Masters (Coursework)
The Master of Counselling at Notre Dame University is an accredited program combining coursework, research, and practical experience. It prepares graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for diverse counselling roles, including a minimum of 200 hours of industry placement.
If you have a passion for helping people and a strong desire to give back to your community, consider pursuing a Master of Counselling at the University of Notre Dame. Our innovative program is designed to suit the needs of people from a variety of professional backgrounds, such as social work, human resources, social welfare, nursing, psychology and education.
Fully accredited, this program is made up of a combination of coursework, research and hands-on practical experience. Upon completion of the degree, you will have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in counselling needed to work in a wide variety of situations.
Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English language proficiency.
We consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
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Applicants will also be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour.
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Admission into the Master of Counselling requires a selection interview with a member of the Counselling staff. At the interview the applicant will be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience as defined by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another university, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
Evidence of English language proficiency either by satisfactory completion of previous secondary education or higher at a recognised institution where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment or by completing an English language test with a minimum score of 7.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the Academic International English Testing System (IELTS) test or equivalent upon application.
Successful applicants will be required to provide a current National Police Clearance.
Upon successful completion of the Master of Counselling graduates will be able to:
The Master of Counselling can lead to a range of career paths to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. With counsellors in high demand across Australia and the world, your career opportunities are boundless.
Counsellor careersCompleted in two years of full-time study, a Master of Counselling equips graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in counselling applicable in various human service contexts. Students learn an integrative approach to counselling practice, emphasising contemporary and evidence-based methods, group work, research skills, and counselling throughout the lifespan.
First yearStudents in Year 2 choose three (3) electives-at least one Research elective, with the remaining two selected from Counselling or Research electives.
ResearchApplicants who have successfully completed subjects at another university, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
Students who have previously completed a Bachelor of Counselling at Notre Dame will be awarded 100 units of credit in the Master of Counselling, and will be exempted from the following courses: COUN6001 Counselling Skills, COUN6002 Theoretical Approaches to Counselling, COUN6005 Couples and Family Therapy, and COUN6009 Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling.
Students who have completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science at Notre Dame will be awarded 75 units of credit in the Master of Counselling, and will be exempted from the following courses: COUN6008 Professional Practice, ARTS5010 Research Methods, and one 25 units of credit research elective. Additionally, students of the Bachelor of Behavioural Science who have completed the course BESC3020 Community Mental Health will be awarded an additional 25 units of credit and exempted from COUN6003 Approaches to Mental Health.
Students who enter the Master of Counselling with any other related Bachelor degree may seek up to 100 units of credit, providing they can demonstrate that all accreditation requirements and program learning outcomes of the Master of Counselling may be met when combined with their prior learning.
We know you're a person, not a number. Our unique admissions process goes beyond a single score. In addition to your academic record, we also consider your personal qualities, gifts and talents, your motivation to study and your contribution to community life.