Graduate in under a year
10 months part timeStudy at your own pace
Online part-time study, one subject at a timeEducating future generations for over 50 years
The trusted leader in educating our educatorsFast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: January, March, May, July, September
Fees
$2,370+
$13,004^
+
total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee
^
total estimated tuition fee
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee. Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2026, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
10 months part-time
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent
Course Code
106011
Course detail
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.
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.
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD2,370.00
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD13,004.00
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
Learn more about fees and financial support
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.
Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
Advance your career in education.
Build the expertise, confidence, and practical skills to lead, teach, and create real impact in diverse learning environments — with postgraduate study at JCU.
Real stories
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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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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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.