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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.

Download a course guide

Find more detailed information on our courses, including:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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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

Delivery
Online
Study level
Postgraduate
Course type
Master's
Duration
24 months (Part time)
Commitment
15 - 20 hours/week
Units
12
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
FEE-HELP
Price per unit
From $3,413
More Information
Prices are calculated based on your total and part-time study load of 12 units.
Intake
October, 2025

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 fee per unit in 2025: $3,412.50 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative full course fee in 2025: $40,950 (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.