Find the scholarship that's the right fit for you
Selection rank | English language requirements | Duration | UAC code |
---|---|---|---|
PG | 2.0 years | 880490 | |
Faculty | Discipline(s) | Location | Available teaching periods |
Faculty of Health | Discipline of Counselling |
Bruce, Canberra |
Fees
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Fees disclaimer
The fees shown are the indicative annual fee rates for the course, based on a standard full-time enrolment of 24 credit points across a year. Fees are assessed each teaching period according to the number of credit points in which you are enrolled.
Domestic students are charged tuition fees for this course. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Academic entry requirements | English language requirements | CRICOS code | Faculty |
---|---|---|---|
088965G | Faculty of Health | ||
Discipline(s) | Location | Available teaching periods | Duration |
Discipline of Counselling |
Bruce, Canberra |
2.0 years |
Fees
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Become a registered counsellor or psychotherapist
If you are looking to embrace a counselling career, our Master of Counselling provides advanced training, as well as a pathway to full registration as a clinical practitioner with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) – the nation’s professional accreditation body for counsellors and psychotherapists. With an emphasis on skills development, interactive teaching, experiential learning and self awareness, you will become familiar with a wide range of counselling modalities, all taught within research-informed and ethical frameworks.
The two-year course includes clinical practice across varied settings, and you will undertake relevant project work and applied research units too, becoming equipped to work across a range of public, private and community sector organisations in areas such as health, individual and family support services, addiction counselling, youth work, grief, disability and mental health. You will demonstrate competence in a range of counselling skills, including collaborative goal setting, empathy, reflective listening, assessment, change and clinical interventions. You will graduate as a professional counsellor, ready for employment across community agencies, government departments, public health settings or as a private practitioner.
Study a Master of Counselling at UC and you will:
- work holistically in a number of community settings with a diverse range of clients, respecting the importance of social and cultural contexts
- access the most recent and relevant academic conventions and materials
- develop skills in critical thinking, communication, problem solving and project management
- experience the experiential, collaborative and holistic approaches to learning, enabling you to develop in-depth practical knowledge and skills, self-awareness and reflexivity
- fulfil the requirements towards eligibility for professional counselling association membership.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a central component of this course and you will undertake at least 260 hours in a counselling placement within an appropriate agency, which often leads to direct employment opportunities for our students. You will also attend field seminars on professional issues and, in conjunction with your agency placement, you will undertake 24 hours of small group supervision on campus. In the Advanced Skills unit you may be able to complete an additional 26 hours of face-to-face counselling at UC’s on-campus Student Led Counselling Clinic, located in the Health Hub, where you would provide counselling to adult individuals under the close supervision of a qualified counsellor and UC educator.
During your course, you can choose to undertake an applied health research project which can be developed to suit your own professional interests and clinical specialty. You will gain real-world research experience and develop skills in project management, data collection, data analysis, and more. You will be eligible to become a member of UC’s PG Counselling Courses Advisory Group which meets two or three times a year, and upon graduation will be encouraged to join professional associations such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) to obtain your accreditation as a counsellor.
Career opportunities
- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Researcher
- Youth worker
- Social worker
- Community educator
- Welfare worker
- Mediation facilitator
- Private practitioner
- Family counsellor
- Relationship counsellor
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Prison counsellor
- Financial counsellor
- Telephone counsellor
- School guidance counsellor
- Trauma specialist counsellor
- Drug and alcohol counsellor
- Bereavement counsellor
Course-specific information
Applicants must:
- have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, as approved by the University
- demonstrate a minimum of two years’ relevant experience in a ‘helping role’ (paid or voluntary)
- submit a CV, including two referees
- attend a pre-admission interview at the University
- submit a letter of application detailing relevant experience and addressing knowledge assumed necessary for enrolment.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a level of mature life experience and self-awareness shown by the capacity to reflect on and learn from experience, including being open to positive and challenging feedback.
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an Overall Academic IELTS score of 7.0 with no band score less than 7.0.
Applicants with a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology will be eligible for 24cp in this master’s course.
