Master of Counselling Online | University of Canberra

Master of Counselling Course highlights

Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Adviser
Online and accelerated
Apply knowledge and skills immediately
Develop industry-relevant skills
Start anytime – intakes are open every 2 months

Overview

Whether helping others cope with crisis, put challenges into perspective or find a life worth living, guide the way and practise respectful and inclusive counselling. The Master of Counselling consists of research-led content that is delivered via supported and interactive teaching, while allowing students to undertake experiential learning. Students will work closely with clinical supervisors while undertaking placement units.

Download a brochure

QUICK FACTS

12 units | 7 weeks each
2 years part-time*
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct
$3,412.50 per unit^, FEE-HELP available
*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information. ^2025 indicative fees are listed here. Find out more on our Fees page.

Master of Counselling student smiling

The University of Canberra is an ambitious university for ambitious people.

The University takes pride in designing online courses that are practical, supported and accelerated. Our courses are truly flexible and inclusive, ensuring you are connected to an inspiring community of teachers and learners anywhere, anytime.

icon-skills
#1 in Canberra for overall experience, skill development and student support.¹

icon-skills
UC is #5 in Australia for overall employment.²

Download a brochure

¹Good University Guide 2024 ²Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023

Learning outcomes

Human diversity, inclusion and respect
Learn the factors that influence cultural diversity to be able to provide respectful counselling support to individuals across Australia.
ACA accredited
The course is recognised as a professional qualification in counselling and accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), in line with their Professional Training Standards.
Supported experiential practice
Students will have opportunities to use the skills acquired in the course in practical settings, with supervision from clinical experts and support from peers.

Graduate Certificate

Description of the Course + 4 Number of units or continue studying

Graduate Diploma

All units from the Graduate Certificate + 4 Diploma units or continue studying

Master of Health Services Management

All subjects from the Graduate Certificate + 8 subjects from the Master of Health Services Management

Fee assistance

Some students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP official page loan scheme.

Visit our fees page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and pay. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a course.

Frequently Asked Questions

As it is important that students attend tutorials whenever they can, our academics deliver live tutorials across the week at times designed to suit student's busy lives. Tutorials are recorded so they can be watched anytime, anywhere.

Our Master of Counselling course is recognised as a professional qualification in counselling and accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), in line with their Professional Training Standards. ACA has a primary objective of registering counsellors and psychotherapists to ensure the public has access to appropriately trained professionals who are accountable and meet self-regulating industry standards. As counselling isn't legally regulated, your professional accreditation will help to provide security and peace of mind for your clients.

One of the means by which ACA ensures practitioners meet appropriate standards is by ensuring they have appropriate training. Therefore, the five-day intensive workshop is made compulsory to ensure your ACA accreditation. This is a great opportunity to meet and work with your colleagues face to face. You will enjoy a small on-campus experience and have access to University accommodation.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer RPL – work experience that is deemed equivalent to study – due to our ACA-alignment. You need to learn the exact content required for you to attain your ACA accreditation. Having said that, credit may be granted for prior study as deemed equivalent by the University. This is determined on a case by case basis. You can read about our credit transfer policy here.

When you’re connected to the University, you’re connected to an inspiring community of teachers and learners in our nation’s capital. We have created forums for you to interact and network with other students, which you can access within your online learning environment. We’ve invested in online learning to make it intuitive, user-friendly, straightforward and seamless. The result is a postgraduate experience with the same quality of education and connection with students as traditional on-campus study.

In exceptional circumstances it may be possible for the University to approve a placement greater than 2-3 days per week, however this is dependent on the availability within your placement agency and cannot be guaranteed. Please consider this will have an impact on your assessment and support in the unit. Also note that as placement is tied to a unit, this will not have any impact on the finishing date of the unit itself.

Absolutely. With UC's online Master of Counselling, you will gain practical skills recognised by industry experts - preparing you to make a real impact in the growing field of mental healthcare. UC's Master of Counselling course equips you with the tools and strategies to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

With a Master of Counselling from UC, you're equipped to undertake a range of fulfilling roles in mental health and wellbeing. Whether you aspire to work as a counsellor, therapist, mental health advocate, community support worker, or organisational consultant, our comprehensive program prepares you to excel in various settings. You'll develop the skills to provide respectful and inclusive counselling support, enabling you to guide individuals through challenges and empower them to lead fulfilling lives.

The demand for qualified counsellors in Australia is steadily increasing, driven by heightened awareness of mental health issues and the importance of seeking professional support. According to projections, job opportunities in counselling are expected to grow substantially in the coming years. UC's Master of Counselling ensures you're well-prepared to meet this growing demand, with industry-relevant skills, practical experience, and professional accreditation.

UC's Master of Counselling is designed to be completed in as little as two years, offering an accelerated online format that allows you to progress efficiently while maintaining a flexible study schedule. Each unit is seven weeks long, enabling you to dive deep into relevant topics and immediately apply your learning in real-world contexts. With intakes available every two months, you can start your journey toward a rewarding counselling career at a time that suits you best.

For detailed information on tuition fees, please contact our admissions team directly. We're committed to providing accessible and affordable education options.

A Master of Counselling is an advanced degree program that goes beyond theoretical knowledge to provide practical skills and experiential learning opportunities essential for effective counselling practice. UC's program focuses on human diversity, inclusion, and respect, ensuring graduates are equipped to provide culturally sensitive and respectful support to clients from diverse backgrounds. Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), UC's Master of Counselling is recognised as a professional qualification that aligns with industry standards and expectations.

With a Master's in Counselling from UC, you have a wide range of career opportunities available to you. Graduates may pursue roles as counsellors, therapists, mental health advocates, community support workers, or organisational consultants. UC's program prepares you for success in various settings, including private practice, healthcare organisations, schools, community centres, and government agencies. With industry-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and professional accreditation, you'll be well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in the field of mental healthcare.