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

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 (Guidance & Counselling).

Thinking of studying in 2024? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

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.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 8 units. Most courses (similar to 'subjects') are valued at 1 unit. To study full-time you would usually complete 4 units per semester.

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

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

Other specialisations

• Special & Inclusive Education

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply direct to UniSQ

The closing dates for applying directly to UniSQ are:

• Semester 1, 2023 - applications close on 20 February and the Semester 1 study period commences on Monday 20 February, 2023.
• Semester 2, 2023 - applications close on 10 July and the Semester 2 study period commences on Monday 10 July, 2023.
• Semester 3, 2023 - applications close on 13 November and Semester 3 study period commences on Monday 13 November, 2023.

Select to start your degree in one of the following intakes:

• Trimester 1, 2024 - applications close 22 January 2024 and the Trimester 1 study period starts on 22 January 2024.
• Trimester 2, 2024 - applications close 13 May 2024 and the Trimester 2 study period starts on 13 May 2024.
• Trimester 3, 2024 - applications close 2 September 2024 and the Trimester 3 study period starts on 2 September 2024.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

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