Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development

Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development

POSTGRADUATE

Advance your career by helping others as a careers practitioner.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$12,000 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Online
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$12,000 (2025 total)

Next intake:
July
Location:
Online

Overview

Lead the way in providing career development services in education, human resources, community job centres and private practice.

RMIT has a long standing reputation for educating professional career development practitioners. Incorporating Design Thinking and Narrative Therapy principles, this graduate certificate reflects up-to-date ideas about career development and its place in a changing world.

Designed to meet the needs of both aspiring and current career development practitioners who want to develop their skills and obtain professional standing in the career development industry, this flexible online certificate develops core knowledge and skills in career development practice.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development at RMIT?

Put theory into practice

Combining hands-on experiences with theoretical learning, you will build the skills to be an effective and influential career practitioner.

Graduate job-ready

Undertake three days of professional placement, gaining real-world experience and building a network.

Global opportunities

Study overseas on exchange or as part of a study experience contributing to real projects.

Combining hands-on experiences with theoretical learning, you will build the skills you need to be an effective and influential career practitioner in a variety of settings. We offer you three days of professional placement, giving you the opportunity to gain real-world experience.

The curriculum focuses on the key competencies determined by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA). You’ll learn to develop career management strategies, high-level communication and counselling skills and to apply ethical and effective practice in career development.

On completion of this certificate you satisfy the educational requirements for membership of a professional association such as Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), CICA.

This certificate focuses on the key competencies determined by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) and the Asian Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA). You’ll learn to develop career management strategies, high-level communication and counselling skills and to apply ethical and effective practice in career development.

On completion of this course you satisfy the educational requirements for membership of a professional association such as Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), Careers Industry CICA and APCDA.

Please note that this graduate certificate is offered online and is available only for offshore international study at this time. It is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. 

Details

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This certificate is delivered online allowing you to meet and study with fellow students, all the while supported by a dedicated course leader who is responsible for guiding you through all aspects of your study.

You are able to structure your study part time over 12 months to fit with your own career and life commitments. Our student intake is kept small to ensure that we can provide you with a personalised learning experience based on your unique needs and interests.

Learning and teaching

You will experience a variety of contemporary and interactive learning and teaching approaches. You won't attend lectures; all your classes will be in the form of small group learning environments and workshops, giving you a hands-on and inclusive experiences from day one.

Learning and teaching activities focus on the practical application of career development competencies supported by industry placements, work based learning opportunities and a three-day workshop in Melbourne or an online workshop run over five weeks as part of an intensive.

All subjects are delivered in English.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

This certificate includes an industry placement, counselling skills workshop, a supportive collegial environment and the opportunity to establish or further build your professional relationships.

This certificate has long-standing ties to industry bodies such as the Victorian Department of Education and Training, NSW Department of Education and the Career Development Association of Australia.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

This certificate includes a work placement, an online intensive workshop, a strong and supportive collegial environment, and the opportunity to establish or further build your professional relationships. This work placement will be done in a location of your choice and needs to be supervised by a qualified practitioner. 

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Your learning experience will be delivered online, giving you the flexibility to design your study plan around life and work demands.

You’ll develop and apply your understanding of career management skills in a diverse range of educational and professional settings.

The curriculum is made up of 48 credit points and consists of the following study areas: 

  • Practices in Career Design
  • Applied Professional Practice in Career and Life Design
  • Narrative Approaches for Career Counselling
  • Design Thinking for Learning Work and Life

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development
Program code: GC044
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development
City Campus
1 year part-time
GC044DE
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year part-time
Plan code
GC044DE
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Career development is a growing profession of increasing importance to a changing world or work. It offers benefits to government, businesses and individuals because of its potential to deliver economic, social and personal benefits.

Career development practitioners provide services such as education, counselling and guidance to help people manage their careers, make occupational and study decisions, plan career transitions and find career information.

This certificate is designed to equip you with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills to be classroom ready, and gain employment. Over 95% of our graduates find employment after graduating.

You may find work in a range of settings, providing services to both groups and individuals, including:

  • schools
  • TAFE institutions
  • universities
  • business organisations
  • government agencies
  • private practice.

You could progress into careers, such as:

  • career counsellors or advisors
  • career management consultants
  • career coaches
  • rehabilitation counsellors
  • guidance officers
  • work development officers
  • employment support workers
  • work experience coordinators
  • job developers
  • placement coordinators
  • vocational rehabilitation workers.
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The Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development is endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA).

On successful completion of the GC044 Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development degree you are eligible to seek professional registration with CICA and with CICA member organisations such as the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)/(CEAV), National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (NAGCAS) and Careers Advisers Association of NSW (CAA).

In line with CICA endorsement processes this degree is re-accredited every three years.

The degree's teaching team is recognised within the careers industry as a long standing leader in the provision of professional training in career development and career counselling. Staff have extensive experience in career development and counselling in a variety of industry contexts and are highly experienced in online education.

The Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development is a preferred provider for skilling careers educators by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training (NSW DET) and the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET).

Endorsed Course Provider; CICA - Career Industry Council of Australia. Orange circular logo with pixel-dots map of Australia to the right of text element.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have 

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)

OR

  • significant work experience or professional practice in a relevant field.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce your study load by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$12,000* (2025 total).

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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Annual fee adjustment

Amount quoted is the 2024 total program tuition fee, and is based on a total annual load of 48 credit points. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information