Master of Counselling

Our Master of Counselling is designed to suit the needs of people from various professional backgrounds, including social work, human resources, social welfare, nursing, psychology, and education. At the end of this postgraduate program, you will have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to work in the counselling field.

The degree takes an integrative approach to counselling practice, focusing on contemporary and evidence-based approaches, group work, mental health, research skills and counselling across the lifespan. You will also be encouraged to develop self-awareness, identify, and discuss links between theory and practice, and showcase your ability to assess and intervene in response to various presenting issues.

You will also develop research skills relevant to the field of counselling. In the second year, you will undertake an industry placement. The length of the placement usually is 200 hours, which includes at least 40 hours of client contact and 10 hours of individual clinical supervision.

By the end of the Master’s degree, you will be able to register as a counsellor and work with clients in various settings.

• Applicants must usually hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Applicants will also be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour. Admission also requires a selection interview with a member of the Counselling staff. At the interview the applicant will be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience as defined by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
• Successful applicants will be required to provide a current National Police Clearance.

Career opportunities

With a Master of Counselling, you can register as a counsellor and work with clients in various settings. Careers include relationship counsellors, financial counsellors, rehabilitation counsellors, school counsellors, youth workers, family support workers, private practitioners, and psychotherapists.

You can apply directly to the University and there is no application fee.

To apply, please complete the online application form and submit it with all supporting documents.

If you prefer, you can download a print version of the international application form. The application form also contains questions relating to Genuine Temporary Entrant assessment. For more information, please download the International Program Guide.

• What you'll need to apply

  • Certified copies of your academic basis for entry
  • Certified copies of proof of English language proficiency
  • Certified copy of your proof of citizenship/residency
  • Certified copies of existing Australian visa and/or OSHC (if applicable)
  • Evidence of your ability to pay tuition fees and living expenses while in Australia

• Admissions process

  Our admissions process comprises four easy steps:

  1. Apply – direct or via an education agent
  2. Receive your offer – successful applicants receive an offer via email
  3. Accept - your offer and make fee payment
  4. Enrol – receive your eCoE and apply for your student visa (if applicable), and enrol at Notre Dame