Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or higher, an overseas equivalent, or recent relevant professional experience.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or higher, an overseas equivalent, or recent relevant professional experience. English language requirements must also be met.
- Up to 6 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
At the heart of a career in counselling is a desire to help others. Build on the skills acquired in your previous degree or professional experience with UNE's accredited, flexibly delivered Master of Counselling. Underpinned by a humanistic philosophy that focuses on the person rather than the symptoms, our course equips you to support people in need with practical skills and advanced knowledge. Future proof your career as a registered counsellor, able to engage in professional, reflexive counselling practice in an environment of genuineness, acceptance, caring, compassion and empathy.
Why study the Master of Counselling with UNE?
Counsellors provide support to people of all ages who are experiencing challenges in their lives. Whether you are new to the profession or seeking to expand your current knowledge and skills, UNE’s Master of Counselling offers an integrative approach, with professional training and supervision that equips you with advanced knowledge and skills to enable you to work collaboratively with your clients, and create environments that facilitate personal insight, change and growth.
Our course is underpinned and informed by a Humanistic and Existential philosophical framework that deals with questions of meaning and freedom, grapples with what it means to be human, and emphasises the value of individual and collective agency.
Develop your skills in counselling, supervision and health and social research. Learn about the theories and concepts that underpin common research approaches to ensure that you have the right foundation to identify and select appropriate methods to answer particular research questions. You will also gain an in depth understanding of the processes that guide research design and practice. The course provides a pathway to UNE's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), if you are interested in pursuing further research.
What makes our course different?
At UNE, we have been preparing students for a rich career in counselling for over 25 years. Our long established, specialist master’s course is taught by passionate and experienced academics and practitioners, ensuring that you gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for contemporary, interdisciplinary, person-centred practice in the rapidly changing world of health and social care. With a focus on humanistic counselling approaches that require a commitment on the part of the counsellor to connect with others and explore what happens when those connections are made, you might find the learning experience of this course different to what you have experienced in the past.
Counsellor training requires independent, self-directed and reflexive learning. Our aim in this course is to provide you with the same growth-promoting learning environment that you will create for your clients. We support your development as a skilled professional, ready to respond to the challenges you may face in practice with emotional and psychological agility. Engagement with your teachers and peers throughout will assist to deepen your understanding of the humanistic approach to counselling, fostering genuineness, acceptance, caring, compassion and empathy. This course gives you opportunities to:
- Equip yourself with professional training in a range of specialisations. Core units of the course include supervision theory and practice, and focus on giving you the skills and knowledge required to support people of all ages dealing with a range of issues including life transitions and relationships, addiction, abuse, mental health, and many other areas of health and wellbeing.
- Choose your own pathway, with options for the Generalist Counselling Pathway, the Mental Health Practice Pathway or the Counselling Placement Pathway which includes 40 hours of face-to-face counselling, 10 hours of clinical supervision and 150 hours of agency-based activities.
- Gain real research experience — UNE’s Master of Counselling includes a capstone research project, undertaken in your last trimester of study, where you choose a specialised area of counselling to investigate independently. With a collaborative approach and excellent support from your supervisor, you will produce a piece of professional research and demonstrate your skills in problem solving, critical thinking and analysis. If you wish, this can also be a pathway to further higher degree research in the School of Health.
- Study flexibly — at UNE, our counselling students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we know that you need to balance study with family, work and other commitments. Flexibility is the key to our online learning programs, and we offer options that allow you to study units across UNE's trimesters allowing you to tailor your program of study to your individual needs.
By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. When you choose UNE, you are setting yourself on a pathway to a rewarding future.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under eight admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling Major) from 2023 onwards.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed the UNE Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice or the UNE Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: You have completed the UNE Graduate Diploma in Counselling from 2015-2018.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Rule D Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule E: You have completed the UNE Graduate Diploma in Counselling from 2019-2020.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule E. Please see the Rule E Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule F: You have completed the UNE Graduate Diploma in Counselling from 2021 onwards.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule F. Please see the Rule F Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule G: You have completed a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8), Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8), Masters (AQF Level 9) or Doctorate qualification (AQF Level 10) (or overseas equivalents).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule G. Please see the Rule G Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule H: You have completed a minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience and training* within the past ten years.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule H. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant professional experience and training includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
- Care for the aged
- Care for the disabled
- Children’s services
- Community services
- Counselling
- Human resources
- Human welfare studies
- Life coaching
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pastoral care
- Psychology
- Residential client care
- Social work
- Teaching
- Welfare
- Youth work
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rules A or G you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule H you must provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- Rule B: You will be granted 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- Rule C: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- Rule D: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you are completing the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you are completing the Generalist Counselling Pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- Rule E: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathway and want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathway and do not want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Counselling Placement pathway and want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Counselling Placement Pathway and do not want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- Rule F: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathways and want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathway and do not want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Mental Health Practice pathway and want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you previously completed the Mental Health Practice pathway and do not wish to complete the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you previously completed the Counselling Placement pathway and want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Counselling Placement pathway and do not want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing. Unless specified, you cannot apply for Advanced Standing for units which are part of the qualification you used for admission.
