University of Canberra
Master of Counselling
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Online and 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
Why study the online Master of Counselling at UC?
- Job-ready skills relevant to industry: Extend and enhance practical skills that are identified by industry experts as key to meeting the complex needs of individuals and communities.
- Dedicated student support: Be supported by a learning community of students and academics.
- Expert placement support: Have the opportunity to undertake placements at an approved counselling agency.
Course highlights
- Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
- Online and accelerated
- Apply knowledge and skills immediately
- Develop industry-relevant skills
- Start anytime – intakes are 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
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
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
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course, please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Unfortunately, due to the university's ACA alignment, they cannot offer RPL—work experience that is deemed equivalent to study. You need to learn the exact content required to attain your ACA accreditation. Having said that, credit may be granted for prior study as deemed equivalent by the University. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Contact the university for more information.
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 course cost in 2026: $42,750 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are subject to the choice of elective units. The fees listed are for tuition only. Other fees and charges are not included.
The amount you pay will vary depending on:
- The calendar year you enrol.
- Your choice of elective units, RPL, leave and unit availability.
For more information, please speak with the university's Student Enrolment Adviser.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
