University of Queensland
Master of Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 Months
Gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in professional counselling. Designed for those with an approved degree in social work, psychology, human services, nursing or a related field, this program enables you to earn recognised professional counselling qualifications.
Course overview
Focus on integrative approaches to counselling and applied psychotherapy, aiming to enhance outcomes for people facing diverse challenges with respect and effectiveness.
Develop knowledge and professional counselling skills through courses informed by current research, grounded in best-practice principles and designed to prepare you to work with a wide range of clients.
In your second year, complete over 360 hours of supervised practical placement in government, community and private agencies. While on placement, undertake a major project that allows you to apply counselling theory and research skills in real-world settings.
Delivered in partnership with UQ’s School of Psychology, this program holds accreditation from the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Master of Counselling, a student must fulfil 32 units, consisting of:
- Interpersonal Skills in Counselling 1
- Theories of Counselling
- Counselling and Mental Health
- Understanding and Caring for Those Affected by Loss
- Advanced Interpersonal Skills
- Counselling Children and Young People
- Ethics and Professional Practice Issues in Counselling
- Family Therapy Traditions: Basic Concepts and Skills
Complete 16 units comprising:
- Counselling Field Placement
- Relationship Counselling
- Trauma Therapy: Theory and Practice
- Advancing Research Inquiry
- Counselling for Health and Capacity Challenges
- Counselling Approaches and Mental Health Practice
- Critical Appraisal of Research
- Research Methods
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Applicants are required to submit a recorded interview (see additional application information)
Entry is competitive, with a limited intake. Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meet the minimum entry requirements for this program will be offered a place. On admission to the program, you will need to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
- Crisis Counsellor
- Grief Counsellor
- Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
- Relationship Counsellor
- Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Child and Youth Counsellor
- Sexual Assault Counsellor
- Student Counsellor
- Family Counsellor
- Therapeutic Counsellor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Average first year fee in 2025: $43,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 32 units per semester per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per semester.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Elective units.
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.