- Rules A, G and H: You can apply for up to 36 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- Rule B: You can apply for up to a further 24 credit points based on units which are not part of your Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling major).
- Rules C, D, E and F: You can apply for up to a further 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Unless you receive 48 credit points of Course Entry Advanced Standing, you will be limited to a total of 36 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the unit HLTH554A Capstone Project.
This course is offered under eight admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling Major) from 2023 onwards.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed the UNE Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice or the UNE Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: You have completed the UNE Graduate Diploma in Counselling from 2015-2018.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Rule D Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule E: You have completed the UNE Graduate Diploma in Counselling from 2019-2020.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule E. Please see the Rule E Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule F: You have completed the UNE Graduate Diploma in Counselling from 2021 onwards.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule F. Please see the Rule F Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule G: You have completed a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8), Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8), Masters (AQF Level 9) or Doctorate qualification (AQF Level 10) (or overseas equivalents).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule G. Please see the Rule G Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule H: You have completed a minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience and training* within the past ten years.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule H. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant professional experience and training includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
- Care for the aged
- Care for the disabled
- Children’s services
- Community services
- Counselling
- Human resources
- Human welfare studies
- Life coaching
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pastoral care
- Psychology
- Residential client care
- Social work
- Teaching
- Welfare
- Youth work
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- If you are applying for admission under Rules A or G you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
- If you are applying for admission under Rule H you must provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- Rule B: You will be granted 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- Rule C: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- Rule D: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you are completing the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you are completing the Generalist Counselling Pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- Rule E: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathway and want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathway and do not want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Counselling Placement pathway and want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Counselling Placement Pathway and do not want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- Rule F: You will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathways and want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Generalist Counselling pathway and do not want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Mental Health Practice pathway and want to complete the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you previously completed the Mental Health Practice pathway and do not wish to complete the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Counselling Placement pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you previously completed the Counselling Placement pathway and want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway you will be granted a further 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you have previously completed the Counselling Placement pathway and do not want to complete the Generalist Counselling pathway or the Mental Health Practice pathway you will be granted a further 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing. Unless specified, you cannot apply for Advanced Standing for units which are part of the qualification you used for admission.
- Rules A, G and H: You can apply for up to 36 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- Rule B: You can apply for up to a further 24 credit points based on units which are not part of your Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling major).
- Rules C, D, E and F: You can apply for up to a further 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Unless you receive 48 credit points of Course Entry Advanced Standing, you will be limited to a total of 36 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the unit HLTH554A Capstone Project.
Course structure
The following units have mandatory intensive schools attached to them: HSCS435, HSCS533, HSCS536 and HSCS538.
HSCS441 has 200 hours of clinical field placement.
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points, including a minimum of 36 credit points at 500-level.
72 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (a), Rule (g) or Rule (h)48 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS533) – 6 credit points
- Case Conceptualisation (HSCS538) – 6 credit points
- Supervision Theory and Practice (HSCS550) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from ONE of the following approved Pathways:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
72 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (b)12 credit points
12 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who hold the 2023 - onwards, AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Psychological Science (Counselling Major) from UNE.- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
36 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS533) – 6 credit points
- Case Conceptualisation (HSCS538) – 6 credit points
- Supervision Theory and Practice (HSCS550) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from ONE of the following approved Pathways:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
72 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (c)24 credit points
24 credit points specified standing granted for candidates who hold the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice from UNE.- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS533) – 6 credit points
- Case Conceptualisation (HSCS538) – 6 credit points
- Supervision Theory and Practice (HSCS550) – 6 credit points
72 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (d)24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who hold the 2015-2018 AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from UNE.- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS533) – 6 credit points
- Supervision Theory and Practice (HSCS550) – 6 credit points
Candidates will be granted an additional 12-24 credit points specified advanced standing on the basis of the Approved Pathway completed.
Candidates admitted into the Mental Health Practice Pathway are not granted additional advanced standing.
12 credit points
An additional 12 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates completing the Counselling Placement Pathway.- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
An additional 24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have completed the Generalist Counselling Pathway under the 2015-2018 AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from UNE. Candidates completing the Generalist Counselling Pathway are only required to complete the 24 credit points of Core Units.- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- Case Conceptualisation (HSCS538) – 6 credit points
Complete 12-24 credit points from ONE of the following approved Pathways:
Candidates who have completed the Generalist Counselling Pathway under the 2015-2018 AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from UNE are not required to complete any additional units under the Master of Counselling Approved Pathways.
