Counselling
Master of Counselling
Learning Mode
Full Time
Duration
2 Years
Start date
March, July, November
Qualification
Master Degree (AQF Level 9)
Fees
AUD 41,400
Location
Burwood (Melbourne)
About the Course
The Master of Counselling at Deakin University is a comprehensive and professionally oriented postgraduate program designed to equip you with advanced therapeutic skills and a deep understanding of human behavior, enabling you to practice as a professional counsellor. This degree provides a strong foundation in various counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and evidence-based interventions, preparing you to support individuals, couples, families, and groups facing diverse life challenges.
You will develop essential skills in active listening, empathy, communication, assessment, and intervention planning. The program places a strong emphasis on practical skill development through simulated client sessions, group work, and extensive supervised clinical placements in real-world settings. Taught by experienced practitioners and researchers, the curriculum is designed to foster self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ethical practice. Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with relevant professional bodies, supporting their pathway to professional registration.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Master of Counselling are highly sought after in a wide array of settings, including private practice, community health services, mental health organisations, schools, rehabilitation centres, government agencies, and corporate wellness programs. You will be prepared for impactful roles providing support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan, contributing to their mental health and well-being. This qualification provides a clear pathway to becoming a registered professional counsellor.
Why choose Counselling at Deakin?
Practice-based and client-focused
Gain real-world counselling experience through extensive placements, developing confidence and competence across diverse client groups and settings.
Expert practitioners and researchers
Learn from skilled counsellors and researchers who integrate real clinical insights and the latest research into your training.
Professional accreditation pathway
Program aligns with PACFA and ACA standards, supporting professional recognition and future registration as a qualified counsellor.
Course Overview
The Master of Counselling (H709) at Deakin University is a 12-credit point (2-year full-time equivalent) postgraduate degree designed to provide the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for professional counselling practice. The program integrates psychological theories, ethical frameworks, and evidence-based interventions to prepare graduates for diverse roles in mental health and human services.
The course structure typically includes:
- Core Counselling Theories and Skills: Units covering major counselling approaches (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, person-centre), micro-counselling skills, and therapeutic communication.
- Specialised Areas of Practice: Focus on specific client populations or issues, such as trauma-informed practice, grief and loss, family counselling, or mental health issues.
- Professional Ethics and Research: In-depth study of ethical and legal considerations in counselling, as well as research methods applicable to counselling practice.
- Supervised Clinical Placements: A compulsory and significant component involving supervised practical experience with clients in approved counselling settings.
This comprehensive program ensures graduates are well-prepared for ethical and effective professional counselling.
Course Duration
Length of the course
- 2 years full-time
Mode of Study for international students:
- Full-time enrolment is generally required for international students studying onshore to comply with visa regulations. Online study may be an option for students studying from their home country.
Course Curriculum
The Master of Counselling curriculum is structured to progressively build your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for competent and ethical counselling practice.
- Foundational Counselling and Theory These units introduce core counselling theories, ethical principles, and fundamental therapeutic skills. Examples include: Foundations of Counselling Practice, Ethical and Legal Practice in Counselling, Human Development and Lifespan, and Counselling Skills Development.
- Advanced Therapeutic Modalities and Specializations Building on the foundations, this section delves into more advanced theories and specific areas of counselling practice. Units might cover: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Approaches, Trauma-Informed Counselling, Grief and Loss Counselling, or Couples and Family Counselling.
- Research and Professional Practice The program includes units on research methods relevant to counselling, and culminates in extensive supervised clinical placements. These placements are vital for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, developing professional identity, and meeting professional body requirements.
Admission Requirements
Entry Criteria
- Academic qualifications Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university, with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% or equivalent. While not strictly required, a background in a related field such as psychology, social work, human services, or health sciences is highly advantageous.
- Non-Academic Requirements:
- Personal Statement: Applicants are typically required to submit a personal statement outlining their motivations for undertaking the Master of Counselling, their understanding of the counselling profession, and any relevant personal attributes or experiences.
- Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview to assess their suitability for the program and the counselling profession, including their interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and resilience.
- Fit to Practice requirements: All students undertaking clinical placements must meet specific requirements, including a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC), and up-to-date immunizations.
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) For international applicants, demonstrated proficiency in English is mandatory. This is typically evidenced by:
- IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 94, with specific minimum scores for listening (24), reading (24), speaking (23), and writing (27).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 65, with no communicative skill score less than 58.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees:
- AUD 41,400 (Postgraduate – per 1 year full-time for international students).
Scholarships and Bursaries: Deakin University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support eligible students in their Master of Counselling studies. These include:
- Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship: For high-achieving international students.
- Faculty of Health Scholarships: Specific scholarships offered by the Faculty of Health for postgraduate students demonstrating academic merit or potential in counselling.
- HDR Scholarships: For students pursuing research components or pathways to PhD (if applicable to a research stream).
- Various other bursaries and support schemes are available, designed to assist students with their study costs and enhance their educational experience.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Deakin’s Master of Counselling program are highly skilled professionals, prepared for rewarding and impactful careers in a diverse range of settings. The program leads to eligibility for professional membership with leading counselling associations, supporting professional registration.
Common career paths include: Professional Counsellor (in private practice, community health centres, mental health services, family support services), School Counsellor, Rehabilitation Counsellor, Bereavement Counsellor, Trauma Counsellor, Youth Counsellor, Relationship Counsellor, EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Counsellor, or Crisis Support Worker. These roles span non-government organisations (NGOs), government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare settings, and private practices, offering dynamic and impactful career trajectories dedicated to improving individual and community well-being.
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