applicable English language requirements. This degree requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you need to take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of specialised theories and models fundamental to fields associated with counselling.
- Demonstrate advanced interpersonal, written and oral communication skills appropriate from a decolonising perspective when communicating with culturally diverse audiences, including clients and professionals, utilising person-first language.
- Demonstrate critical reasoning, judgment and problem-solving to explore professional, legal and ethical practice issues.
- Foundations of Practice: Consolidate theory and practice within an integrative framework to effectively provide client-centred, trauma-informed counselling within diverse contexts and client groups, including Indigenous Australians.
- Trauma-Focused Practice: Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centred, trauma-informed counselling interventions for individuals who have been exposed to a range of traumatic experiences.
- Addiction: Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centred, trauma-informed counselling interventions for clients impacted by a variety of addictions.
- Child, Youth and Family Therapy: Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centred, trauma-informed counselling interventions for working with children, youth, couples and families within diverse contexts and groups.
- Mental Health Practice: Consolidate theory and practice within an integrated framework to effectively provide client-centred, trauma-informed counselling to individuals with mental health difficulties, utilising person-first language.
Career outcomes
- The Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction) will provide you with the knowledge to assist and complement work in various roles within industries such as counselling, social work, human services, policing and criminal justice, education and health.
- If you're already a health professional, a counselling specialisation can enhance your skills and assist you in advancing in your current position.
- For those seeking registration as a counsellor, please refer to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling degrees.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2026: $14,880 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated 2026 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (four units per year) and does not include the cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
This is an indicative guide only. Your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment. The University of Southern Queensland review its fees annually. They may increase each year.
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. FEE-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold.
