Course Overview
In a noisy world that is complex, uncertain and constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that there are people who can listen.
The number of full-time counsellors continues to grow, and counselling skills are becoming increasingly relevant in other professions, such as nursing, social work, teaching and other community-based roles.
If you are passionate about making a difference to individuals, families and communities, ECU’s online Master of Counselling will give you tools that you can apply to a range of settings.
ECU’s online Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and will develop your capabilities in working with individuals and communities in a way that emphasises cultural awareness and person-centred approaches. You will learn how to translate and deliver counselling across modalities, as well as develop key practices to continue your own development.
You will also benefit from the opportunity to put your skills into practice on placement.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Social work
- Career coaching
- Psychology
- Other allied health
- Human resources
- Youth work
- Human welfare roles
- Local government support/community development roles
- Casework
- Disability support work
- Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science
What You'll Learn
- Understand counselling in a digital world: Gain skills to effectively adapt to the field as it expands across the digital realm. Understand how theories and techniques of counselling can be translated and adapted for delivery across a range of modalities to connect with and support people in unique and far-reaching ways
- Develop a person-centred approach: Learn how to walk alongside individuals in a process that values difference, supports self-discovery, builds on unique strengths and recognises the interrelationships between individuals, communities and social structures as important platforms for healing
- Examine the roles of counsellors working at the cultural interface: Learn the skills and abilities needed to work in the community and actively promote a positive sense of identity, culture and heritage, with particular emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and practice
- Explore self-awareness and reflective practice: Engage in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice to gain a deeper understanding of the self, and how this interplays with the therapeutic process, personal growth and ongoing professional development
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Delivery
- 12 units, 24 months part-time
Entry Requirements
Course admission requirements
- A Graduate Certificate of Counselling, with equivalents, considered
- A personal statement about motivations to complete the course
- Submission of academic transcript, two referee reports and an online interview
- Academic Admission requirements (Band 6)
- English Language requirements (Band 4)
Students looking to enter the Graduate Certificate of Counselling are required to submit documentation covering points four and five. Points two and three are covered during the Graduate Certificate component of the course.
Course Features
Accessible, flexible and accelerated
- Study anywhere, anytime with our flexible online format. Our course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner
Fully supported
- Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff
Job-ready skills, relevant to the industry
- Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities
Professional Recognition
- Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Work Placement
- Students will undergo 220 hours of professional placement with an approved organisation, including a minimum of 60 hours of client contact, in which there are 16 hours of supervision
- Professional placement can involve individual, group or couple counselling face-to-face or from a distance (online/remote). This provides you with the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a supervised setting
- The Placement Team works on behalf of students to source placements; however, please note students in rural or remote locations may need to assist with securing a placement (or be flexible on travel and location of placement)
- Students undergoing a placement will also require the satisfactory completion of a Working With Children Check and National Police Check, and many agencies will require an interview with students prior to starting
NOTE: It is anticipated that students will need to travel for the three-day intensive and placement component of the course. Both components will be held in Australia. The three-day intensive location is yet to be decided, but there will likely be an option of both Perth and an East Coast location. Students may also be required to travel to their nearest capital city to complete the placement component of this degree. Contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors to discuss your circumstances.
About Edith Cowan University Online
At ECU we are guided by our values of integrity, respect, rational inquiry and personal excellence. Our focus on teaching and research is inspired by engagement and partnerships with those in the many communities we were established to serve.
Fit postgraduate study around your life and graduate sooner with our flexible and accessible accelerated and online courses from ECU Online.
Find the right postgraduate course for your career development. We offer qualifications in Education, Counselling, Cyber Security and Human Resource Management, which will equip you with the skills, knowledge and credentials to advance in your career.
