Master of Counselling
How to apply
- Study mode
- Part Time Full Time
- Full time duration
- 1 year
- Murdoch code
- M1412
- First year fee (domestic)
-
2027 $25,560
- Full course fee (domestic)
-
2027 $25,560
- 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 student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Course overview
The Master of Counselling is designed for individuals with a Graduate Diploma in Counselling degree who are seeking to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in counselling. This program equips you with the competencies required to apply for professional registration as a counsellor in Australia.
At the heart of the course is a commitment to experiential learning and the development of strong therapeutic relationships—key elements of effective counselling. You’ll critically engage with counselling literature and research, and apply this knowledge through extensive practical training.
You will complete two supervised placements:
- An internal placement at Murdoch’s on-campus Caladenia Counselling Clinic, and
- An external placement in a community agency.
These placements provide real-world experience in assessment, treatment planning, and delivering integrated, professional counselling services.
3 reasons to study a Master of Counselling at Murdoch University
- Real Client Experience: Work with clients in Murdoch’s Caladenia Counselling Clinic during your internal placement, under expert supervision.
- Diverse Community Settings: Gain experience in external agencies, counselling clients in varied environments with guidance from experienced clinicians.
- Expert Teaching Staff: Learn from academics and practitioners with extensive industry experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
What you’ll learn
This degree focuses on experiential learning and building the counselling relationship, by developing skills, including:
- Applying evidence-based counselling practices.
- Building and maintaining therapeutic relationships in diverse and complex contexts.
- Integrating counselling theories and models into clinical practice.
- Conducting advanced case conceptualisation, assessment, and intervention.
- Engaging in reflective and ethical professional practice.
- Communicating effectively and with cultural sensitivity.
- Understanding and applying research to enhance counselling outcomes.
The thing I’ve enjoyed most about Murdoch University is the opportunities to work with teaching staff who have years of experience, allowing me to pick their brains and gain a greater understanding of the practical application in the field.
Jake, Allied Health student
Your future career
Completion of the Master of Counselling will enable you to work across diverse areas including;
- Counselling and clinical practice
- Non-government organisations (NGOs) and therapy services
- Education and Training
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
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, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | 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.
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.
Fees & Scholarships
Course fees
First year fee
2027 $25,560
Full course fee
2027 $25,560
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year 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 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. For details, see 2027 International Fees.
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.