Entry Requirements

Entry to the Masters of Counselling is based on evidence of a capacity to undertake higher degree studies including a:

• Bachelor degree,
• Bachelor Honours degree or
• Graduate Diploma degree.

Applicants must attend an interview in which they demonstrate capacity for counselling including self-awareness, a relational capacity, ability to work in a team, capacity for ethical behaviour and ability to reflect on experience, learn from it and be open to feedback.

Experience based entry scheme for those without undergrad qualifications:

Applicants over 21 years of age who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission if they successfully complete the Graduate Diploma of Counselling, having completed the Graduate Certificate first under the Special Admission Rules.

Admission to the Master of Counselling course is not automatically assumed on completion of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling. Applicants must attend an interview where their capacity to undertake Master's level training will be assessed.

Course Outcomes

The Master of Counselling graduate will have specialised counselling knowledge for a range of clients (adults, children, adolescents, couples, families, groups). They will be able to assess and formulate a client's presenting problem and devise counselling interventions. They will understand the theory and models of human development and the implications for counselling clients in the different stages of life. Graduates will have advanced knowledge and understanding of the dominant therapeutic theory and methods as well as the legal, ethical, and cultural factors affecting counselling practice. Additionally, graduates will have specialised knowledge of the spiritual and theological issues relevant to working with clients of the Christian faith. Graduates will also develop specialisations in their chosen fields of study including, Child and Adolescent Counselling, Crisis and Trauma Counselling, Group Therapy, and Relationship, Couple and Family Counselling.

Career Options

The course will equip graduates to practice as autonomous and independent professional counsellors eligible to register with the Australian Counselling Associate (ACA) as a Level 2 practitioner, or with the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a graduate member. Graduates may be self-employed professional practitioners, or be employed as counsellors in agencies, schools, government or non-government organisations (NGO's), as case workers, health care professionals and community care workers.

Credit Points

192 credit points at 800 and 900-level

Course Duration

2 years full-time, or up to a maximum of 6 years part-time. 

Course Structure

Full-time students complete 48 credit points each semester. During the first year students complete 8 core units, (a total of 96 credit points).
During the second year students complete 96 credit points consisting of:

• 2 Core units (24 credit points),
• 4 Specialty Elective units (48 credit points) OR 2 Elective units (24 credit points) and 2 Specialty Elective units (24 credit points).
• 2 Unit workplace based Capstone experience (24 credit points).

All units of study are 12 credit points, except the Capstone unit which is 24 credit points.

Study Modes

Units are available both on-campus and online.

Rules of Progression

• The eight core first year units must be completed to progress to second year units of study
• At least a CREDIT grade must be obtained in the skills-based dvd assessment for CO602 to progress to the Supervised Counselling Practicum
• At the end of year 1 (or the completion of the first 8 core units) the student is required to attend a Feedback and Assessment Interview with either the Dean or Associate Dean of Counselling before progression into the 2nd year units.

Other Protocols of this Course

• Students must complete at least 24 credit points in their chosen specialty elective.
• To include a specialisation in the title of the award, for example: 'M. Couns. (Relationship Counselling)' students must complete a total of 48 credit points of study within their chosen specialty. This is comprised of 24 credit points from the specialty electives and a further 24 credit points using two of the Individual Learning Plans focusing on further specialised learning in the chosen field of specialty.
• All students complete the capstone Supervised Counselling Practicum.
• Maximum length of candidature: 6 Years