Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills

What you will study

Students must complete 24 credit points made up of eight three-credit-point subjects. Two of the subjects are virtual clinical placements. Students must also select two elective subjects.

Core subjects

Complete all of the following subjects:

• Introduction to Genetic Counselling
• Virtual Clinical Placement 1
• Genetics and Genomics for Clinical Care
• Practical Skills in Genetic Counselling
• Genetic Counselling: Preparing for the workplace
• Virtual Clinical Placement 2

Electives

Select two from the following subjects:

• Laboratory Genetic Counselling
• Cancer Genetic Counselling
• Education, Ethics and Social Issues in Genetic Counselling

Entry requirements

Applicants must have:

• Completed an Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7.
• Completed one human genetics, genetics, or genomics subject at the tertiary level within the last 10 years.
• Relevant professional experience.

Eligible applicants must undertake a short interview with a panel; final offers depend upon interview rank. Applicants are assessed on their communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in genetic counselling and commitment to genetic counselling as a career.

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience, you must submit a Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:

• A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer.
• A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer.
• A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only).
• An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations and the nature of the business.
• A business certificate of registration in the original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses).

Recognition of Prior Learning

UTS acknowledge both your formal qualifications and the wealth of informal learning you've accumulated along the way. This personalised RPL process not only recognises your hard work but also streamlines the duration and cost of your course, ensuring you reach your future goals faster.

Your previous education or employment must be evaluated to be equivalent to a UTS subject as per the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures. This assessment considers:

• Currency of knowledge
• Relevance of your previous learning
• Learning outcomes
• Volume of learning
• Content of study
• Learning and assessment approaches

Prior learning can be recognised only once within any individual UTS course. It cannot be recognised again for another subject or component in that course.

Alternatively, subject substitution might be offered. This is where an alternative subject(s) of equivalent credit point value is added to your study plan.

It’s important to note that UTS assesses RPL only after an enrolment offer is accepted.

Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

• Contribute to the delivery and practice of evidence-based genetic and genomic health care.
• Engage in reflective practice relating to professional genetic counselling practice.
• Evaluate and synthesise knowledge of Indigenous contexts and apply principles of cultural safety, including reflective practice, to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians across genetic counselling.
• Engage in appropriate and effective relationships with people from diverse communities whilst demonstrating awareness of cultural and societal diversity and disparity in healthcare.
• Facilitate appropriate and ethical implementation of genomic healthcare by interpreting and communicating information provided by genetic and genomic technology in a supportive manner with individuals, families, healthcare professionals and the wider community.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour while delivering genetic and genomic health care.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative total tuition fee in 2025: $12,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative total tuition fee is based on a study load of 24 credit points.

Tuition fees are charged:

• Based on the particular course in which you are enrolled.
• Based on the number of credit points you are enrolled in.
• At the rates set for the current year and revised annually.

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.