Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Clinical Trauma Practice

What you will study

Complete 96 units for either of the following:

All of the following:

• 42 units for all Core courses.
• 36 to 48 units for Discipline courses.
• 6 to 18 units for Electives.
• 96 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation.

Core courses

• Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
• Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
• Counselling Skills 2
• Nature of Grief
• Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
• Counselling Skills 1
• Ethics in the Counselling Workplace

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

• A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
• Undertake the Casper Situational Judgement Test (CSJT).
• Attend an interview, if invited.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Adelaide University’s Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, specialising in Clinical Trauma Practice, prepares you to become an ethically grounded, research-informed and clinically skilled counsellor. Align your studies with your career goals and learn from experienced academics with extensive professional counselling backgrounds.

In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation with core courses in areas such as counselling skills, mindfulness-based counselling and attachment applications, grief counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy, before exploring your specialisation in greater depth.

From the second year, your courses and electives will be aligned to your chosen specialisation in Clinical Trauma Practice. You’ll complete hands-on counselling placements that will provide you with the necessary and invaluable supervised experience. You’ll spend up to two days each week in real counselling environments with real clients.

This degree is only offered in a face-to-face study mode, incorporating blended learning opportunities, with on-campus attendance required to ensure you receive the full benefit of face-to-face learning and interactions.

Career outcomes

Other careers include: 

• Sexual Assault and Family Violence Counsellor
• Mental Health Worker
• Clinical Counsellor
• Clinical Psychotherapist
• Refugee and Migrant Trauma Support Worker
• Trauma-informed Care Consultant.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative total annual tuition fee in 2026: $35,700 (domestic full-fee paying place).

Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. The total cost of the program is displayed.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.