A clear study pathway exists between the Graduate Diploma in Counselling and this degree. Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma may apply and receive credit for units within this master’s course.
Students are required to undergo Working with Vulnerable People registration and a Police Check to meet the requirements of some course units.
This course has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), and has been designed to meet the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia’s (PACFA) Professional Training Standards. Following successful completion of the degree you can apply for membership to PACFA and/or ACA. Depending on your professional experience, you may apply for listing on the PACFA register as a counsellor.
Professional accreditation
This course is designed as a professional qualification in counselling. Graduates of this course may apply for professional membership with organisations such as the Counselling and Psychotherapy Association for Canberra and Regions (CAPACAR), and for listing on the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) register as a counsellor and supervisor (depending on their professional experience and supervision).
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline as approved by the University; demonstrate a minimum of two years relevant experience, paid or voluntary by submission of a CV including 2 referees; and attend a pre-admission interview at the University of Canberra.
Students who have a Graduate Diploma in Community Counselling (UC) or who can demonstrate that they have completed equivalent counselling units at a postgraduate level in an accredited course, will be considered for academic credit for the required units (up to 24cp).
Additional admission requirements
Students are required to undergo a Working with Vulnerable People check and police check to be accepted for placement by an agency to meet the requirements of the Counselling Placement and Supervision unit, Advanced Counselling Skills unit and Supervision Field Experience unit.
Applicants must submit a letter of application detailing relevant experience and addressing the knowledge assumed necessary for enrolment.
Applicants with a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology will be eligible for 24cp in the Master's course (Articulation agreement currently being completed by ACAP).
Applicants must submit a letter of application detailing relevant experience and addressing the knowledge assumed necessary for enrolment.
Applicants with a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology will be eligible for 24cp in the Master's course (Articulation agreement currently being completed by ACAP).
Assumed knowledge
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a level of mature life experience and self-awareness shown by the capacity to reflect on and learn from experience, including being open to positive and challenging feedback.
Periods course is open for new admissions
This course is not open for new admissions.
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Master of Counselling (341JA) | 48 credit points
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Two Restricted Choice Units
Year 2
Winter Term
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Year 3
Semester 2
Two Restricted Choice Units
Year 4
Semester 1
Semester 2
Winter Term
Course duration
Standard four semesters full-time or equivalent. Maximum eight semesters.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
---|---|
Master of Counselling graduates: communicate ideas and opinions effectively within a wide range of cultural and inter-disciplinary contexts; think globally and demonstrate an understanding of the principles of ethical and professional practice and respect for all aspects of diversity; understand and use technology effectively and creatively in research and counselling practice. |
2. UC graduates are global citizens. We support students to gain the knowledge and confidence to be global citizens. UC graduates can: - think globally about issues in their profession; - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. |
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling will have the skills and knowledge to: - be able to demonstrate competence in a wide variety of counselling skills and be able to apply these skills in a range of complex - be able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of major evidence based, research informed theory and current practice in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. |
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners. Our graduates are passionate about being at the forefront of their profession, staying in touch with the latest research, news and technology. UC graduates can: - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; - be self-aware; - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; - evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling will have the skills and knowledge to be able to: - act responsibly and ethically in the context of the counselling profession and their obligations to the community and society - identify and analyse problems within the counselling field and formulate and implement ethical and realistic solutions - communicate their knowledge, ideas and opinions in the counselling field effectively, in both oral and written - communicate ideas and opinions effectively within a range of cultural and inter-disciplinary contexts. - gather ,analyse and interpret information using appropriate academic research skills - analyse, evaluate and critique information and situations relevant to current issues in the field, in written and oral form. |
1. UC graduates are professional. Because we collaborate closely with industry and other stakeholders, our graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in their profession and become leaders in their field. UC graduates can: - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; - communicate effectively; - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload; - take pride in their professional and personal integrity. |
