Skip to content
Postgraduate

Master of Counselling

Domestic students International students
Master of Counselling (MCCO)
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 2 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, Jul

Overview

  • Gain the knowledge and expertise to upskill to an advanced level in various specialist counselling areas, as well as research principles and methods.
  • Tailor your study and select different specialisations depending on your experience or interests.
    • The Master of Counselling (Advanced Practice) is for registered professionals in counselling, psychology, mental health nursing, human services, or social work who wish to extend their professional development. Students studying this degree aren’t required to undertake a placement or courses with mandated attendance requirements.
    • The Master of Counselling (specialisations other than Advanced Practice) is a qualifying degree into the counselling profession. Entry into the Master of Counselling (qualifying specialisations) requires partial completion of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling at UniSQ or equivalent. Subjects studied in the Graduate Diploma are credited towards the Master of Counselling. 
  • This degree provides you with the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project or choose to do a smaller capstone project to further your research skills.
  • Graduates who have completed a research project within this degree may be eligible to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
  • Study online while gaining practical experience through on-campus residential schools.
  • All specialisations within the Master of Counselling, with the exclusion of Advanced Practice, are accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). The Advanced Practice specialisation is recognised by the ACA as meeting their bridging requirements to meet Level 3 membership under certain conditions.

Study options

Master of Counselling (Advanced Practice)
Master of Counselling (Alcohol and Drug Studies) (qualifying stream)
Master of Counselling (Child, Youth and Family Therapy) (qualifying stream)
Master of Counselling (Foundations of Practice) (qualifying stream)
Master of Counselling (Mental Health Counselling) (qualifying stream)

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated five out of five stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2023

Talk to us
What is a Master of Counselling?
UniSQ's Master of Counselling degree is a 2 year postgraduate Psychology and Human Services degree developed specifically for those students who want to continue their counselling studies with a focused specialisation, and undertake project work or capstone projects.
Why study a masters in counselling?

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.

What can you do with a Masters of Counselling?

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 Advanced Practice, Alcohol and Drug Studies, Child, Youth and Family Therapy, Foundations of Practice and Mental Health Counselling.

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.

What are the entry requirements?

Depending on which specialisation you choose, there are different admission requirements.

If you are a counsellor wanting to diversity your expertise with the Advanced Practice specialisation, you’ll need to meet English language proficiency requirements as well as submit evidence of a full membership with a relevant professional body.

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.

How long does a Master of Counselling take?
A Master of Counselling in Australia will take you approximately 2 years to complete. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.
Are flexible study options available?
At UniSQ, we understand that life is busy. Our flexible study options allow you to tailor your study to suit your needs. Our Master of Counselling online gives you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study. Adjust your subject enrolment to meet your needs – take one subject at a time or take extra subjects when life allow it. The choice is up to you.
Can I complete it online?

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.

How much does a Master of Counselling cost in Australia?

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.

Why study a Master of Counselling with UniSQ?

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 Human Services 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 five out of five stars for postgraduate overall education experience and student support (Good Universities Guide, 2023).