- 2 years (or part-time equivalent)
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 31,840
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Begin the path to a rewarding career with UniSQ’s Master of Counselling, where you’ll gain the expertise to help individuals navigate personal challenges, improve their mental health, and enhance their overall well-being.
- Upskill to an advanced level in various specialist counselling areas, as well as research principles and methods.
- Tailor your study based on your experience or interests. UniSQ is one of only a few universities that allows you to specialise in your counselling masters degree. Choose from the following pathways:
- The Master of Counselling (Qualifying) pathway enables you to apply for registration as a counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Choose from our specialisations in Child, Youth & Family Therapy, Mental Health Practice, or Trauma-Focused Practice.
- The Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry)is designed for registered professionals in counselling or other allied mental health disciplines who wish to extend their professional skills. This pathway does not require you to undertake foundational courses with residential schools, or a practicum, and it does not lead to registration as a counsellor.
- Choose from two research options – a Research Project option that involves completion of a full research project, or a Capstone Project option, that includes completion of a smaller piece of research. Graduates who have completed a research project within this degree may be eligible to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Study your main course load online and gain practical experience through on-campus residential school courses and clinical placements. For Advanced Entry students the practical experience is included only if you elect to study the foundation courses.
- Develop your applied skills further, gaining experience in our telehealth system simulations and working with the community and alongside clinical supervisors in UniSQ's Psychology and Counselling clinics in Toowoomba and Ipswich.
- Be workplace ready after two years of full-time study and gain an additional Graduate Diploma of Counselling qualification as an embedded award in the Master of Counselling.
Specialisations in the Master of Counselling
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Child, Youth and Family Therapy
Specialise in relationship, child, youth, and family counselling, learn to effectively assess needs, engage effectively with clients, and apply strategies and interventions.
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Mental Health Practice
Be prepared for a career in mental health by learning to promote well-being, prevent disorders, and provide culturally appropriate counselling strategies.
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Trauma Focused Practice
Extend your expertise in trauma focussed practice – develop skills and knowledge in trauma approaches for diverse populations, exploring theories, interventions and ethical aspects.
Enthusiasm for learning
UniSQ is a big university that feels small. I never felt like just one of the many students. The lecturers took the time to get to know each of us and to strongly foster our enthusiasm for learning.
Kathryn - Counselling
Career outcomes
Master of Counselling (Qualifying)
- Graduates will be able to register as a counsellor with ARCAP, and you will be prepared for a role as a counsellor within various industries including social work, human services, policing and criminal justice, education and health.
- Gain two qualifications - After two years of full-time study with UniSQ, you’ll be workplace-ready and gain an additional Graduate Diploma of Counselling qualification as an embedded award in the Master of Counselling.
Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry)
- The Advanced Entry pathway allows health professionals to develop or expand their counselling expertise in specialty areas of their choosing and may provide an opportunity to progress into doctoral studies.
- This specialisation does not lead to counselling registration.
Professional accreditation
The Master of Counselling (Qualifying) is accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) which enables registration as a Counsellor with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).
The Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry) is recognised by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as meeting their bridging requirements to meet Level 3 membership under certain conditions. These include, if the graduate is a Level 2 ACA Member; or if the graduate is not a current member but has an ACA-accredited bachelor qualification; or if the graduate is not a current member but holds an ACA-accredited graduate diploma and has evidence of one year’s post-qualification supervised practice, and a post-qualification minimum of 50 hours of supervision.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Master of Counselling, you must successfully complete 16 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Degree requirements
- In the Master of Counselling (Qualifying), you'll need to complete mandatory residential schools at UniSQ Ipswich attached to 5 core courses, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials to gain practical experience, use facilities and specialist equipment, and meet staff and other students.
- Students in the Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry) can choose if they want to undertake the core courses with mandatory residential schools. If selected, you'll attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials at UniSQ Ipswich to gain practical experience, use facilities and specialist equipment, and meet staff and other students.
If you choose the qualifying stream, you’ll be required to complete a two-unit placement course. Placements in industry provide professional experience, putting the theory into practice, and opportunities to start networking with potential employers.
All students must be able to meet the physical and other professional requirements of practical placements within this degree.
There are no requirements for placement or in person face-to-face attendance for advanced entry students.
Other study options
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
Pathway 1: Master of Counselling (Qualifying)
- Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area.
