Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Child, Youth and Family Therapy)

What you will study

To complete this degree, students must take four units. Each course is worth one unit.

Core courses

• Working with Addiction
• Couple and Family Counselling
• Counselling and Diversity Across the Lifespan
• Child and Youth Counselling

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian university three-year bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any area.

English language requirements

Applicants 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, students will be equipped to specialise in counselling, case management, well‑being and youth work skills within a child, youth and family therapy career.
• Students could find work opportunities in professional nursing, psychology, teaching, welfare, human services or allied health practices.
• If students are already health professionals, a counselling specialisation can enhance their skills and assist them in advancing in their current positions.

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.