Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Mental Health Practice)

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
• Counselling and Diversity Across the Lifespan
• Professional Counselling Practice, Identity and Ethics
• Presenting Issues and Mental Health

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

• As a graduate, you will be equipped to specialise in mental health counselling, case management and well-being.
• You could find work opportunities in professional nursing, psychology, teaching, welfare, human services or allied health practices.
• If you're already a health professional, a counselling specialisation can enhance your skills and assist you in advancing in your current position.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $14,160 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative annual fee is based on a study load of four units.

A student’s annual fee may vary per:

• The number of courses studied.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

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 course.