Graduates of the Graduate Certicate in Counselling: - respect the rights of others irrespective of their cultural background, race or gender - demonstrate an understanding of the principles of ethical and professional practice and respect for all aspects of diversity - understand and use technology effectively in research and counselling practice. |
2. UC graduates are global citizens. We support students to gain the knowledge and confidence to be global citizens. UC graduates can: - think globally about issues in their profession; - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. |
Learning outcomes for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling in addition to the above: Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to be able to: - undertake independent study, take initiative and demonstrate leadership - work effectively and collaboratively with others as part of a multidisciplinary group - systematically analyse, evaluate and critique information and situations relevant to current issues in Counselling practice, in written and oral form. |
1. UC graduates are professional. Because we collaborate closely with industry and other stakeholders, our graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in their profession and become leaders in their field. UC graduates can: - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; - communicate effectively; - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload; - take pride in their professional and personal integrity. |
Master of Counselling graduates will have the skills and knowledge to: be able to demonstrate a high level of competence in a wide variety of counselling skills and be able to apply these skills in a range of complex contexts; be able to demonstrate a critical in-depth understanding of major theories, models and techniques specific to an area of specialisation; be able to contribute to evidence based, research informed theory and current practice in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. |
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners. Our graduates are passionate about being at the forefront of their profession, staying in touch with the latest research, news and technology. UC graduates can: - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; - be self-aware; - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; - evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling will have the skills and knowledge to: - be able to demonstrate competence in a variety of counselling skills and be able to apply these skills in a range of contexts analyse, critically evaluate and present information about counselling skills, models and theories - be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of major theories, models and techniques specific to an area of specialisation. |
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners. Our graduates are passionate about being at the forefront of their profession, staying in touch with the latest research, news and technology. UC graduates can: - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; - be self-aware; - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; - evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling: - communicate ideas and opinions effectively within a range of cultural and inter-disciplinary. |
2. UC graduates are global citizens. We support students to gain the knowledge and confidence to be global citizens. UC graduates can: - think globally about issues in their profession; - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. |
Learning outcomes for the Master of Counselling, in addition to the above: Master of Counselling graduates will have the skills and knowledge to be able to: act responsibly, ethically and professionally as practitioners in the context of the counselling profession and their obligations to the community and society; undertake independent study, and demonstrate a high level of initiative and leadership; work effectively and collaboratively with others as part of a multidisciplinary group; identify and analyse complex problems within the counselling field and formulate and implement ethical and professional solutions; critically gather, analyse and interpret information using a high level of academic research skills. |
1. UC graduates are professional. Because we collaborate closely with industry and other stakeholders, our graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in their profession and become leaders in their field. UC graduates can: - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; - communicate effectively; - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload; - take pride in their professional and personal integrity. |
Awards
Award | Official abbreviation |
---|---|
Master of Counselling | M Couns |
Alternative exits
Alternative exit award Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Students may exit with this award if they have passed 12 credit points as follows:
Required units (9 cps):
7743 Counselling Skills and Models PG
7745 Ethical Framework for Counselling PG
7744 Counselling Theories and Concepts PG
Restricted choice unit (3 cps):
8565 Mental Health Assessment and Intervention PG
10065 Human Diversity PG
10340 Addiction Counselling PG
10341 Loss and Grief PG
10343 Group Facilitation PG
Or another of the restricted choice units in the Master of Counselling with prior agreement from the Course Convener.
Alternative exit award Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Students may exit with this award if they have passed 24 credit points as follows:
Required units (18 cps):
7743 Counselling Skills and Models PG
7744 Counselling Theories and Concepts PG
7745 Ethical Frameworks for Counselling PG
7748 Counselling Placement and Supervision PG
7781 Introduction to Professional Supervision PG
Restricted choice units (6 cps):
8565 Mental Health Assessment and Intervention PG
10065 Human Diversity PG
10340 Addiction Counselling PG
10341 Loss and Grief PG
10342 Contemporary Counselling Practices PG
10343 Group Facilitation PG
Enquiries
Student category | Contact details |
---|---|
Prospective International Students | Email: international@canberra.edu.au or Phone: +61 2 6201 5342 |
Current and Commencing Students | Email: Health.Student@canberra.edu.au |
Prospective Domestic Students | Email: study@canberra.edu.au or Phone: 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
