Master of Counselling

What you will study

To complete the Master of Counselling, you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.

A 16 credit points Master of Counselling includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
16 credit points of core units.

Year 1 - Trimester 1

• Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
• Principles of Counselling and Telehealth
• Professional Counselling Roles
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling
• Counselling Diverse Populations

Year 1 - Trimester 2

• Mental Health Counselling
• Lifespan and Developmental Counselling
• Contemporary Counselling Therapies
• Research in Counselling

Year 2 - Trimester 1

• Counselling Placement 1
• Trauma-Informed Counselling
• Sex and Sexuality
• Counselling and Family Violence

Year 2 - Trimester 2

• Group Counselling
• Grief and Bereavement Counselling
• Counselling Placement 2
• Relationship Counselling

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Please note that this course has limited places and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. If all spots are filled, applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline
• Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent and a recorded person statement (video)

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
• IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent.
• Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).

Non-academic requirements

You will also need to submit a recorded video (personal statement) where you will respond to two questions to assess your suitability. You may be asked to attend an interview if you need more information.

Preference may be given to applicants with an equivalent credit average (65%) or above.

Applicants are required to refer to the checklist in the Apply Now section.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit for:

• Principles of Counselling and Telehealth
• Mental Health Counselling
• Lifespan and Developmental Counselling
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling
• Professional Counselling Roles
• Counselling Diverse Populations
• Contemporary Counselling Interventions
• Research in Counselling

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate after their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured that your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge of counselling roles and knowledge and application of skills, theory, interventions and ethics across the lifespan to various audiences relevant to professional counselling.
• Employ clear written and oral communication skills to effect therapeutic change among diverse client groups. Convey complex counselling theories and ideas to various audiences, including clients, colleagues and other professionals.
• Use digital tools to locate and disseminate counselling information and client resources. Awareness and use of digital tools to provide counselling.
• Identify, synthesise, integrate and critically reflect on research to inform counselling practice.
• Appraise, select and apply specialised counselling skills and knowledge to understand and work with. Initiate, plan and implement tailored counselling interventions that address client issues.
• Demonstrate high-level self-management and awareness in learning and practice, reinforcing the importance of responsibility, accountability and ethics in professional counselling.
• Work effectively in supervisory, leadership and managerial capacities with diverse ethnic and cultural partners and teams to promote professional competence and growth. Communicate and collaborate with other mental health professionals to support clients.
• Evaluate and apply ethical principles to work productively in counselling within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. Collaborate and communicate in a self-reflective and culturally sensitive manner.

Career outcomes

Australia has a strong demand for counsellors, with 14.2% projected employment growth by November 2026. Counsellors work across various roles related to mental health, disability, allied health and social support services. Some roles may include:

• Youth Work and School Counselling
• Mental Health Support
• Career and Professional Guidance
• Telephone/Online Counselling Services
• Trauma Counselling
• Drug and Alcohol Counselling
• Grief Support
• Relationship and Family Counselling
• Sex and Sexuality Support Services
• Specialist Family Violence Practitioner

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2025: $29,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of eight credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

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

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 with the cost of a university course.