About

Our counselling programmes are designed for mature students with existing tertiary
qualifications and professional experience in a field related to counselling,
who wish to transition into counselling from their current profession

This programme provides opportunities to examine and develop the inter-related components essential to effective counselling practice – theory, research, advanced skills and reflexivity. If you are a teacher, social worker or professional in a related field, this programme will enable you to become a professional counsellor. If you are an experienced counsellor, the Master of Counselling will provide you with an opportunity to advance your skills and research capabilities and gain a highly regarded postgraduate qualification.

Please note that this is a limited entry programme and selection criteria apply. An interview supported by referees’ statements and evidence of practical experience is required.

Interviews are conducted from October to December with the aim of informing applicants by the end of the year. Applicants may also be placed on waiting list and offered a place as spaces become available up until February the following year. In individual circumstances where applicants need to know the outcome of their application sooner (e.g. for international visa requirements, scholarships etc.), an earlier interview can be arranged.

Disciplines

Education and Social Work

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling)
Study option

Research 240 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Relevant bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Research 120 points Research 240 points

You must have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling) with a GPA of 5.0.

You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.

Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, previous employment and referees’ report and safety checks

Note: If you already hold a Master of Education - Counselling specialisation (or substantially similar field of study), you may not be admitted to this programme.

You must have completed a bachelors degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work or similar profession with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II.

Or, passed 60 points towards a relevant (education, counselling, nursing or social work) postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.

Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.

Note: If you already hold a Master of Education - Counselling specialisation (or substantially similar field of study), you may not be admitted to this programme.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement you may still gain entry if you successfully demonstrate capacity to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

Postgraduate study in counselling
Study option

Research 240 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

An undergraduate degree
Qualification

IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System

Score required

6.5

No bands less than 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Research 120 points Research 240 points

You must have completed one year of postgraduate study in counselling or counselling theory, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken.

You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.

Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.

Note: If you already hold a masters degree in counselling, you may not be admitted to this programme.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work or similar profession. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken.

You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.

Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.

Note: If you already hold a masters degree in counselling, you may not be admitted to this programme.

English Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 90

Career

Where could this programme take you?

This programme is suitable for experienced and aspiring individuals who are looking to both broaden and advance their careers as counselling professionals.

Jobs related to this programme

Counsellor in community settings
Counsellor in government agencies (such as ACC, Corrections Department)
Counsellor in private practice
Counsellor in schools, and other secondary and tertiary settings
Health and welfare services counsellor
Human resource counsellor
Not-for-profit agency counsellor

Further study options

See all study options

Roberto McLeay - Youth Counsellor

Roberto McLeay graduated with a Master of Counselling. He works with the counselling division of Bays Youth Community Trust and also does private practice work.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Master of Counselling MCouns