Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited by both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), this course is taught by respected therapist academics working in the field.
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is a nested suite of study integrating the Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma. It is the only course of its kind to offer students comprehensive placement support under the guidance of a full time placement coordinator, including sourcing placement opportunities and providing intensive in house supervision in order to meet the PACFA and ACA requirements of membership.
This program offers students a strongly experiential immersion in the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy in order to provide a concentrated, practice-oriented training and learning experience. Students in the Master’s program also produce a major research project under supportive supervision, in order to give them an opportunity to contribute to learning in the field.
| Location: Hawthorn East | Intake: Semester 1 each year |
| Delivery: Full Time and Part Time | Fees: Fee information can be found here |
| Duration: 2 Years Full Time or 3 – 4 Years Part Time | FEE-HELP: Yes |
| CRICOS Course Code: 092969C |
Course Duration and Structure
This two year full time, or four year part time program, consists of 200 credit points. Students undertake a total of 16 units of study consisting of twelve coursework units (150 credit points or 75%), two placement units (25 credit points or 12.5%) and two research units (25 credit points or 12.5%).
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy includes a nested suite of study. Full time students enrolled in the program must successfully complete both the Graduate Diploma and the Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy in the first year, before commencing the Master’s units in the second year.
| Year One | |
| CPc1 | Psychotherapeutic Theories and Models |
| CPc2 | Clinical Techniques and Interventions |
| CPc3 | Interpersonal Processes in Psychotherapy |
| CPc4 | Facilitating Therapeutic Change |
| DPc1 | Brief Integrative Psychotherapy |
| DPc2 | Ethics and Professional Development |
| DPc3 | Counselling Placement |
| DPc4 | Treatment Planning and Psychopathology |
| Year Two | |
| MPc1 | Research Project & Methods |
| MPc2 | Research Project (Final Thesis) |
| MPc4 | Counselling Placement |
| MPc6 | Existential Psychotherapy |
| MPc7 | Key Competencies in Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy |
| MPc8 | Cognitive Behavioural Therapy |
| MPc9 | Relationship and Marital Therapy |
| MPc10 | Trauma Therapy |
Admission Criteria
An Australian undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in teaching, social work, social sciences, psychology or counselling with at least credit (60%) average and relevant professional experience, and successful completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy with at least (70%) average.
For entry into the course, students are required to submit an application through the Apply Now page, with certified or original scanned copies of the following supporting documentation:
- Most recent academic transcripts
- A current curriculum vitae
- A 500 word personal statement outlining what factors have contributed to the application
- Proof of residency/citizenship (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate)
- Two references, preferably with at least one academic, using the online HODSPA reference system. A guide on how to use the system is available here.
Successful applications will be invited to attend an interview with members of the School Teaching Faculty, providing students the opportunity to discuss any questions they have about the proposed course of study.
Recognition of Prior Learning
A student cannot be granted recognition of prior learning (RPL) in relation to previous professional experience. Credit or partial credit cannot be granted in recognition of knowledge or skills gained through work or life experience.
Graduate Learning Outcomes
- The ability to understand and practice within the PACFA Code of Ethics and Professional Guideline.
- A high level of verbal and professional communication skills.
- Research skills and analysis of data.
- The capacity to relate in a facilitative way.
- Understanding and capacity for human relatedness.
- An awareness of the impact of the self on others within ethical guidelines and frameworks.
- The capacity to be self-reflective and learn from experience.
- The skills to undertake suicide risk assessment and management.
- Alternative modes of working with clients, including telephone and real-time internet, incorporating potential security and confidentiality issues.
- Knowledge and integration of the range of human diversity.
- Understand the impact of gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, class, religion and ethnicity on therapy
- Respect and acknowledgement of indigenous history.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment in a variety of settings including the health professions, rehabilitation providers, human resource management, child protection, family support counselling and private practice.
Professional Recognition
The course is accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Graduates of the program will be eligible to be listed on the PACFA register as Intern, Provisional or Clinical member depending on their professional experience.