Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling)
Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
AUD $ 2,400
Domestic Student
*Limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for domestic students only. Annual fees are subject to change and are dependent on selected units. For more information on CSPs, see below.
Course overview
Help students navigate the intricate pathways that connect education to employment
The need for high-quality career guidance has never been greater. Recognising this, the Department of Education and Training’s National Career Education Strategy emphasises that every Australian student should have access to high-quality career education from primary school onwards. Similarly, businesses and industries emphasise supporting employees in anticipating and managing workplace and job market shifts.
The Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) empowers you to be at the forefront of this vital field. Gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamic world of work and equip yourself with up-to-date knowledge of career theory, processes, and best practices. Develop the essential skills to build strong relationships with students or clients, guiding them through the intricate pathways connecting their aspirations to fulfilling careers.
The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has endorsed the Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) delivered by QUT as meeting the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners for a period of three years from August 2022 to August 2025.
This course is not an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course and does not qualify graduates for teacher registration in Australia
Learn more with Debbie Munro
Why this course
The Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) equips graduates to offer high-quality career guidance, backed by evidence and a holistic understanding of labour market trends. The essential skills and knowledge graduates acquire will help them guide students and clients toward fulfilling careers.
Flexible study
You have the option to study full-time or part-time to suit your needs
Endorsements
This course is endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA)
Rankings
QUT is in the Top 10 in Australia for graduate employability according to the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2025
Course units
Students must complete a total of 48 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) with:
6-month program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in teaching or education or related discipline*
or
- A completed recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in teaching or education or related fields**
or
- A completed recognised diploma in teaching or education or related discipline*, with at least four years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in teaching or education or related fields**
or
- Seven years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in teaching or education or related fields**
Recognised bachelor degrees (or higher qualification) in teaching or education or related disciplines*
The following disciplines (i.e. qualifications) are considered to be an eligible basis for entry.
- Teaching or education (including, education qualifications related to early childhood, primary to secondary schooling, higher education, training and development, applied learning, adult learning, community learning).
- Learning management / learning design (i.e. learning design similar qualifications)
- Career development and/or counselling
- Languages / linguistics
- Psychology / educational psychology / organisational psychology
- Sociology
- Allied health professionals (speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists)
- School based nursing (i.e. Nursing qualification)
- School based policing (i.e. Policing qualification)
- Business / commerce
- Arts (e.g. social sciences, humanities, animation/interactive media)
- Media / communication
- Human resources, management, and IT
Relevant work experience**
- Teacher / educator / academic working in any formal education setting (i.e., early childhood, schools, special education, adult education, VET, and higher-education) or any education focussed role in other organisations or groups.
- People working in education-support roles in any formal or informal education setting (e.g., teacher aide, counselling, community education counsellors, youth/social worker, educational psychologist, chaplain, academic advisors, school nurse, school police officer).
- People working education-focussed roles in other organisations, services or groups (e.g., learning design, curriculum design and development, language and numeracy education, workplace and organisational learning/training, community and public education/training, education project management, educational research, private tutors).
- People working in education administration, leadership and management, policy or governance, and educational consulting (e.g., education departments, related statutory authorities, related professional associations, international agents, international education professionals).
Course outcomes
Graduates will build active listening, empathy and communication skills; learn how to guide clients through the process of identifying goals, exploring options and creating actionable plans; develop skills to understand and address the needs of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds; and gain keen insights into local, national and global labour markets.
Skills and tools in this course
- Career planning and goal setting
- Career education program development
- Relationship building and communication
- Understanding diverse client groups
- Advanced discipline-specific knowledge related to professional educational practice
- Reflect on and analyse your own practice to improve knowledge and skills
- Labour market expertise
- Career counselling skills
Potential career opportunities
Career development practitioner
Provide advice about employment, training and career advancement to professionals, executives and people looking to change careers. Help people understand and develop their skills to make career and education decisions.
-
Average Salary
$75,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4.5/5
, 2025
Careers consultant
Help clients with career decision-making and development, job hunting, and returning to work after illness or accident.
-
Average Salary
$120,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
, 2025
Click to learn more about the student hub! | Duration 3:53
How online study works
Learn in your own way
Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.
- Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
- The easy application and enrolment process
- Alignment with career aspirations
What our students say
The relevance of the course material is incredible. It covered all areas of career development and included diversity inclusion, people with disabilities, and Indigenous areas – so it covered a whole range. So from this perspective, the quality of the content was just awesome and really relatable to what’s happening in the world today.Catherine, Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling)
Ready to apply?
Apply for your dream qualification by filling out our application form, or speak with one of our Course Consultants on 1300 104 196 to discover the right study option for you.
Education
QUT Online’s innovative learning design
QUT Online courses are purpose-built for flexibility, real-world relevance, and engaging, self-paced learning. Designed by experts in their field, our courses fit seamlessly into busy postgraduate lives.
Industry outlook: career development and counselling in education
There is a pressing need for students – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – to receive comprehensive career support from a young age. A core element of this national strategy will be providing high-quality career advice to children from primary school age onwards.
Integrating Indigenous content into the classroom
Nicky takes on a Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education) to broaden the scope of early education
Transform your career with QUT Online’s Master of Education
Educators are lifelong learners, often seeking new ways to grow professionally and make a greater impact in their communities. QUT Online’s Master of Education offers a flexible path to deepen your expertise, explore specialisations, and expand your career opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
No, this course is a career counselling course, not a guidance and counselling course.
No, this course is open to anyone who meets the entry requirements.
This course alone will not enable you to become a teacher.
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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.
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