University of Southern Queensland
Master of Counselling
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationGain the knowledge and expertise to 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.
- The Master of Counselling (Advanced Practice) is for registered professionals in counselling, psychology, mental health nursing, human services, or social work who wish to extend their professional development. Students studying this degree aren’t required to undertake a placement or courses with mandated attendance requirements.
- The Master of Counselling (specialisations other than Advanced Practice) is a qualifying degree into the counselling profession. Entry into the Master of Counselling (qualifying specialisations) requires partial completion of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling at UniSQ or equivalent. Subjects studied in the Graduate Diploma are credited towards the Master of Counselling.
This degree provides you with the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project or choose to do a smaller capstone project to further your research skills.
Graduates who have completed a research project within this degree may be eligible to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Delivery mode
University of Southern Queensland offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Distance
Learn independently with online resources in a flexible and convenient environment.
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Depending on which specialisation you choose, there are different admission requirements.
If you are a counsellor wanting to diversity your expertise with the Advanced Practice specialisation, you’ll need to meet English language proficiency requirements as well as submit evidence of a full membership with a relevant professional body.
If you are from a non-counselling background and are wanting to study a qualifying specialisation you need to:
- have completed a bachelor degree in any discipline,
- have completed at least 50 % of UniSQ's Graduate Diploma of Counselling, or equivalent, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
- provide two satisfactory Referee Reports and a report to address the Selection Criteria; and
- participate in an interview with a panel of School staff
Depending on which specialisation you choose, there are different admission requirements.
If you are a counsellor wanting to diversity your expertise with the Advanced Practice specialisation, you’ll need to meet English language proficiency requirements as well as submit evidence of a full membership with a relevant professional body.
If you are from a non-counselling background and are wanting to study a qualifying specialisation you need to:
- have completed a bachelor degree in any discipline,
- have completed at least 50 % of UniSQ's Graduate Diploma of Counselling, or equivalent, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
- provide two satisfactory Referee Reports and a report to address the Selection Criteria; and
- participate in an interview with a panel of School staff
English Language Requirements
You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.
Additional requirements may apply.Course fees
$53,280
$61,840
Career opportunities
The Master of Counselling will prepare you for the following roles.
Counsellor
Counsellors help their clients work through a range of personal problems including issues relating to relationships, home finances, work, parenting...
Crisis Counsellor
Crisis Counsellors are qualified mental health professionals who provide counselling support and activate crisis interventions for people who are i...
Family Counsellor
Family Counsellors help families in crises and challenging situations, ensuring the individual wellbeing of each family member as well as the whole...
Mental Health Counsellor
Mental Health Counsellors are qualified health professionals who provide counselling and psychotherapy (talk-therapy) services to their clients. Th...
About University of Southern Queensland
From leading breakthrough space and defence research of national significance, to revolutionising the way a university degree can be attained online, the University of Southern Queensland has proved to be an innovative leader in tertiary education since it first opened its doors as an institution 55 years ago. Now, that strong track record of success has evolved into a confident new commitment to continue to showcase the University to the communities it operates in — and across the world — with a revitalised voice, identity and reputation.
This is a place to excel, think big, and put your ambition into action. You’ll find quality learning experiences, matched with resources and research that will inspire.
You’ll access a university that’s built to perform on the world stage, with the added benefit of a boutique approach and model. You’ll experience a university that adapts to you. Our partnerships will motivate you. Our commitment to collaboration will open new doors. Learn at your own pace – at your place, or at one of our three unique campuses.
Where will you access more? Where else but the University of Southern Queensland.
