Master of Counselling

The Master of Counselling at Alphacrucis University College is a two-year postgraduate qualification for people who want to work as counsellors, or take their existing helping role further. You study counselling theory and practice: how people change, how to build a therapeutic relationship, how to assess a client's situation, and how to work ethically with people in distress. Expect units on counselling models, human development across the lifespan, mental health, group work, family and relationship counselling, and professional ethics. Research methods and appraisal of evidence come into it too, because counsellors need to know what works and why.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees usually run over one to two years full time, and this one is two years. The academic year is split into semesters or trimesters, and you enrol in units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to pass the required number of credit points to graduate. Most counselling master's degrees include a supervised professional placement, where you see clients under the watch of a qualified supervisor, and a capstone unit or research project in the final stage. Placement is where the theory sticks. You sit with real people, write case notes, get feedback, and learn what it feels like to hold someone else's story. Confirm the exact placement hours, unit list and capstone requirements with Alphacrucis on the official course page.

What you actually learn

You learn to listen properly. You learn to notice what a client is not saying, to stay calm when someone is angry or grieving, and to keep your own reactions out of the room. You practise assessment and case formulation, so you can work out what is going on and what to do next. You learn the boundaries and legal duties that come with the job: confidentiality, record keeping, duty of care, and when to refer on. Group facilitation, working with couples and families, and responding to trauma and crisis usually feature as well. By the end you should be able to run a counselling session, write it up, and explain your reasoning to a supervisor.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who already have a bachelor's degree and want to move into counselling, or who work in pastoral care, community services, nursing, teaching or human resources and want formal counselling training. It also suits people returning to study after time in the workforce. Australian institutions expect coursework master's applicants to hold a bachelor's degree, and some ask for relevant experience or a statement of purpose. International applicants need to meet the English requirement before enrolling, and the Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. If you hold a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream lets eligible graduates stay and work in Australia. Check your eligibility and the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs, and confirm entry requirements, fees and start dates with Alphacrucis.

• Counsellor in private practice, community health centres, and not-for-profit counselling services
• Mental health support worker in community mental health organisations and outreach teams
• School or student wellbeing officer in schools, TAFEs and universities
• Family and relationships counsellor in family services and relationship support agencies
• Alcohol and other drugs counsellor in treatment and rehabilitation services
• Pastoral counsellor or chaplaincy worker in churches, hospitals and aged care
• Case worker or support coordinator in child protection, housing and disability services
• Workplace wellbeing and employee assistance counsellor in corporate EAP providers
• Telehealth counsellor with online counselling platforms and helplines

These roles sit across health care and social assistance, education and training, community services, and faith-based organisations. Counselling registration and accreditation requirements vary, so check what the relevant Australian professional body expects before you enrol.