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
72 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (e)24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for students who have completed the 2019 - 2020 AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from UNE.- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS533) – 6 credit points
- Case Conceptualisation (HSCS538) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points specified advanced standing from the following units granted for candidates who have previously completed the Generalist Counselling Pathway and who wish to complete the Counselling Placement Pathway:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points specified advanced standing from the following units granted for candidates who have previously completed the Counselling Placement Pathway and wish to complete the Generalist Counselling Pathway:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who previously completed the Generalist Counselling Pathway and do not wish to complete either the Counselling Placement Pathway or the Mental Health Pathway- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have previously completed the Counselling Placement Pathway and do not wish to complete either the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Mental Health Practice Pathway, for HSCS441, and 12 credit points from the remaining units.- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- Supervision Theory and Practice (HSCS550) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from ONE of the following approved Pathways:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
72 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (f)24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who hold the 2021-onwards AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from UNE.- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS533) – 6 credit points
- Case Conceptualisation (HSCS538) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have previously completed the Generalist Counselling Pathway and who wish to complete the Counselling Placement Pathway.- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have previously completed the Mental Health Practice Pathway and who wish to complete the Counselling Placement Pathway.- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points specified advanced standing from the following list of units granted for candidates who have previously completed the Counselling Placement Pathway and wish to complete the Generalist Counselling Pathway:- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have previously completed the Generalist Counselling Pathway and do not wish to complete either the Counselling Placement Pathway or the Mental Health Practice Pathway.- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have previously completed the Counselling Placement Pathway and do not wish to complete either the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Mental Health Practice Pathway, for HSCS441 and 12 credit points from the remaining units. HSCS472, HSCS474, HSCS478 and HSCS536).- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
24 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates who have previously completed the Mental Health Practice Pathway and do not wish to complete either the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Counselling Placement Pathway.- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- Supervision Theory and Practice (HSCS550) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from ONE of the following approved Pathways:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441) – 12 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $27,568* |
| International | $31,432* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $8,941* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
The world of mental health and wellbeing in Australia is rapidly changing, and future growth of the sector is very strong. With UNE’s Master of Counselling, your advanced knowledge, adaptability, practical experience and research experience open a diverse range of opportunities in counselling, health care, education and human services.
Accredited counselling professionals are in demand across many specialty fields in the public, private and non-profit sectors, including:
- relationship and family counselling
- child and adolescent counselling
- trauma and grief counselling
- mental health counselling
- drug and alcohol rehabilitation
- career and student counselling
- health education and research.
UNE’s Master of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), a national peak association, and Australia's largest single registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists. On completion of your degree, you will be eligible to become a registered counsellor with the ACA.
Student membership with the ACA is available while undertaking the course, with professional membership eligibility after graduation. After graduating, should you continue to engage in ongoing professional development, you will also be eligible to be listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP), an independent national register of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate specialised, integrative theoretical knowledge and skill-based practice in the discipline of counselling;
- utilise contemporary research and evidence-based guidelines, together with a professional and integrated understanding of diverse client populations and the main theoretical approaches used, in order to best meet their needs;
- utilise codes of practice for counsellors and apply principles of ethico-legal practice to plan, implement, analyse and document ways of working with clients in complex situations, demonstrating respect for diversity;
- conduct a range of counselling sessions in a professional manner, demonstrating mastery of specialised knowledge, well-developed judgement and reflective practice skills, in order to best meet the needs of clients, groups and communities;
- engage reflexively in robust analysis of their case conceptualisation, counselling and supervision skills and develop a plan for ongoing supervision and professional development; and
- demonstrate the capacity to work collaboratively in inter-professional practice, to develop academic and research skills, and to communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will acquire advanced knowledge, experience and critical understanding of the professional practice and scholarship of this discipline from a culturally sensitive, global perspective.
- Communication Skills
Students will increase their English language proficiency through the holistic integration of verbal and written communication skills with academic, practice-based, specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Problem Solving
Students will develop their ability to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, to apply theory to practice in an integrative way, and to critically reflect on appropriate ways to support clients.
- Information Literacy
Students will increase their capacity to critically analyse and evaluate the sources and validity of information relevant to this discipline, their ability to think critically and evaluate complex ideas and experiences and the ability to design, and to implement research that contributes to professional practice or scholarship in this field.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Students will develop their capacity to critically analyse, reflect on and apply complex information in relation to ethical conduct and social responsibility expected by this discipline towards clients, colleagues, specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Lifelong Learning
Students will expand their capacity to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge, reflect critically on theory and professional practice, and to take responsibility and be accountable for personal and professional practice as a counsellor through self-reflexive practice.
- Independence and Collaboration
Students will develop and refine their skills, understanding and ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The three courses I have completed at UNE have been practical, skills based and informative. Currently, as a PhD student at UNE, my supervisors are wonderful mentors, wise and supportive.
Why study with us?
As postgraduate students, we are shaped to think and create, and empowered to make educated decisions that very well relate theory to practice. My journey has given me inner confidence.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
