Master of Counselling
Course code O18
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About this Course
Are you passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and supporting their wellbeing?
ECU’s Master of Counselling equips you with the knowledge, skills and experience to work effectively as a professional counsellor across diverse settings. You’ll learn to engage clients through a person-centred approach, while exploring a range of counselling theories and techniques including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and humanistic models.
You’ll also study specialist areas such as counselling children and adolescents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, counselling in a digital world, mental health, and trauma-informed practice. Along the way, you’ll examine the ethical and professional issues counsellors face, particularly in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly digital environment.
Practical learning is at the heart of this course. You’ll complete 220 hours of professional placement in an agency setting, including supervised practice. Here you’ll plan, implement and evaluate counselling sessions, collaborate within interprofessional teams, and reflect on your own practice developing the confidence and competence you’ll need to practice as a counsellor.
By graduation, you’ll be prepared to deliver flexible, ethical and culturally responsive counselling to individuals, families and communities.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code
O18Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $26,000
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Duration
Students will study 40 credit points per trimester over 2 years or part-time equivalent.
See Course Details for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Early closing date
This course has an early closing date for applications for Semester 1. To avoid disappointment, we recommend you apply by this date: 15/11/2025.
About this Course
Are you passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and supporting their wellbeing?
ECU’s Master of Counselling equips you with the knowledge, skills and experience to work effectively as a professional counsellor across diverse settings. You’ll learn to engage clients through a person-centred approach, while exploring a range of counselling theories and techniques including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and humanistic models.
You’ll also study specialist areas such as counselling children and adolescents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, counselling in a digital world, mental health, and trauma-informed practice. Along the way, you’ll examine the ethical and professional issues counsellors face, particularly in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly digital environment.
Practical learning is at the heart of this course. You’ll complete 220 hours of professional placement in an agency setting, including supervised practice. Here you’ll plan, implement and evaluate counselling sessions, collaborate within interprofessional teams, and reflect on your own practice developing the confidence and competence you’ll need to practice as a counsellor.
By graduation, you’ll be prepared to deliver flexible, ethical and culturally responsive counselling to individuals, families and communities.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code
O18CRICOS code
118888HEntry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,000
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Duration
Students will study 40 credit points per trimester over 2 years or part-time equivalent.
See Course Details for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT | |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Early closing date
This course has an early closing date for applications for Semester 1. To avoid disappointment, we recommend you apply by this date: 15/11/2025.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to submit an academic transcript, two referee reports, and a personal statement about motivations to complete the course, and attend an interview.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to submit an academic transcript, two referee reports, and a personal statement about motivations to complete the course, and attend an interview.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU6571 | Foundations of Counselling Practice | 20 |
| COU6572 | Theories and Techniques in Counselling | 20 |
| COU6573 | The Role of the Counsellor | 20 |
| Students can exit with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling following successful completion of the above three units. | ||
| COU6574 | Ethics and Counselling Practice | 20 |
| COU6575 | Counselling in a Digital World | 20 |
| COU6576 | Mental Health Counselling | 20 |
| COU6577 | Trauma-Informed Counselling | 20 |
| COU6578 | Counselling at the Cultural Interface: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Practice | 20 |
| COU6579 | Child and Adolescent Counselling | 20 |
| COU6580 | Advanced Theories and Techniques in Counselling | 20 |
| COU6581 | Professional Field Placement | 40 |
O18|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
This course will be completed in a trimester format.
-
The final unit of this course requires students to engage in a Professional Field Placement, providing an opportunity for the student to receive supervised practice in an agency setting. Aimed at developing the full identity and competence of the counsellor, students will be required to plan, implement and evaluate counselling sessions, collaborate as part of an inter professional team, engage reflectively in supervision and adhere to agency protocols, policies and procedures.
Attendance requirements
Students are expected to meet professional standards of punctuality, dependability and responsibility, with a compulsory attendance requirement of no less than 80%.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students will be required to apply for and supply current Working with Children Check (WWCC) cards and police clearances as part of their eligibility to enroll in the Professional Field Placement unit
Professional practice rules
These will be defined by the agencies in which the students attend for their placements.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply high-level interpersonal skills in order to collaborate in interprofessional practice.
