University of Canberra
Master of Counselling
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), this course consists of research-led content that is delivered via supported and interactive teaching, while allowing you to undertake experiential learning.
Course overview
Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor in this online and accelerated program, allowing you to apply knowledge and skills immediately, develop industry-relevant skills and start anytime, with intakes open every two months.
Whether helping others cope with crisis, put challenges into perspective, or find a life worth living, guide the way and practise respectful and inclusive counselling. The Master of Counselling consists of research-led content delivered via supported and interactive teaching while allowing students to undertake experiential learning. Students will work closely with clinical supervisors while undertaking placement units.
Key facts
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The Master of Counselling comprises 10 core units and two placement units.
- Counselling Theory and Approaches
- Core Counselling Skills
- Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
- Diversity Inclusion Respect
- Introduction to Placement and Supervision
- Counselling Skills in Practice
- Loss, Grief and Trauma in Counselling
- Placement A - Putting It All into Practice
- Placement B - Master's Practicum
- Understanding Mental Health
- Next Level Counselling Skills
- Creative Practices in Counselling
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Master of Counselling, applicants must:
- Have an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in any discipline;
- Fulfil non-standard English language requirements that are outlined in ‘Additional requirements’.
English language requirements
You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.
The Master of Counselling requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Human diversity, inclusion and respect: Learn the factors influencing cultural diversity to provide respectful counselling support to individuals across Australia.
- ACA accredited: The course is recognised as a professional qualification in counselling and accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) following its Professional Training Standards.
- Supported experiential practice: Students will have opportunities to use the skills acquired in the course in practical settings, with supervision from clinical experts and support from peers.
Career outcomes
Students of the Master of Counselling develop counselling skills that apply to various organisations and counselling teams. The career outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- Private practice counsellor
- Therapeutic case worker
- Financial counsellor
- Youth work
- Community worker
- Family counsellor
- Child and adolescent counsellors
- Rehab counsellor
- Couples and relationship counsellors
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $3,562.50 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2026: $42,750 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a part-time study load of 12 units.
Student fees 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.
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 with the cost of a university course.
Who You Will Learn From
Dr. Rana Tayara
Program Lead, Discipline of Counselling
“I believe counselling is both a skill and a responsibility. In our programs, students are supported to think critically, practise ethically, and develop the confidence to sit with complexity. We are committed to rigorous training, inclusive practice, and preparing graduates who can work competently across diverse communities.”
Dr. Susan Sisko
Program Director for Postgraduate Counselling
“Training as a counsellor at the University of Canberra fosters profound personal growth as well as preparation to work in a diverse and meaningful profession. As a student, you gain versatile knowledge and skills applicable across many sectors. With Australia’s growing mental health demand, your future career offers stable, impactful work in private practice, community health, or specialist counselling roles.”
