Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Counselling offers you the opportunity to delve deeply into the world of professional counselling, combining rigorous academic training with practical, hands-on experience. This program emphasises professional integrity and vocational readiness, preparing you for accreditation and diverse roles in schools, community organisations, and healthcare settings. You'll learn to apply counselling skills with compassion, aiming to enhance the quality of life for those you support. Designed with flexibility in mind, this course allows you to balance your studies with your current commitments, as you pursue your passion for helping others. AC's Master of Counselling is designed to produce graduates who can apply integrated technical and theoretical concepts in a counselling context from a Christian worldview, as well as embody integrity, professional knowledge and social skills, making a positive contribution to society.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Hobart

45 Melville Street, HOBART, TAS 7000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

AQF Level 9 qualification (Master Degree)
IELTS 6.5 (for international students)
Languages of Instruction: English
CRICOS Code: 108386B (for international students)
Students will be required to participate in individual and group supervision as part of this course
Students will be required to attend a minimum 166 hours of face-to-face learning, in addition to 100 hours of face-to-face work-integrated learning (professional practice), which includes 40 hours of client contact
Students who are unable to attend one of AC's campuses are encouraged to contact the Program Director to discuss options for completing the minimum face-to-face components

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Counselling may find employment as counsellors across a range of professional and educational contexts, not-for-profit, and mission-focused organisations, or in chaplaincy positions, community service-orientated positions, and positions that require research skills and critical thinking. Specific roles include: Accredited Counsellor (working in areas such as schools, community work, career development); Community or Case Worker (supporting individuals and groups within community settings); Family Support Counsellor (assisting families in navigating challenges and accessing resources); Support Work Professional (working in areas such as youth, health, women, disability, children, migration, and refugees); Mental Health Practitioner (providing counselling to people accessing support from health care, aged care, youth and disability services). Graduates are eligible to seek recognition as registered Counsellors in Australia.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Counselling Association (ACA) / PACFA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACA / PACFA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units41 units

SSC400

Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods (former RES401 Postgraduate Research and Writing)

ACA401

Faith and Purpose (former THE401 Christian Worldview)

SSC410

Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing

SSC413

Interpersonal Communication Skills (former SSC412 Counselling Practice I)

SSC510

Human Lifespan Development

SSC521

Foundations of Professional Practice (former SSC514 Counselling Practice II)

SSC516

Mental Health

SSC517

Applied Counselling Theories

SSC519

Professional Accountability

SSC522

Ethical and Professional Issues (former SSC520 Professional Considerations)

SSC535

Culturally and Socially Diverse Practice

SSC500

Professional Practice – Counselling

SSC531

Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology

SSC536

Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Therapies

SSC470

Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing

SSC565

Mentoring, Coaching, and Supervising in People Helping Contexts

SSC548

Trauma Informed Practice II

SSC534

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

SSC537

Working with Addictions

SSC538

Working with Relationships

SSC539

Working with Children and Young People

SSC540

Engaging Families

SSC550

Trauma Informed Counselling I

SSC551

Trauma Informed Counselling II

SSC560

Supervision of People Helpers

SSC561

Professional Accountability for Supervisors

SSC562

Professional Supervision in Practice

SSC563

Professional Supervision

SSC522

Ethical and Professional Issues

SSC512

Grief and Loss

SSC411

Case Management

SSC413

Interpersonal Communication Skills

SSC447

Trauma Informed Practice I

SSC461

Introduction to Professional Supervision

SSC511

Principles of Psychology

SSC400

Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods

SSC513

Social Identity in Australia

SSC515

Group and Community Work

SSC518

Working with Trauma

SSC521

Foundations of Professional Practice

RES500

Independent Guided Research

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which professional bodies accredit the Master of Counselling at Alphacrucis?

The Master of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the Christian Counsellors Association Australia (CCAA), and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), with accreditation until 2028 (TEQSA). These accreditations ensure graduates are recognised for their professional competence and pave the way for professional support in the counselling profession wherever they choose to practice.

Are there mandatory face-to-face or placement requirements for this course?

Yes. Students will be required to participate in individual and group supervision as part of this course, attend a minimum of 166 hours of face-to-face learning, and complete 100 hours of face-to-face work-integrated learning (professional practice), which includes 40 hours of client contact. Students who are unable to attend one of AC's campuses are encouraged to contact the Program Director to discuss options for completing the minimum face-to-face components.

How long does the Master of Counselling take to complete?

The Master of Counselling takes 2 years full-time or up to 4 years part-time. The course consists of 16 subjects totalling 150 credit points (12 core subjects worth 120 credit points and 3 specialisation subjects worth 30 credit points).

What study modes and locations are available for the Master of Counselling?

The course is available via Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face, Online Intensive, and Live Intensive modes. Study locations include Online and Sydney (where some subjects are available on campus — students should check the timetable to confirm location and mode). Intakes are available in March (Semester 1), August (Semester 2), and November (Summer).

What are the fees for the Master of Counselling and is FEE-HELP available?

The fee is $3,150 per subject, and FEE-HELP is available to eligible domestic students. The course comprises 16 subjects in total.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Mental Health CounsellorYouth Counsellor / School CounsellorFamily and Relationship CounsellorDrug and Alcohol Counsellor (AOD Counsellor)Trauma Counsellor

Key Skills

Active listening and reflective communicationBuilding therapeutic rapport and trust with clientsApplying counselling theories and frameworks (CBT, person-centred, psychodynamic, narrative)Crisis intervention and risk assessmentTrauma-informed and culturally safe practice

Full Course Overview

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