Course overview
In a noisy world that is complex, uncertain and constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that there are people who can listen.
The number of full-time counsellors continues to grow, and counselling skills are becoming increasingly relevant in other professions, such as nursing, social work, teaching and other community-based roles.
If you are passionate about making a difference to individuals, families and communities, ECU’s online Master of Counselling will give you tools that you can apply to a range of settings.
ECU's online Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and will develop your capabilities in working with individuals and communities in a way that emphasises cultural awareness and person-centred approaches. You will learn how to translate and deliver counselling across modalities, as well as develop key practices to continue your own development.
You will also benefit from the opportunity to put your skills into practice on placement.
Why study a Master of Counselling with ECU Online?
Accessible, flexible and accelerated
Study anywhere, anytime with our flexible online format. Our course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner.
Fully supported
Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff.
Job ready skills, relevant to industry
Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities
Professional recognition
Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
What you will learn
Gain skills to effectively adapt to the field as it expands across the digital realm. Understand how theories and techniques of counselling can be translated and adapted for delivery across a range of modalities to connect with and support people in unique and far-reaching ways.
Learn how to walk alongside individuals in a process that values difference, supports self-discovery, builds on unique strengths and recognises the interrelationships between individuals, communities and social structures as important platforms for healing.
Learn the skills and abilities needed to work in the community and actively promote a positive sense of identity, culture and heritage, with particular emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and practice.
Engage in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice to gain a deeper understanding of the self, and how this interplays with the therapeutic process, personal growth and ongoing professional development.
What you will study
The course has 12 units of study made up as follows:
- Ten core units
- Professional field placement (equivalent to two units)
- Foundations of Counselling Practice (Graduate Certificate)
- Theories and Techniques in Counselling (Graduate Certificate)
- The Role of the Counsellor (Graduate Certificate)
- Ethics and Counselling Practice
- Counselling in a Digital World
- Trauma Informed Counselling
- Child and Adolescent Counselling
- Counselling at the Cultural Interface: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Practice
- Mental Health Counselling
- Advanced Theories and Techniques in Counselling
- Professional Field Placement
Students will undergo 220 hours of professional placement with an approved organisation, including a minimum of 60 hours client contact, in which there is 16 hours of supervision. Professional placement can involve individual, group or couple counselling face-to-face or from a distance (online/remote). This provides you with the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a supervised setting.
The Placement Team works on behalf of students to source placements; however, please note students in rural or remote locations may need to assist with securing a placement (or be flexible on travel and location of placement). Students undergoing a placement will also require satisfactory completion of a Working With Children Check and National Police Check, and many agencies will require an interview with students prior to starting.
NOTE: It is anticipated that students will need to travel for the three-day intensive and placement component of the course. Both components will be held in Australia. The three-day intensive location is yet to be decided, but there will likely be an option of both Perth and an East Coast location. Students may also be required to travel to their nearest capital city to complete the placement component of this degree. Contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors to discuss your circumstances.
Course information
Admission requirements
- Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy (with preference given to degrees relating to 'helping professions') OR Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
- A personal statement about motivations to complete the course.
- Submission of academic transcript, two referee reports and an online interview.
- English Language requirements (Band 4).
Students looking to enter the Graduate Certificate of Counselling are required to submit documentation covering points one and four. Points two and three are covered during the Graduate Certificate component of the course.
Entry via nested qualification
Usually, if you successfully complete a Graduate Certificate, you can progress to the Masters by coursework degree.
Not sure if this course is right for you?
Get personalised course advice before you apply
Pathway to further study
If your plans change, we are here to help with flexible entry and exit points. If you need to exit early, you could still receive a Graduate Certificate of Counselling after completing three units. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate of Counselling can continue into the Master of Counselling with the first three units credited.
Graduate Certificate
3 units
or continue studying
Master Degree
+9 units
Frequently asked questions
Yes, completing ECU's Online Master of Counselling will empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to begin a career as a counsellor.
You can find more information about the career opportunities for counsellors on our blog.
Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
The three-day intensive location is yet to be decided, but there will likely be an option of both Perth and an East Coast location. Please reach out to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors if you would like to discuss your circumstances.
No, our Master of Counselling does not include specialisations. We provide you with skills across a broad range of relevant disciplines to enable you to begin your career as a counsellor.
Yes, there are placements in our Master of Counselling.
You can find the most frequently asked questions about the counselling placement on our blog.
Virtual classrooms are held fortnightly. They are highly recommended for all students but are mandatory for those students taking the Graduate Certificate of Counselling units (COU6501, COU6502, COU6503). They are usually recorded for students who cannot attend.
Still have questions?
Download a course guide or speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor. Our team can assist you with:
- Eligibility & enrolment enquiries
- Course duration & fees
- Flexible entry & study pathways
- How online study will fit with your schedule
