Counselling and Psychotherapy

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants may be admitted through one of the following pathways:

1. Bachelor Degree in Any Discipline — Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any field may apply. These students commence with the foundational Graduate Certificate subjects before progressing to the full Masters program.
2. Bachelor Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy — Graduates of a counselling or psychotherapy undergraduate degree may be eligible for advanced standing (credit transfer) for the foundational subjects, potentially reducing study time to 1.5 years full-time.
3. Specialist Psychotherapy Training — Applicants who have completed non-AQF accredited specialist training at Bachelor Degree level (e.g. a PACFA-accredited program) may also be eligible for advanced standing, considered on a case-by-case basis.
4. Professional Experience — Applicants without a Bachelor Degree but with a minimum of five years full-time equivalent experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist, or psychoanalyst may be considered for admission on the basis of professional experience.

Note: Applicants with only vocational qualifications (and no relevant professional experience) or only recent secondary school education are not eligible for admission.

English Language Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, one of the following must be provided:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree completed in English; or
• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Speaking no less than 6.5 and all other bands no less than 6.0 (or equivalent test result).

Additional Requirements

• Certified academic transcripts
• Completed admission questionnaire
• CV and statement of service (for professional experience pathway)
• Applicants may be invited to attend an interview as part of the admissions process.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy are qualified to work as registered counsellors and psychotherapists in both the public and private sectors. Career pathways include:

1. Private Practice Counsellor or Psychotherapist — Providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families in a private setting.
2. Mental Health Clinician — Working in hospitals, community mental health centres, or outpatient clinics to assess and treat mental health conditions.
3. Trauma and Grief Counsellor — Supporting individuals and communities recovering from trauma, loss, or critical incidents.
4. Family and Relationship Therapist — Specialising in relational dynamics, family conflict, and couples counselling.
5. Addiction Counsellor — Working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions in rehabilitation or community settings.
6. School or Youth Counsellor — Supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of young people in educational settings.
7. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counsellor — Providing confidential support to employees in corporate and workplace environments.
8. Community and Welfare Services — Working within government agencies, non-profits, or community organisations to support vulnerable populations.

Graduates may also pursue careers in education, social services, correctional services, and research, or continue their studies at doctoral level.