Master of Counselling

School of Arts & Sciences, Fremantle Campus

Accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, this degree provides professional training for students who would like to work in the challenging and rewarding area of counselling. This degree combines classroom based study with hands-on practical counselling experience. Students have the opportunity to complete an original thesis as part of this program.

• Why study this degree?

  Our Master of Counselling is designed to suit the needs of people from a variety of professional backgrounds including, but not limited to, social work, human resources, social welfare, nursing, psychology and education. At the end of this postgraduate program, you will have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in counselling needed to work in a wide variety of situations.

  The degree takes an integrative approach to counselling practice, with a focus on contemporary and evidence-based approaches, group-work, mental health, research skills and counselling across the life-span. In the second year, you will be expected to undertake an industry placement. Students complete a minimum of 190 hours of placement over the two-year program, with a minimum of 40 hours of clinical contact.

  By the end of the Master’s degree you will be able to register as a counsellor and work with clients in a variety of settings. You will also be encouraged to develop self-awareness, identify and discuss links between theory and practice and showcase your ability to assess and intervene in response to a range of presenting issues. You will also develop research skills relevant to the field of counselling.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • Interpersonal Group Practice
  • Counselling Skills
  • Theoretical Approaches to Counselling
  • Approaches to Mental Health
  • Theory and Process of Group Facilitation
  • Family Systems and Couples
  • Research Methods
  • Ethical Issues in Professional Life

  Year Two

  • Placement, Supervision and Case Studies A &B
  • Professional Practice
  • Research Elective
  • Research Elective
  • Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling
  • Specialised Counselling Approaches
  • Research Elective

  Master of Counselling research electives:

  • Literature Review
  • Professional Project
  • Research Project
  • Special Project
  • Experience the World

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Regulations.

• 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.

• Entry requirements

  Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour. Admission requires a selection interview with a member of the Counselling staff. At the interview the applicant will be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience as defined by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Successful applicants will be required to provide a current National Police Clearance.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  FEE-HELP
  The FEE-HELP loan scheme assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index and also includes a loan fee of 25 per cent for all undergraduate programs of study.

  For further information, or for indicative fees for domestic or international students, please visit our Fees Page.

• More information

  For more information on the Master of Counselling, please call our Prospective Students Office on +61 8 9433 0533 or email future@nd.edu.au.

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.