Master of Counselling
How to apply
- Study mode
- Full Time Part Time
- First year fee (domestic)
- $24,720
- Full course fee (domestic)
- $49,440
- Full time duration
- 2
- Murdoch code
- M1143
- Australian Qualifications Framework level
- Level 9 - Masters Degree (Coursework)
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year domestic student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Course overview
Learn from highly experienced staff with industry and practical experience in counselling.
Counsellors help people through difficult times of their lives, often when they are most vulnerable. Prepare for a career in counselling by building your personal and professional skills. With a focus on building counselling relationships with your clients that are essential to effective practice, you’ll gain the skills you need to succeed in a rewarding career.
Apply the theoretical foundations of counselling by first appraising selected counselling literature and research, before undertaking extensive practical training. In your second year, you will have the option to complete a substantial research project addressing counselling theory or practice or choose to complete the course through coursework and case studies.
You’ll complete twosupervised placements, which will provide you the opportunity to develop skills in assessment, individual and group treatment, working with children and adult clients, working with other professionals and within the supervisory relationship.
3 reasons to study a Master of Counselling at Murdoch University
- Work with real clients in Murdoch University's on-campus Caladenia clinic, where you’ll complete your internal practical placement and work with clients under supervision.
- Work in external agencies in the community during your second placement, counselling real clients in different settings under supervision of highly experienced clinicians.
- Learn from highly experienced staff with industry and practical experience in counselling.
What you'll learn
- Coached practice in small groups
- Counselling adults
- Counselling children and adolescents
- Trauma counselling
- Introduction to creative arts therapies
What I enjoyed most about studying at Murdoch University was the outreach programs. I went on the outreach program to Tom Price for two weeks and it really gave us a taste for what practice would be like after university.
Michelle, Chiropractic Science Graduate
Your future career
When you graduate, you may be employed in government and non-government counselling organisations working with adults, children, families and couples. This course will also prepare you for employment in settings requiring individual and group therapy competence. Careers could include:
- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Caseworker
- Support worker
- Mental health professional
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for Provisional Registration with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and to then work towards clinical registration.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for Level 2 membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and then work towards Level 3/ 4 Clinical membership.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Students undertaking clinical placements in CSL 679 and CSL 621 must obtain a current police clearance, working with children check, and be up to date on certain immunisations per Murdoch University’s immunisation policy.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
Full course fee: $49,440
First year fee: $24,720
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year domestic student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Whether you're a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
View all scholarshipsHow to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Course specific documents
- A typed, signed 750-word Personal Statement
- A recent Curriculum Vitae
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.