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Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies)

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Summary
Graduate Certificate of Counselling Specialisation Alcohol & Drug Studies (GCCO)
Study Mode
  • Online
Start
  • Semester 1 (February)
  • Semester 2 (July)
Number of Units
  • 4 units
Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Campus
  • -
View USQ Handbook

Acquire practical skills in substance misuse counselling

Are you a health professional looking to acquire practical skills that will help you counsel people struggling with substance misuse? Specialise your counselling skills in alcohol and drug misuse with USQ’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies). Your studies will enhance your understanding and skills in assessment for substance misuse, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention and psychoactive drugs.

Our online counselling degree is designed to enhance your career within the health, psychology or human services profession. Offered part-time, this degree can alternatively be a professional development opportunity for psychologists, counsellors, and social workers.

Further studies

After completing the Graduate Certificate of Counselling, you have the option to take the credit from your studies and go on to complete USQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling or the Master of Counselling.

As a graduate, you will be equipped to provide specialised skills in assessment and treatment of substance misuse disorders, relevant to your practice specialisation.

Other specialisations for the Graduate Certificate of Counselling include: Child, Youth and Family Therapy, Foundations of Practice and Mental Health Counselling. 

Courses to be studied Units
3 x core specialisation courses 3
plus 1 x approved course 1
Total 4
Refer to the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

How much will it cost?

Approximate annual costs1 for international students' first year of study (4 units) in this program:

Study Mode Cost
External/Online AUD 10880

Scholarships and financial assistance

You may be able to apply for scholarships to help with your study costs.

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2018 and costs will vary depending on the actual courses selected during your study. Fees may also vary from year to year as they are reviewed annually.

Entry Requirements

  • Pre-requisite: 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, from a recognised university

English Language Requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Admission pathways

Pathway programs are also available if you don't meet the English entry requirements mentioned above.

Explore pathways
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How to apply

Apply with USQ

Closing dates

USQ accepts applications all year. Semester start dates are:

  • Semester 2, 2019 - Monday 15 July 2019.
  • Semester 1, 2020 - Monday 24 February 2020.

Credit for previous study or work experience

If you have previously studied in your home country, you may be eligible for credit to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Other options for you

Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies)
Master of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies)