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
Completion of an Australian university three-year bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any area.
English language requirements
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.
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
As a graduate, roles that may be available include:
- Addiction Support Worker
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Outreach Worker (substance use)
- Case Support Officer
- Community Health Worker
- Youth or Family Support Worker
- Health Promotion Officer
- Program Facilitator (addiction education or recovery groups)
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $14,880 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units (normally four courses) per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.
