Master of Counselling

Core curriculum

The core curriculum is embedded in every degree. It is a distinguishing characteristic of Notre Dame and provides our graduates with transferable skills that are integral to every industry, vocation and profession, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and a purposeful life.

The postgraduate core curriculum elective can be any postgraduate philosophy or theology course offered by the school of philosophy and theology, including pilgrimage or international experiences.

• PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life

Real-world experience

You will learn from academics who are industry leaders, and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

First year

• COUN6000 Interpersonal Group Practice
• COUN6001 Counselling Skills
• COUN6002 Theoretical Approaches to Counselling
• COUN6003 Approaches to Mental Health
• COUN6005 Couples and Family Therapy
• COUN6013 Advanced Counselling Skills
• ARTS5010 Research Methods

Second year

• COUN6006 Placement, Supervision and Case Studies A
• COUN6007 Placement, Supervision and Case Studies B
• COUN6008 Professional Practice
• COUN6009 Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling
• COUN6010 Specialised Counselling Approaches

Elective courses

Students must complete three (3) Elective Courses, at least one (1) of which must be a Research Elective course.

• COUN6004 Theory and Process of Group Facilitation
• COUN6012 Addiction Counselling
• COUN6014 Psychosexual Counselling
• COUN6015 Existential Counselling
• COUN6016 Working with CALD Communities

• ARTS6000 Literature Review
• ARTS6001 Professional Project
• ARTS6002 Experience the World
• ARTS6031 Research Project

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Counselling graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of a range of theoretical approaches to Counselling
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal development through training, supervision and Counselling
• Apply appropriate research skills relevant to an area of Counselling
• Execute advanced counselling skills, including assessing presenting issues, explaining aetiology, developing therapeutic alliances and implementing appropriate interventions
• Implement advanced skills in counselling practice in a variety of settings with individuals, couples and groups
• Research and report original findings through written and/or oral presentations
• Communicate, both orally and in writing, to an advanced level
• Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
• Apply professional and ethical standards to clients and colleagues and provide culturally, linguistically and socially diverse counselling strategies

Practical component

To ensure our graduates are fully prepared for professional practice, the Master of Counselling includes 200 hours of practical placement, comprising a minimum of 80 hours of direct client contact and 20 hours of clinical supervision. These hands-on experiences provide invaluable opportunities to integrate theory with practice, enabling students to build confidence, competence, and professional identity. This approach ensures graduates leave the program equipped with the skills and knowledge required to enter the counselling field.