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Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol & Drug Studies)

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Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol & Drug Studies) (GDCN)
Entry requirements
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Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year or part-time equivalent
Start
  • Feb, Jul

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Overview

  • With USQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies) develop your knowledge and practical skills to make a real impact in people’s lives.
  • As part of your studies, you’ll learn how to counsel people struggling with substance misuse, conduct motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and gain an insight into psychoactive drugs.
  • While study is mainly external, you will be required to attend mandatory residential schools at USQ Ipswich campus associated with four designated courses to meet the required number of hours of face-to-face instruction and ensure you have the best possible skills preparation.

Further study

If you'd like to go on to study the Master of Counselling, you need to complete at least 50 percent of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling course load (including two Foundation of Practice courses).

Professional accreditation

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling will be able to apply for membership of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and registration as a Counsellor with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

Career outcomes

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

Entry requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree 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.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

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

Pathways

If you don’t meet the entry requirements, don’t worry, there are pathway options available to you.

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
Core courses* 7
1 x approved course 1
Total 8

*Some of the core courses have a mandatory 4-day residential school at USQ Ipswich and 10 hours of mandatory online tutorials.

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

Residential schools

If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use the facilities and meet staff and other students.

This degree has a mandatory attendance requirement for some of the residential school courses. View the USQ Handbook or please contact us for more information.

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 international students' first year of study (8 units) in this degree:

Study Mode Cost
External/Online

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

AUD 30320

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2022. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Scholarships

At USQ, 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 USQ.

Apply direct to USQ

USQ accepts applications all year. Semester start dates are:

  • Semester 1, 2022 - Monday 21 February, 2022
  • Semester 2, 2022 - Monday 11 July, 2022

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with Australia's #1 University for graduate starting salary* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2022

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