Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy offers a unique blend of advanced knowledge and practical skills to equip you with the ability to become a highly effective counsellor and psychotherapist. This Masters-level course combines cognitive science, neuroscience and psychotherapy to transform your understanding of the human experience. Through a client-centred lens, you will develop a deep understanding of various therapeutic practices, including psychodynamic, humanistic, somatic, and trauma-informed approaches. The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy program will equip you to work ethically with a wide variety of clients in diverse settings, fostering cultural and interpersonal sensitivity. Gain hands-on experience and hone your therapeutic skills with a 120-hour placement as part of your Masters journey. You will manage your own client case load under expert supervision.

Applicants seeking admission based on prior qualifications must provide certified academic transcripts of their completed qualifications, and a completed admission questionnaire. Applicants seeking admission based on professional experience must provide a curriculum vitae clearly detailing their roles, duties and duration of positions, a statement of service on employer letterhead (or accountant or solicitor if self-employed), and a completed admission questionnaire. All applicants should read the course inherent requirements to ensure they are able to meet them. Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview to determine suitability for the program. The course design provides four admission pathways with progression dependent on the applicant’s highest completed prior qualification. Admission Pathway 1 (Undergraduate Degree in Any Discipline): Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree (or equivalent) in any discipline will commence with the first four subjects that make up the nested Graduate Certificate to obtain the fundamental knowledge and skills that underpins counselling and therapeutic practice. Admission Pathway 2 (Undergraduate Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy): Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree in counselling or psychotherapy may be eligible for credit via Advanced Standing for the first four fundamental subjects in the nested Graduate Certificate. Applicants must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through prior learning via detailed mapping and documentary evidence. Eligibility will be based on an assessment of prior learning against discipline equivalence, content, and learning outcomes. Course duration 1.5 years FT. Admission Pathway 3 (Specialist Psychotherapy Training): Applicants who have completed non-AQF accredited specialist psychotherapy training at a level and depth equivalent to a Bachelor Degree, such as a PACFA Accredited Specialist Psychotherapy Course, may be eligible for credit via Advanced Standing for the first four subjects in the Graduate Certificate. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis and applicants may receive an amended offer to the Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Admission Pathway 4 (Professional Experience): Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor Degree but have at least five years FTE experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst may be eligible for admission based on their professional experience. Students would commence with the first four fundamental subjects to ensure they have the academic preparation and foundation necessary to succeed in the course. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Head of School (or nominee) to determine the applicant’s ability to meet the educational demands of the course. Applicants with only previous vocational training qualifications, who do not also have ≥5 years FTE professional experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst, are not eligible for admission.