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Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice)

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Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice) (GCCO)
Entry requirements
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Study mode
  • Online
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Feb, May, Sep
Intakes

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Overview

  • The Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice) is designed for those already in the field or with a specific interest, to extend their knowledge and expertise in the specialist area of trauma focused practice. 
  • You will undertake four units within the Trauma Focused Practice specialisation, covering areas such as the impact of trauma and the various models and approaches to recognising and treating trauma. 
  • Explore recent developments in neuroscience literature related to complex trauma and how this will inform best therapeutic practice.  
  • Guided by experienced academics and industry-professionals, prepare for a career you're able to sustain by learning about vicarious trauma and the ability to recognise signs of burnout to ensure you’re skilled in sustainable self-care practice.

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

  • Responding to and supporting patients with trauma is an in-demand and growing skillset and the Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice) provides the knowledge to assist and complement work within various roles in 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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