Master of Counselling

Course Details

The Master of Counselling, a Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) accredited program, aims to develop essential clinical competencies, foster reflective awareness and provide a sound theoretical foundation for a career as a professional counsellor. The degree which integrates contemporary counselling theory, research and practice, contextualised within a Christian worldview and a mental health framework, develops counsellors who understand the personal, cultural, relational, psychological, social and spiritual domains of human experience and functioning, who are professionally and ethically informed, who will be sensitive to the diversity and uniqueness of individuals, families, and communities, and who will value and promote the dignity, potential and well-being of all people. Further, the degree emphasises reflective practice - thoughtful, discerning and compassionate engagement with contemporary mental health issues, resulting in graduates able to work across a range of populations within both secular and non-secular settings (e.g. counselling agencies, welfare organisations, community centres, schools/educational institutions, etc.) including private practice. The course is designed for those wanting to train to become a professional counsellor, graduating with an industry-recognised and industry-accredited Masters of Counselling.

Qualification: Master Degree (By Coursework)

Course structure: The Master of Counselling comprises 16 units of study totalling 96 credit points. It includes the following units: Counselling Practice I, II, III and IV; Practicum I and II; Counselling Theories and Models, Development and Diversity, Ethical Issues and Practice, Introduction to Grief Counselling, Introduction to Trauma-informed Counselling, Mental Health Issues in Adulthood, Relational Dynamics and Research I and II. Students also complete one of the following electives: Introduction to Group Work, Introduction to Couples Work, Introduction to Working with Children and Young People, Introduction to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Christianity and Counselling, Introduction to Chronic & Complex Trauma or Special Topic in Counselling [rotating electives]. The course is offered as a two-year full-time course or as a four-year part-time course.

Students complete professional supervision requirements as part of the course.