Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills

Admissions information

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• Course description

  Developed and delivered by experienced genetic counsellors, this course is aimed at working professionals who want an online skills focused qualification to enhance your provision of genomic healthcare. You will focus on the application of genetics and genomics for clinical care, communication skill development, and the delivery of genetic counselling.

  You will engage in interactive online classes where you'll practice new skills in a range of situations. Virtual clinical placement subjects allow you to apply genetic counselling skills in simulated clinics, working with a team of students and clinical educators. Your skills will be relevant to jobs in research, education and industry, as well as policy development positions.

  The focus of the Graduate Certificate is on communication skill development, the application of genetics and genomics for clinical care and the delivery of genetic counselling. This program is designed with working professionals in mind. Each week students complete readings, watch videos and participate in online discussion boards, all in their own time. Students come to an interactive online class where they practice new skills, applying their learning to a range of situations.

  Students study from their hometown, while interacting with a global community of learners and experts who are passionate about genetic counselling and the skills required to deliver genomic healthcare.

  Virtual clinical placement subjects provide opportunities to apply genetic counselling skills in simulated clinics, working with a team of students and clinical educators. The virtual clinical placement subjects offer unique opportunities to develop skills across several core genetic counselling activities. Students work with a team of students and clinical educators.

• Important dates

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration

  The course is offered on a half-year, or one-year, part-time basis.

  Students may enrol in one subject at a time and complete the graduate certificate in a 12 month period or may enrol in two subjects at a time and complete in a 6 month period. The workload per subject is 6-10 hours per week.

• Admission requirements

  Applicants must have:

   

  Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND completed one human genetics, genetics, or genomics subject at tertiary level within the last 10 years AND relevant professional experience

  Eligible applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel and final offers are dependent upon interview rank. Applicants are assessed in the areas of communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in genetic counselling, and commitment to genetic counselling as a career.

   

  Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

   

  For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:

   

  Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of Service in one of the following formats:

  A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer

  A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer

  A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)

  An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business

  A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)

  English language requirements

  IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, writing 6.0 TOEFL iBT: overall 79, writing 21 UTS College AE5: Pass Pearson PTE: overall 58, writing 50 Cambridge C1A/C2P: overall 176, writing 169

• Domestic course fees

  2026 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

  As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

  2026 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee:  $12,500
  • Indicative total tuition fee:  $12,500

  You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
 

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

• Inherent requirements

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

• Professional recognition

  Graduates will be equipped to use genetic counselling skills in the provision of information obtained from genetic and genomic healthcare. Graduates will not be eligible to register or practice as a genetic counsellor in Australia or New Zealand, unless they go on to complete a Master of Genetic Counselling that is accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia for registration as a genetic counsellor.

• Important notes

  Intake for this course has been suspended for 2025. Please contact Prof. Alison McEwen via email (Alison.McEwen@uts.edu.au) if you are interested in being notified when this course will commence.