Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills
Note
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.
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.
Course aims
The course prepares graduates to communicate complex genetic and genomic information to individuals, families, and healthcare professionals. Graduates are prepared to participate in the provision of evidence-based, culturally sensitive, person-centred genetic and genomic healthcare in a wide range of settings.
Study plan
To view the study plan please visit the UTS Handbook.Course fees
For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:
Local student
International student
For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $521. The total credit points are 24.
Careers
The use of genomic medicine is expanding rapidly. Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills will follow a range of career pathways. Some graduates will take their knowledge and expertise into the field of human genetics and genomics where they are already working as allied healthcare professionals, nurses, medical specialists, researchers and laboratory specialists. Others will use the qualification as a starting point to establish the profession of genetic counsellors in countries where the profession is emerging. Graduates will use their skills in research, education, industry and policy positions.
Course structure
To view the course structure please visit the UTS Handbook.Additional information
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
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
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)
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International studentsVisa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
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)
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.
UTS: Handbook
See the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.
Information for international students
Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.
Part of UTS: Graduate School of Health
