Master of Counselling

Overview

Want to refine your pre-existing counselling skills for further career success? The Master of Counselling is designed for people currently employed in the human services sector who have an interest in the specialist fields of couple or forensic counselling. Get ready to advance your counselling and research skills, particularly if you’re interested or currently employed in education, mental health, justice and welfare sectors.

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• exercise independent judgement relevant to counselling theory and practice in the field of human services counselling, couple counselling and forensic counselling
• initiate, plan, implement and evaluate basic counselling interventions with a range of client groups and presentations across the lifespan
• apply basic and more advanced skills to work therapeutically with a range of clients in human services and couple counselling contexts using counselling methods and techniques that are drawn from different evidence-based approaches, all of which emphasise the important role of assessment, empathy, the therapeutic relationship, ethical decision-making and professional supervision
• reflect on, and take responsibility for, their own learning and self-management processes in relation to counselling work with clients that promotes self-reflection and the development as a professional counsellor in a human services, couple counselling or forensic counselling context
• demonstrate competence in assessment (including risk assessment and mental state examinations) case formulation and treatment planning, implementation and evaluation for clients presenting with a range of complex issues in a human services and couple counselling context
• use written and oral communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of basic and advanced theoretical concepts and methods relevant to trauma, loss and grief counselling, addiction counselling, couple counselling and forensic counselling; and to transfer this knowledge to different client groups, including individuals, couples and families
• critically apply research principles, skills and methods to inform evidence-based practice, that include a broad and specialist understanding of the treatment literature for individuals, couples and groups presenting in a human services, couple counselling or forensic counselling context.

Career opportunities

Graduates may work in a range of professional settings, including community and mental health, private practice, social work, grief counselling, pastoral care and mediation.

Professional recognition

The Master of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Counselling is 50 credit points (normally four units).

Accreditation placements

Accredited placements are structured opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. These placements are part of academic programs and are recognised by educational institutions, enhancing the credibility of the experience. They provide a valuable bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing participants to develop essential skills, network with industry professionals, and enhance their employability. 

Students undertaking the Master of Counselling accreditation placement are subject to fees requirements and must obtain the following:

• police check
• working with children check (WWCC)
• NDIS screening check^*
• immunisation form^#
• COVID-19 vaccination^#
• hand hygine certificate^*

Note:
# Check immunisation requirements of the placement organisation
* This document may be required by the placement organisation