Counselling has developed substantially over the past decade. It is increasingly being recognised for its efficacy in practice, and for its more practical educational and therapeutic approach. This has positioned counselling as a more attractive career option than its more science- and statistics-based mental health peers.
Combined with our industry-leading support services and teaching methods, AE fully supports you in your study of advanced counselling topics to develop your skills as a counselling professional.
The Master of Counselling is designed and developed by Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC); Higher Education Provider Number: PRV12083, CRICOS Provider Code: 04095M. The course is being delivered through third party arrangements between Acknowledge Education(AE) and Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC).  AE delivers the course on behalf of AIPC.
The Master of Counselling teaches contemporary counselling topics and skills to an advanced level and is ideally suited to counsellors wanting to develop their knowledge and skills to a higher level, or professionals aspiring to pursue a career in this high-demand industry.
10 cores units plus 4 electives units. A trimester has a full-time study load of 3 units.
For units requiring on-campus learning, you attend 3 hours of lectures and tutorials per unit per week.
To support your on-campus learning, you are provided specifically written and easy-to-understand study materials, including study guide and readings, all purposefully designed to make your external studies as conducive to learning as possible.
You are provided with clear assessment instructions and guidelines, which are also accessible through our LMS (MOODLE). After completing your assessment, you upload it through MOODLE for marking.
The Online Library is also accessible through MOODLE, and provides you with easy access to counselling texts and resources to enhance your learning.
Some units require application of practical skills through role play. Role plays are conducted in tutorial sessions in a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
Core
MC01 Introduction to Counselling
MC02 Counselling Process
MC03 Counselling Skills
MC04 Ethics & Reflective Practice
MC05 Counselling & Human Development
MC06 Cognitive Behavioural Approaches
MC07 Collaborative & Competency-Based Approaches to Counselling
MC08 Assessment & Case Conceptualisation
MC09 Research Methods in Counselling
MC10 Counselling Placement & Capstone Project
Electives
MC11 Counselling Interventions for Crisis & Trauma
MC12 Family Therapy
MC13 Counselling Children & Adolescents
MC14 Counselling for Alcohol & Other Drugs
MC15 Counselling for Loss & Grief
MC16 Counselling for Couples
MC17 Counselling Skills for the Digital World
MC18 Mental Health Counselling
Please note that Acknowledge Education offers a wide range of units each trimester. Not all units are available every trimester.
After successful completion of all units, the Master of Counselling is awarded by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Pty Ltd (PRV12083).
Electives offered each trimester are at Acknowledge Education’s discretion and are completed online.
The Master of Counselling includes a work placement and capstone project where you undertake clinical practice in a work setting and complete a real-world counselling project. A counselling placement is essential in assisting the transition from application in a simulated setting to real practice. During your work placement, you will also complete a practical capstone project in a counselling environment. The practicum involves the completion of 12 hours work each week for 12 weeks along with 24 hours of individual counselling supervision with the workplace supervisor and group supervision by teleconference with the course lecturer.
Acknowledge Education has a network of community organisations and counselling practices for you to approach, or you are able to choose your own relevant agency. Acknowledge Education provides guidelines to students on how to approach agencies, assists with initial contact between you and the placement organisation, and follows up with you and the workplace supervisor regularly during the placement to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
The Australian Counselling Service (ACS) is the clinical counselling division of the Australian institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC). As a well-regarded provider of counselling education, AIPC established ACS to provide high-quality counselling services to clients from all backgrounds. ACS’s mission is to make quality mental health services available to everyone.
You can apply for entry to the Master of Counselling if you have successfully completed an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in any field
English Requirements
You must meet one of the following criteria:
You must also meet the following requirements before commencing fieldwork:
Please click here to view details.
The Master of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Australia’s leading industry association for Counsellors.
Graduates of AIPC’s Master of Counselling can apply for membership with the ACA. ACA members also have the opportunity to be listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).
Master of Counselling graduates are skilled to work in a diverse variety of mental health and community health settings, or to set up their own counselling practice. You’ll also be eligible to join the Australian Counselling Association, ensuring professional recognition of your qualification, as well as access to practice insurance.
Career options include:
There has never been a better time for you to invest in your counselling skills and knowledge. The need for Counsellors has never been greater.
In Australia, employment for counsellors has risen strongly in previous years and is expected to grow another 14.2% over the five years to 2026 (www. labourmarketinsights.gov.au, 2022).
Working as a Counsellor, you will be doing what you were born to do, while contributing to meeting the needs of your community. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping those around you.
Main industries for counselling in Australia
Sources: labour market insights – Counsellors ANZSCO ID 2721
https://labourmarketinsights.gov.au/occupation-profile/counsellors?occupationCode=2721
Employment Chart
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Median full-time earnings are $1,652 per week, which is higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,476
1 in 4 earn more than $2,238
Median hourly earnings are $45, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Click here to view dates.
Please click here to view fee details.
Tuition Fee: $3,090 per unit x 14 units
Administration Fee: $200
*All fees are payable to AIPC.
Click here to download the course brochure.