Western Sydney University
Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Blends rigorous academic study with immersive clinical training, preparing graduates to become compassionate, reflective and effective practitioners in diverse mental health settings.
Course overview
Through counselling and psychotherapy, people gain self-understanding, expand interpersonal capacities and become capable of healthy change. This program brings together theory and practice and gives you the tools to make a meaningful, real-life impact in the fields of psychotherapy and counselling. You will also enjoy the close guidance of Western’s highly experienced clinical practitioners and internationally recognised psychotherapy educators.
Western’s Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling is designed to expand and refine your capacity to listen deeply and provide in-depth support to people struggling with emotional issues and life difficulties. This is a deeply humanistic program in which you will explore the role of the human psyche and learn how your life experiences and perspectives can help others achieve their personal and mental health goals. Your training will also emphasise the creation of the therapist and the therapeutic environment for the client. Taught by highly experienced clinical practitioners and internationally recognised psychotherapy educators, you’ll learn to bring theory and practice together, receive practical guidance to make meaningful impacts and be supported by staff to counsel people in real-life situations.
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
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 10 credit points.
Core subjects
- Foundations of Psychotherapy and Counselling 1 (20 credit points)
- Ethics and Diversity in Counselling
- Integrated Practice 1: Self and Story
- Practising Research and Researching Practice
- Foundations of Psychotherapy and Counselling 2
- Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
- Integrated Practices 2: Affliction and Recovery
- Clinical Studies in Psychotherapy and Counselling (20 credit points)
- Integrated Practices 3: Emotions, Embodiment and Connection (20 credit points)
- Further Clinical Studies in Psychotherapy and Counselling (20 credit points)
- Integrated Practices 4: Self and Relationships (20 credit points)
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- An undergraduate degree or higher in any discipline; submission of a Statement of Intent (maximum 500 words) explaining the reason why the applicant is seeking entry to the program and how they believe their experience, personal abilities and interest make them suited to becoming a person-centred counsellor /psychotherapist; and CV detailing voluntary and paid work, relevant life experiences, education and training and interests, to the satisfaction of the School of Social Sciences and achieving an interview score of 70% or above in a group applicant interview.
- Achievement of a GPA of 5.5 (high credit) or above in the University's Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
English language requirements
Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is recognising prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Successful graduates can work with a wide range of client groups and problems across the spectrum, including grief and loss, relationship and family issues, life-stage issues, parenting, the effects of social and economic disadvantage and racism, family violence, sexual assault, problem gambling and alcohol and other drug dependencies.
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. This estimate is based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fee may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that this estimate does not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- 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 subject 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.
