University of Notre Dame Australia
Master of Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Provides professional training that combines classroom-based study with practical counselling experience.
Course overview
The Master of Counselling is designed to suit the needs of people from various professional backgrounds, including those in 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 needed to work in the counselling field.
The degree takes an integrative approach to counselling practice, focusing on contemporary and evidence-based strategies, group work, mental health, research skills and counselling across the lifespan. 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 various presenting issues.
You will also develop research skills relevant to the field of counselling. In the second year, you will undertake an industry placement. The placement usually lasts 200 hours, which includes at least 40 hours of client contact and 10 hours of individual clinical supervision.
By the end of the Master’s degree, you can register as a counsellor and work with clients in various settings.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
The Master of Counselling program requires the completion of 16 courses worth 400 units of credit. Each course is worth 25 units of credit.
Complete the following courses:
- 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
- Placement, Supervision and Case Studies A
- Placement, Supervision and Case Studies B
- Professional Practice
- Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling
- Specialised Counselling Approaches
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the program, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must usually hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- Applicants must also demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour. Admission also requires a selection interview with a member of the Counselling staff. At the interview, the applicant must demonstrate a suitable 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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Advanced Standing is a way the university recognises the studies you've already completed. Instead of repeating subjects, you get credit for them, saving you time and money. You might be eligible for this credit if you've completed studies, including single subjects, at any university (even here at Notre Dame). Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
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.
Career outcomes
With a Master of Counselling, you can register as a counsellor and work with clients in various settings. Careers include relationship counsellors, financial counsellors, rehabilitation counsellors, school counsellors, youth workers, family support workers, private practitioners and psychotherapists.
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $27,800 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated total fee is based on a full-time study load of 400 units of credit.
Student fees may vary per:
- 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.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per course you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
