Master of Counselling
Gain a high level of expertise as a counsellor in providing support to individuals, families and groups.
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WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
This course prepares you for a professional career as a Counsellor, supporting individuals through a range of personal and mental health challenges. Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and aligned with PACFA standards, it develops advanced counselling knowledge and practical skills, supported by supervised placement to prepare you for real-world counselling practice.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will develop advanced counselling skills, including communication, assessment, and case conceptualisation. The course explores therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma-informed practice, and working with diverse clients. Through supervised placement and a capstone project, you will apply your skills in real settings and build confidence to practise as a professional counsellor.
Course Overview
Counselling has developed substantially over the past decade. It is increasingly being recognised for its efficacy in practice, and for its more practical educational and therapeutic approach. This has positioned counselling as a more attractive career option than its more science- and statistics-based mental health peers.
Combined with our industry-leading support services and teaching methods, AE fully supports you in your study of advanced counselling topics to develop your skills as a counselling professional.
The Master of Counselling is designed and developed by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC); Higher Education Provider Number: PRV12083, CRICOS Provider Code: 04095M. The course is being delivered through third party arrangements between Acknowledge Education(AE) and Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC). AE delivers the course on behalf of AIPC.
The Master of Counselling teaches contemporary counselling topics and skills to an advanced level and is ideally suited to counsellors wanting to develop their knowledge and skills to a higher level, or professionals aspiring to pursue a career in this high-demand industry.
Course Structure
10 cores units plus 4 electives units. A trimester has a full-time study load of 3 units.
For units requiring on-campus learning, you attend 3 hours of lectures and tutorials per unit per week.
To support your on-campus learning, you are provided specifically written and easy-to-understand study materials, including study guide and readings, all purposefully designed to make your external studies as conducive to learning as possible.
You are provided with clear assessment instructions and guidelines, which are also accessible through our LMS (MOODLE). After completing your assessment, you upload it through MOODLE for marking.
The Online Library is also accessible through MOODLE, and provides you with easy access to counselling texts and resources to enhance your learning.
Some units require application of practical skills through role play. Role plays are conducted in tutorial sessions in a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
Units
Core
MC01 Introduction to Counselling
MC02 Counselling Process
MC03 Counselling Skills
MC04 Ethics & Reflective Practice
MC05 Counselling & Human Development
MC06 Cognitive Behavioural Approaches
MC07 Collaborative & Competency-Based Approaches to Counselling
MC08 Assessment & Case Conceptualisation
MC09 Research Methods in Counselling
MC10 Counselling Placement & Capstone Project
Electives
MC11 Counselling Interventions for Crisis & Trauma
MC12 Family Therapy
MC13 Counselling Children & Adolescents
MC14 Counselling for Alcohol & Other Drugs
MC15 Counselling for Loss & Grief
MC16 Counselling for Couples
MC17 Counselling Skills for the Digital World
MC18 Mental Health Counselling
Please note that Acknowledge Education offers a wide range of units each trimester. Not all units are available every trimester.
After successful completion of all units, the Master of Counselling is awarded by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Pty Ltd (PRV12083).
Electives offered each trimester are at Acknowledge Education’s discretion and are completed online.
The Master of Counselling includes a work placement and capstone project where you undertake clinical practice in a work setting and complete a real-world counselling project. A counselling placement is essential in assisting the transition from application in a simulated setting to real practice. During your work placement, you will also complete a practical capstone project in a counselling environment. The practicum involves the completion of 12 hours work each week for 12 weeks along with 24 hours of individual counselling supervision with the workplace supervisor and group supervision by teleconference with the course lecturer.
Students can undertake their placement at Australian Counselling Services (ACS), APIC's own counselling clinic.
The Australian Counselling Service (ACS) is the clinical counselling division of the Australian institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC). As a well-regarded provider of counselling education, AIPC established ACS to provide high-quality counselling services to clients from all backgrounds. ACS’s mission is to make quality mental health services available to everyone.
Please click here to view details.
