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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.

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Network with industry leaders

Engage directly with experts in the field

Dynamic digital workspace

Contribute to our online community of practice

Expand your opportunities

Discover new and exciting career paths

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Online: January, March, May, July, September

$2,314.00⁺

$12,625.00^{^}

⁺total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee

^{^}total estimated tuition fee

Plus Student Services and Amenities feeFee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.

10 months part-time

AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent

106011

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.

Consult the handbook for further information.

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.

Handbook

Visit the JCU Course and Subject Handbook.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD2,314.00

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD12,625.00

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Learn more about fees and financial support

Pathways to JCU

JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.

Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.

How to apply

Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.

Alumni

Camille Flores

Graduate Certificate of Career Development

Studying the Graduate Certificate in Career Development at JCU was an incredible journey. The comprehensive subjects equipped me with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of career development, empowering me to guide others towards fulfilling career paths.
Alumni

Trent Engel

Graduate Certificate of Career Development

I highly recommend this comprehensive, relevant and CICA endorsed program to anyone interested in becoming a Career Development Practitioner. It has enhanced my ability to provide effective career guidance to individuals and support Career Development Practitioners in our Townsville Catholic Education school network.
Alumni

Caroline Thompson

Graduate Certificate of Career Development

This Graduate Certificate has made me a better practitioner with new resources, knowledge and capabilities. I enjoyed learning about career theories that underpin my practice, along with the practical components of career counselling, program planning and evaluation. Now I know that I have found my professional 'why'.
Lecturer

Dr Sujin Kim

Graduate Certificate of Career Development

One of the strengths of our program is a focus on experiential learning. We offer practical exercises, case studies and simulations where students apply their learning to real-world situations. This approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also prepares students to be effective practitioners in the field.
Industry Leader

Emeritus Professor Wendy Patton

Chair, Queensland College of Teachers Board

This CICA endorsed course embraces the rich theoretical, research and practice base of career development. As a contributor to this field for over 40 years I encourage the undertaking of studies in career development to enhance students’ own professional standing and the continued professional standing of this field.