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Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction)

Domestic students International students
Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction) (GCCO)
Entry requirements
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Study mode
  • Online
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 0.5 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May, Sep
Intakes

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Overview

  • The Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction) provides you with an introduction to the theories of substance and behavioural addiction and explore the skills required to practice with 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 details 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 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 have the option to take the credit from your studies and go on to complete UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling or the Master of Counselling.

Career outcomes

  • The Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Addiction) will provide you with knowledge to assist and complement work within 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 to advance in your current position.
  • For those seeking registration as a counsellor, please refer to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling degrees.

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

  • A bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any area from a recognised university.

English language requirements

You are required to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study with our English language partner, the Union Institute of Language (UIL).

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 4 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Specialisation courses 4
Total 4

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your study (4 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 14160

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP. 

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply direct to UniSQ

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May  Friday 22 August
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 8 September Monday 1 September Monday 8 September Friday 5 December 

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

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