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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, May, Sep

Overview

  • Embark on a rewarding career to help individuals navigate challenges, improve 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 and select different specialisations depending on your experience or interests. UniSQ is one of only a few universities that allows you to specialise in your counselling masters degree.
    • 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). You can choose to specialise 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. Studying this pathway doesn’t require you to undertake foundational courses with residential schools, or a practicum. This pathway does not lead to registration as a counsellor. 
  • The Master of Counselling includes 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).
  • You’ll study the 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 select to study the foundation courses.  
  • Develop your applied skills further utilising our telehealth system simulations and working with the community and alongside clinical supervisors in UniSQ's Psychology and Counselling clinics in Toowoomba and Ipswich.
  • 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.

Study options

Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry)
Master of Counselling (Child, Youth and Family Therapy) - Qualifying
Master of Counselling (Mental Health Practice) - Qualifying
Master of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice) - Qualifying
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Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

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 Entry; 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.

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 Entry 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 graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2024).