- Apply professional and technical skills to design, implement, and evaluate counselling interventions across a range of different modalities.
- Communicate in an ethical and culturally responsive manner in professional practice.
- Critically analyse and apply a complex body of theoretical knowledge and skills based practice in the discipline of counselling.
- Engage in high level self-management and reflective practice to monitor professional functioning and implement strategies for ongoing development as a professional.
- Investigate and employ the ethical and legal frameworks relevant to counselling in a range of professional contexts.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU6571 | Foundations of Counselling Practice | 20 |
| COU6572 | Theories and Techniques in Counselling | 20 |
| COU6573 | The Role of the Counsellor | 20 |
| Students can exit with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling following successful completion of the above three units. | ||
| COU6574 | Ethics and Counselling Practice | 20 |
| COU6575 | Counselling in a Digital World | 20 |
| COU6576 | Mental Health Counselling | 20 |
| COU6577 | Trauma-Informed Counselling | 20 |
| COU6578 | Counselling at the Cultural Interface: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Practice | 20 |
| COU6579 | Child and Adolescent Counselling | 20 |
| COU6580 | Advanced Theories and Techniques in Counselling | 20 |
| COU6581 | Professional Field Placement | 40 |
O18|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
This course will be completed in a trimester format.
-
The final unit of this course requires students to engage in a Professional Field Placement, providing an opportunity for the student to receive supervised practice in an agency setting. Aimed at developing the full identity and competence of the counsellor, students will be required to plan, implement and evaluate counselling sessions, collaborate as part of an inter professional team, engage reflectively in supervision and adhere to agency protocols, policies and procedures.
Attendance requirements
Students are expected to meet professional standards of punctuality, dependability and responsibility, with a compulsory attendance requirement of no less than 80%.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students will be required to apply for and supply current Working with Children Check (WWCC) cards and police clearances as part of their eligibility to enroll in the Professional Field Placement unit
Professional practice rules
These will be defined by the agencies in which the students attend for their placements.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply high-level interpersonal skills in order to collaborate in interprofessional practice.
- Apply professional and technical skills to design, implement, and evaluate counselling interventions across a range of different modalities.
- Communicate in an ethical and culturally responsive manner in professional practice.
- Critically analyse and apply a complex body of theoretical knowledge and skills based practice in the discipline of counselling.
- Engage in high level self-management and reflective practice to monitor professional functioning and implement strategies for ongoing development as a professional.
- Investigate and employ the ethical and legal frameworks relevant to counselling in a range of professional contexts.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $26,000 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Counselling are prepared for professional roles across a wide range of community, health and human services. Counsellors support individuals, families and groups to address issues such as grief and loss, difficulties in relationships, addiction support, trauma recovery and child & adolescent wellbeing. Employment opportunities exist in areas such as schools, universities, community organisations, health and mental health services, family support services, and government or not-for-profit agencies. Many graduates also choose to establish their own private practice, offering specialist counselling services tailored to the needs of their clients.
Possible future job titles
Counsellor, Mental Health Counsellor, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, Family and Relationship Counsellor, School Counsellor, Trauma Counsellor, Addiction Counsellor, Grief and Loss Counsellor, Youth Counsellor, Online/Digital Counsellor
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $39,000 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Counselling are prepared for professional roles across a wide range of community, health and human services. Counsellors support individuals, families and groups to address issues such as grief and loss, difficulties in relationships, addiction support, trauma recovery and child & adolescent wellbeing. Employment opportunities exist in areas such as schools, universities, community organisations, health and mental health services, family support services, and government or not-for-profit agencies. Many graduates also choose to establish their own private practice, offering specialist counselling services tailored to the needs of their clients.
Possible future job titles
Counsellor, Mental Health Counsellor, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, Family and Relationship Counsellor, School Counsellor, Trauma Counsellor, Addiction Counsellor, Grief and Loss Counsellor, Youth Counsellor, Online/Digital Counsellor
Need some help deciding what to study?
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Quick guide to uni-speak
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The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Master of Counselling?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.