Master of Counselling

University of Southern Queensland

Australia, Toowoomba

University RankQS Ranking

399

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Home/Australia/Toowoomba /University of Southern Queensland/Master of Counselling

University of Southern Queensland

Australia , Toowoomba

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines26-May-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 31,840 / year(s)

Next Intake 26-May-2026

Master of Counselling

About

Overview

Embark on a rewarding career to help individuals navigate challenges, improve mental health, and enhance their overall well-being.
Upskill to an advanced level in various specialist counselling areas, as well as research principles and methods.
Tailor your study and select different specialisations depending on your experience or interests. UniSQ is one of only a few universities that allows you to specialise in your counselling masters degree.
- The Master of Counselling (Qualifying) pathway enables you to apply for registration as a counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). You can choose to specialise in Child, Youth & Family Therapy; Mental Health Practice; or Trauma-Focused Practice.
- The Master of Counselling (Advanced Entry) is designed for registered professionals in counselling or other allied mental health disciplines who wish to extend their professional skills. Studying this pathway doesn’t require you to undertake foundational courses with residential schools, or a practicum. This pathway does not lead to registration as a counsellor.
The Master of Counselling includes two research options – a Research Project option that involves completion of a full research project, or a Capstone Project option, that includes completion of a smaller piece of research. Graduates who have completed a research project within this degree may be eligible to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You’ll study the main course load online and gain practical experience through on-campus residential school courses and clinical placements. For Advanced Entry students the practical experience is included only if you select to study the foundation courses.
Develop your applied skills further utilising our telehealth system simulations and working with the community and alongside clinical supervisors in UniSQ's Psychology and Counselling clinics in Toowoomba and Ipswich.
After two years of full-time study with UniSQ, you’ll be workplace-ready and gain an additional Graduate Diploma of Counselling qualification as an embedded award in the Master of Counselling.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited masters (coursework) degree in Psychology, or have held General Registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia for a minimum duration of 12 months.

In addition, applicants are also asked to submit the following for consideration as part of their application:

provide two referee reports¹ and a 1-2 page report which addresses the selection criteria (PDF 87KB)
be assessed in a face-to-face interview with a panel of School staff, including completion of the UniSQ Psychology Competency examination.
provide an academic transcript demonstrating strong academic performance
provide a CV of your work and study history. Applicants who have not completed a four-year bachelor degree or Masters (coursework) in Psychology degree within the last three years, will be required to demonstrate how they have maintained up-to-date knowledge and skills in the area of Psychology.

¹The Australian Psychology Postgraduate Reference Request system is the same across all Australian universities. To be able to use the system, you will need to have an active membership. The membership allows you access the service during the application period and will expire on 31 July of each year. The subscription is $AUD35.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires an overall score of IELTS 7.0, or equivalent, and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four skills areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing. Additional requirements regarding prior education taught and assessed solely in English and prior employment - refer to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)'s Registration Standard for further information.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Pathways

If you donât meet the entry requirements, donât worry, there are pathway options available to you.

English Program Requirements

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.