Child and family counsellor Jacqueline Tow shared how her counselling master’s shaped her practice. "The course had an experiential focus, with individual therapy, group therapy, and paired role play," she said. "It recognised how important it is for us to do our own work as counsellors." Jacqueline also valued the clinical placements, adding, "We had the flexibility to choose placements based on our interests, and the support from the placement coordinator was incredible."
Senior Disability Adviser Mayanthi Dharmabandu describes her Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy as “the practical side I was looking for” after studying psychology. “The placement was 200 hours of face-to-face contact,” she explains, adding that it provided her with hands-on experience in individual and group settings. “It was really good experience because we worked with a range of different clients.” Mayanthi emphasises the value of placements in helping students prepare.
Why This Degree Is Worth It
A Masters of Counselling is a gateway to a rewarding career. It's for those passionate about helping others, offering personal fulfillment that comes from guiding clients towards peace and happiness. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to make a real difference in lives via talk-based therapy.
This degree is a smart career move. It’s your ticket to a professional salary, averaging around $92,500 per year, and enables you to qualify for ACA Level 3 membership. With time and experience, it also becomes a pathway to PACFA membership. These memberships aren't just letters after your name—they're your access pass to a vast range of counselling job opportunities across Australia.
In short, for those committed to aiding others' mental well-being, an online Masters in Counselling is more than worth it. It's a stepping stone to a financially stable, respected, and personally enriching career. By studying online, you gain the flexibility to balance education with other priorities.
Related: Online Counselling Courses and Degrees
Why It's the Best Qualification to Have
A Master's in Counselling is your strategic move for a thriving career. This advanced degree opens doors, allowing you to meet the educational and accreditation criteria many employers seek. It's your ticket to the full range of counselling jobs across the country.
In a competitive job market, employers set high standards. Job ads frequently call for relevant university qualifications, with some roles mandating a counselling degree and not just a graduate diploma or graduate certificate. Membership in ACA (Level 3) or PACFA is another common prerequisite, signalling to employers a strong professional and ethical standing.
A specialised masters is more than academic—it's your path to professional accreditation. The degree satisfies membership requirements of leading bodies: the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). These memberships are gold standards, often essential for high-paying positions.
With a counselling degree, you're not just educated—you're positioned. You're set on a clear, robust path toward industry recognition through ACA or PACFA accreditation, amplifying your career prospects.
Related: Best Online Masters Degrees in Australia
What Is a Counsellor vs a Psychologist?
Counsellors and psychologists, including counselling psychologists, may use talk therapy to help clients. The key difference is that a psychologist must complete specialised training in order to deal with serious mental health problems. A counsellor is more of a communication specialist.
As a counsellor, you will tend to focus on helping clients work through specific life challenges, such as grief, stress, or relationship issues. Counsellors employ empathetic listening and guidance to help clients develop coping strategies and improve their mental well-being. Requirements to be a counsellor can vary, but job recruiters usually set high standards, often expecting relevant degrees and memberships in professional associations.
On the other hand, a psychologist will have completed a rigorous, extensive education on the human mind. This includes a postgraduate degree and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Psychologists are able to diagnose mental health conditions and, as part of a mental health team, have access to an arsenal of therapies. They develop and manage treatment plans for clients with more severe or complex mental health disorders.