- Completion of at least 50% of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling at UniSQ, or equivalent qualification from another institution, and have a grade point average (GPA) of 4 or higher for the Capstone Project research option, and a GPA of 6 or higher for the Research Project option.
- Participate in group reflection with members of School staff and other applicants.
- Provide a report addressing the following selection criteria (informed by the PACFA Training Standards and UniSQ’s inherent requirements). Write a statement of no more than 2 pages that addresses:
- Studying for (or holding) a Graduate Diploma of Counselling (UniSQ) with evidence of GPA.
- Applicants not currently enrolled in a UniSQ Graduate Diploma of Counselling must supply names and contact details of two referees (preferably including a professional report from an academic, a counsellor, a psychologist, a social worker, or similar professional).
- Effective relationship skills, attitudes, and behaviours.
- Demonstrated life maturity.
- Openness to receiving, considering, and integrating feedback.
- Commitment to ethical, professional and trustworthy behaviour.
- Commitment to engage fully in the process of counselling training.
- Willingness to attend a group reflection with members of school staff and other applicants.
Pathway 2: Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry)
- Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area.
- Current evidence of full membership of a relevant professional body, such as the Australian Psychological Society, Australian Counselling Association, Australian Association of Social Workers, Australian Counselling Association, or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.
All students must provide the following documents prior to commencing any placements:
- Blue Card or Working with Children Check
- Australian Police Check Certificate
- Resume
- UniSQ Placement Request form
- a signed UniSQ Student Declaration.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
Placement courses may incur some additional costs, including uniform and equipment, transport to and from venues and, in some instances, living expenses, particularly for placements in rural and remote settings
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:
- advice on your study plans
- advice on applying to UniSQ
- document certification
- assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
- assistance with your visa requirements.
To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:
- identity documents (passport)
- evidence of your English language proficiency
- senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
- all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
- evidence of work experience (if required).
Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.
It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.
Once you have received your letter of offer from UniSQ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The UniSQ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Frequently asked questions
At UniSQ, you’ll be part of a supportive learning community that focuses on giving you the necessary knowledge and skill set to succeed in a rewarding counselling career — whether that be in an organisation or even a private practice if self-employment is what you’re interested in pursuing.
A career in counselling is a challenging yet rewarding career with vast employment opportunities. By following your passion with a Master of Counselling in Australia, you’ll use your specialised knowledge and expertise to positively impact the lives of others. If you are passionate about helping others, the Master of Counselling might be for you.
With many career prospects to explore, the employment opportunities that may suit you will depend on the specialisation you choose to study. At UniSQ, you can choose from a number of specialisations to align with your career interests, including Child, Youth and Family Therapy; Mental Health Practice; and Trauma Focused Practice.
A Master of Counselling qualification will open up many opportunities for employment in a variety of counselling and human services roles including:
- government
- private organisations
- private practice
Want to continue your studies? You’ll have the opportunity to advance into further research, such as studying a PhD, and continue to develop your counselling expertise.
Depending on which specialisation you choose, there are different admission requirements.
If you are from a non-counselling background and are wanting to study a qualifying specialisation you need to:
- have completed a bachelor degree in any discipline,
- have completed at least 50 % of UniSQ's Graduate Diploma of Counselling, or equivalent, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
- provide two satisfactory Referee Reports and a report to address the Selection Criteria; and
- participate in an interview with a panel of School staff.
Please view the entry requirements section of your chosen specialisation for details.
Yes, you can study the theoretical courses in the Master of Counselling online except for your residential schools and clinical experience.
Please view the degree structure of your chosen specialisation for further information on residential schools and clinical experience.
The cost of studying a Master of Counselling in Australia will vary depending on the education provider.
At UniSQ, the first year of your studies will cost approximately AUD 26000 per year (Domestic full fee paying), not including:
- Clinical experience costs
- Student services and amenities fees
- Residential school costs.
Please view the fees and scholarships section of your chosen specialisation for details.
There are many great reasons to study a Master of Counselling:
- Benefit from professional placement allowing you to gain practical real-life experiences.
- UniSQ's staff are leaders in Psychology and are dedicated to ensuring you have the skills needed to make meaningful impacts.
- Become workplace-ready by working in UniSQ's Psychology and Counselling clinics and develop hands-on experience under the guidance of clinical supervisors.
- UniSQ's is rated 5/5 stars for postgraduate psychology:
- full-time employment
- overall educational experience
- skills development
- teaching quality.
*Good Universities Guide 2025
