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Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Education (Commonwealth Supported) (Guidance & Counselling)

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Graduate Diploma of Education (Commonwealth Supported) (Guidance & Counselling) (GDED)
Entry requirements
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Study mode
  • Online
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year or part-time equivalent
Start
  • Feb, May
Intakes

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Overview

  • UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Education (Guidance & Counselling) is ideal for teachers wishing to extend their career as a guidance officer, guidance counsellor or school counsellor.
  • Develop basic counselling skills and an understanding of the key issues faced by students and how today’s professionals in education are tackling them.
  • You will have the opportunity to study in the areas of advanced counselling in educational contexts, emotional and behavioural problems of children and young people, child wellbeing and protection, and assessment and testing.
  • This specialisation does not qualify you for teacher registration in Queensland. You can qualify for teacher registration in Queensland with the Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years), Master of Learning and Teaching (Primary) or Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary).

Further study

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Education (Guidance & Counselling) will qualify you to apply for the Master of Education.

Professional accreditation

The specialisation meets the requirement for associate membership to the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association (QGCA) and allows for articulation into the Masters of Education (Guidance and Counselling) which is required for full membership to the QGCA.

Career outcomes

  • Career opportunities exist in an array of work environments from schools, TAFEs and universities to government agencies and industry. Roles can include guidance officer, guidance counsellor or school counsellor.
  • Students planning to work as a Guidance Officer in Education Queensland's state schools usually require registration as a teacher in addition to the Master of Education (Guidance and Counselling). Counselling roles in schools in the Independent or Catholic sectors in Queensland may have different requirements. You should check the requirements with your prospective employer.

Entry requirements 

  • An Australian university bachelor degree, or equivalent, in an education-related discipline.

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

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 8 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Coursework major pathways courses 7
Specialisation approved course 1
Total 8

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 first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 4445
Domestic full fee paying

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

AUD 23600

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. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or 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

Start your study in Trimester 1.

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 

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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