Master of Counselling

The Master of Counselling from Monash University is a professional qualification to prepare students for careers as skilled counsellors.

Title: Master of Counselling
Provider: Monash University
Campus Locations: Clayton (Victoria), Online (Australia only)

About

The program includes evidence-based theory and practical skills. You'll learn to work with individuals, families, and groups across diverse settings.

Students complete 200 hours of professional experience, including 100 hours of client contact, under the supervision of experienced practitioners. Key units cover cognitive-behavioural therapies, ethics, trauma counselling, and contemporary counselling methods.

Flexible entry pathways accommodate students with varying qualifications and experience. The course duration is 1, 1.5, or 2 years full-time, depending on prior studies and professional background.

Provider

Monash University is one of Australia’s leading universities, known for a focus on research and professional training. The Faculty of Education offers the Master of Counselling with a curriculum to meet Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and PACFA accreditation standards.

Key Takeaways

• Duration: 1, 1.5, or 2 years full-time, depending on prior qualifications.
• Supervised professional placement includes 200 hours of experience, split between client contact and non-client hours.
• Accredited by ACA and PACFA, ensuring eligibility for professional membership.
• Online students must attend a compulsory three-day intensive on the Clayton campus.
• Entry requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 65% average; additional experience or related qualifications can reduce study time.

Course Structure

The course has three main components: Orientation to Counselling, Expert Studies in Counselling Practice, and Specialist Counselling Practice.

Orientation to Counselling introduces counselling theory, foundational skills, and ethics. Units include lifespan development, counselling for change, and evidence-based practices.

Expert Studies covers advanced techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapies, trauma and grief counselling, and working with families and groups. Students also complete two supervised placement units.

Specialist Practice offers options for further expertise or research. Units include diversity in counselling, telehealth, and career counselling. Alternatively, students can take research-focused units to prepare for further academic study.

Refer to the course page for further details.

Why This Degree Is Worthwhile

This course provides a direct pathway to professional counselling roles. It equips students with in-demand skills like evidence-based interventions, ethical decision-making, and client-centred approaches.

Placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The supervision ensures confidence and competence in addressing varied client needs.

Accreditation with ACA and PACFA makes graduates eligible for memberships that enhance credibility and career opportunities in counselling.

How Online Study Works

The online mode is available to domestic students living in Australia. It combines flexible online delivery with interactive learning tools for theory-based units.

Students attend a compulsory three-day intensive at the Clayton campus to complete practical components for one unit. This allows online learners to gain essential face-to-face training.

Placement options are managed through Monash’s counselling placement team. Students can self-source placements locally, with guidance to meet the program's requirements.

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