Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-01-01 | - |
2025-03-01 | - |
2025-05-01 | - |
2025-07-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Graduate Certificate of Career Development
Increase your expertise in the field of career development with this endorsed qualification. Provide career support to diverse clients and groups across educational and organisational contexts. Respond to the challenges of an evolving world of work. Graduate ready to seize a new career pathway, or progress in your current role.
Fast Facts
- Location: JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.
- Online
- Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
- Online: January, March, May, July, September
- Fees: Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.
- $2,314.00+ (total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee)
- $12,625.00^ (total estimated tuition fee)
- Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
- Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
- Duration: The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.
- 10 months part-time
- Entry Requirements: This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge
- AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent
- Course Code: The course code is JCU's unique identifier for this course.
Course Detail
What to expect
Progress your career as you deepen your skills and knowledge with a Graduate Certificate of Career Development. In this 8-month course, you will examine foundational and contemporary theories in career development, approaches to career counselling and relevant industry standards of professional practice.
JCU offers Commonwealth Supported Places for some eligible Graduate Certificate of Career Development applicants, providing you with an opportunity to further your career, skills and experience with less of a financial outlay.
Develop or deepen your skillset as you collect, analyse and interpret information on real-world issues within the career development space. You will consider the impact of changes in the world of work, such as automation and artificial intelligence; climate change and globalisation; and the effect of trends in the labour market and industry on workers, their career life cycle, and the future of work.
Engage with our innovative learning platform and online community of practice. Build connections with your peers, fellow practitioners and industry experts as you discuss career development practice and respond to changes in the field. As you progress through your course, discover relevant job opportunities and pathways within the career development industry.
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Career Development, you will be equipped to deliver career support across numerous contexts within modern workplaces. Graduates emerge with skills that are well-developed and highly sought after by employers, in areas such as communication, collaboration, organisation, adaptability, resilience, critical thinking and digital literacy. The experience you gain in analysis and problem-solving will empower you to embrace a variety of roles across several industries.
The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has endorsed Graduate Certificate in Career Development delivered by James Cook University as meeting the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners for a period of 3 years from May 2023 to May 2026.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Career Development.
Career Opportunities
When you complete a Graduate Certificate of Career Development, you will be equipped to embrace job opportunities across a variety of work and educational contexts. Explore roles within schools, vocational and further education (TAFE), universities, government agencies and industry organisations. Use the range of career options available to find your niche within the industry.
Draw upon your unique combination of practical training, professional experience and theoretical learning in roles such as a career development practitioner, career educator, career counsellor, work-integrated learning coordinator, employability advisor, Human Resources practitioner and more.
Pursue further development within this field and continue your studies with a Master of Education or Master of Guidance and Counselling at JCU.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Career Development is a 10-month part-time program that provides advanced knowledge and skills in career development theory, practice, and counselling approaches. Graduates will be able to provide career support across various contexts within modern workplaces, including schools, universities, government agencies, and industry organizations.
Outline:
The program consists of four core subjects:
- Theories and Assessment in Career Development
- Professional Practice of Career Development
- Labour Market Information and the Future of Work
- Career Development Theories and Counselling Approaches in Practice Each subject covers key concepts, theories, and practical skills in career development. Students will engage with real-world case studies and simulations to apply their learning to practical situations.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Written assignments
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Practical exercises
- Quizzes
- Participation in online discussions Assessments focus on evaluating students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in applying career development principles and theories to real-world scenarios.
Teaching:
The program is delivered through an innovative online learning platform and an online community of practice. Students interact with experienced career practitioners, engage in discussions, and receive personalized feedback. The program also includes access to online resources and materials.
Careers:
Graduates are prepared for the following career pathways:
- Career development practitioner
- Career educator
- Career counsellor
- Work-integrated learning coordinator
- Employability advisor
- Human Resources practitioner
- Other roles in career development and related fields. The program also provides a pathway to further studies in the Master of Guidance and Counselling and the Master of Education (with Career Development major).
James Cook University
Overview:
James Cook University (JCU) is a public university located in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its focus on tropical research and its commitment to providing a world-class education in a unique environment. JCU is the second-oldest university in Queensland and is considered a leading institution in Australia.
Services Offered:
JCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Study options:
Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, online courses, and pathways to university.Student life:
Accommodation, campus locations, global rankings, scholarships, and accessibility support.Admissions and entry:
Application process, important dates, fees and financial support.Current student support:
Subject search, course and subject handbook, fees and financial support, timetable and important dates, exams and results, off-campus student support, study overseas opportunities, student life, clubs and sporting teams, student mentor program, student placements, graduation and beyond, learning online, personal support, Indigenous student support, LearnJCU, The Learning Centre, careers and employability, and safety and wellbeing.Student Life and Campus Experience:
JCU offers a vibrant student life with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:
Unique environment:
World-class facilities, natural wonders, and a vibrant student life.Opportunities:
Study overseas, join clubs and sporting teams, participate in the student mentor program, and engage in student placements.Support:
Access to a range of support services, including personal support, Indigenous student support, and career guidance.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
Delivered by expert lecturers and world-class researchers.Career-focused courses:
Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen field.Unique research opportunities:
Access to world-class research facilities and locations, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine.Commitment to student success:
Lecturers are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential.Environmental sustainability:
JCU is committed to environmental sustainability, with energy-efficient facilities and a focus on tropical research.Academic Programs:
JCU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts, Society and Education
Business, Law and Governance
Healthcare Sciences
Medicine and Dentistry
Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences
Science and Engineering
Other:
JCU is committed to research that addresses global challenges and improves outcomes for those living in the tropics. The university has a strong focus on environmental sustainability and Indigenous engagement. JCU graduates are known for their problem-solving skills and their commitment to making a difference in the world.
Entry Requirements:
Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree or Other qualifications recognised by the appropriate Academic Group Head, Education, as equivalent to the above.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.