Academic Requirements
You can apply for entry to the Master of Counselling if you have successfully completed an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in any field
English Requirements
You must meet one of the following criteria:
IELTS: Overall Band Score of 6.5 in the Academic IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in each band, or
TOEFL (iBT): Overall score 82 or better with a minimum of 20 in the writing band, or
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58 with a minimum score of 50 in each band, or
Cambridge English Scale score: 176. No less than 169 in any paper, or
At least one year of University studies in Australia in the last two years, or
Evidence of at least 5 years of studies in an English speaking country (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, USA, South Africa or Ireland), or
Australian Year 12 Certificate or qualification at Certificate IV or higher level completed in the last two years, or,
Acknowledge Education English Test, or equivelent
Additional Requirements
You must also meet the following requirements before commencing fieldwork:
COVID-19 Vaccination Record
National Police Record Check and/or Police clearance from country of residence
Working with Children Check
The Master of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Australia’s leading industry association for Counsellors.
Graduates of AIPC’s Master of Counselling can apply for membership with the ACA. ACA members also have the opportunity to be listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).
Master of Counselling graduates are skilled to work in a diverse variety of mental health and community health settings, or to set up their own counselling practice. You’ll also be eligible to join the Australian Counselling Association, ensuring professional recognition of your qualification, as well as access to practice insurance.
Career options include:
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family and Marriage Counsellor
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Grief and Loss Counsellor,
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Traumatic Therapist
There has never been a better time for you to invest in your counselling skills and knowledge. The need for Counsellors has never been greater.
In Australia, employment for counsellors has risen strongly in previous years and is expected to grow another 14.2% over the five years to 2026 (www.labourmarketinsights.gov.au, 2022).
Working as a Counsellor, you will be doing what you were born to do, while contributing to meeting the needs of your community. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping those around you.
Main industries for counselling in Australia
Sources: labour market insights – Counsellors ANZSCO ID 2721
https://labourmarketinsights.gov.au/occupation-profile/counsellors?occupationCode=2721
Employment Chart
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Median full-time earnings are $1,652 per week, which is higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,476
1 in 4 earn more than $2,238
Median hourly earnings are $45, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
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Domestic
Please click here to view fee details.
International
Tuition Fee: $3,090 per unit x 14 units
Administration Fee: $200
*All fees are payable to AIPC.
February, May, September
View all dates here.
Why Study with AE?
Real outcomes for international students in Australia. We understand your goals and provide pathways to achieve them.
140+ Year Heritage
Multi-Sector Education Excellence
Over 140 years of excellence delivering ELICOS, VCE, VET, and Higher Education across 8 national campuses.
98% Placement Satisfaction
Job-Ready Success
98% student placement satisfaction with programs designed alongside industry partners for maximum graduate outcomes.
Up to 50% course credit
Credit for Prior Learning
Get up to 50% course credit for prior learning in Australia. You may be able to reduce both your tuition and study time.
2 week average to COE*
Seamless Enrolment
Expert onshore support from consultation to CoE issuance, with an average 2-week processing time.
*Processing times may vary depending on document completeness and course availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
To enrol as an international student, follow these steps:
Submit an enquiry through our website or contact our admissions team
Provide your academic transcripts and English test results for assessment
Receive your Letter of Offer and accept the offer
Pay your initial tuition deposit
Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your visa application
If you're currently studying in Australia and considering a new course, there are important regulations to be aware of:
6-Month Rule
Under Australian regulations, international students are generally expected to complete at least six months of their principal course before changing providers. If you wish to transfer before this period, you may need a release from your current provider. Release requests are assessed in accordance with applicable regulations and your provider’s policies, and may be granted in certain circumstances (for example, compassionate or compelling reasons).
Yes, we offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer for relevant previous qualifications. Credit transfer depends on the relevance and level of your previous studies and how they align with this course.
Contact our admissions team for a free assessment of your eligibility for credit transfer. Credit transfer may reduce your study duration and overall tuition fees, depending on the outcome of the assessment.
Changes to your course or provider may impact your student visa. You must ensure you continue to meet your visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment in a registered course.
For specific advice about your visa, please contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent/lawyer.
Students studying in designated regional areas may have access to additional visa-related benefits under current government settings.
Lower cost of living compared to major cities
Strong employment opportunities in growing regional economies
As visa regulations can change, students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
We provide comprehensive support services for international students:
Academic support and tutoring
Career services and employment assistance
Student welfare and counselling
Accommodation assistance
Orientation programs for new students
Support with understanding student visa conditions and compliance requirements