Course Overview
In a noisy world that is complex, uncertain and constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that there are people who can listen.
The number of full-time counsellors continues to grow, and counselling skills are becoming increasingly relevant in other professions, such as nursing, social work, teaching and other community-based roles.
If you are passionate about making a difference to individuals, families and communities, ECU’s online Master of Counselling will give you tools that you can apply to a range of settings.
ECU’s online Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and will develop your capabilities in working with individuals and communities in a way that emphasises cultural awareness and person-centred approaches. You will learn how to translate and deliver counselling across modalities, as well as develop key practices to continue your own development.
You will also benefit from the opportunity to put your skills into practice on placement.
Who's It For?
ECU’s online Master of Counselling provides advanced, evidence-based counselling knowledge and skills for professionals who want to make a difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities. Students may study this course to prepare to become a counsellor.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
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Social work
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Career coaching
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Psychology
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Other allied health
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Human resources
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Youth work
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Human welfare roles
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Local government support/community development roles
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Case work
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Disability support work
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Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science
What You'll Learn
Understand counselling in a digital world
Gain skills to effectively adapt to the field as it expands across the digital realm. Understand how theories and techniques of counselling can be translated and adapted for delivery across a range of modalities to connect with and support people in unique and far-reaching ways.
Develop a person-centred approach
Learn how to walk alongside individuals in a process that values difference, supports self-discovery, builds on unique strengths and recognises the interrelationships between individuals, communities and social structures as important platforms for healing.
Examine the roles of counsellors working at the cultural interface
Learn the skills and abilities needed to work in the community and actively promote a positive sense of identity, culture and heritage, with particular emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and practice.
Explore self-awareness and reflective practice
Engage in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice to gain a deeper understanding of the self, and how this interplays with the therapeutic process, personal growth and ongoing professional development.
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
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24 months (minimum) part-time
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12 units
Delivery
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Flexible, accelerated and 100% online
Entry Requirements
Admission requirements you’ll need to meet for this course:
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Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy (with preference given to degrees relating to ‘helping professions’) OR Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
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A personal statement about motivations to complete the course.
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Submission of academic transcript, two referee reports and an online interview.
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English Language requirements (Band 4).
Students looking to enter the Graduate Certificate of Counselling are required to submit documentation covering points one and four. Points two and three are covered during the Graduate Certificate component of the course.
Course Features
Accessible, flexible and accelerated
- Study anywhere, anytime with our flexible online format. Our course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner
Fully supported
- Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff
Job-ready skills, relevant to the industry
- Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities
Professional Recognition
- Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Work Placement
Students will undergo 220 hours of professional placement with an approved organisation, including a minimum of 60 hours of client contact, in which there are 16 hours of supervision. Professional placement can involve individual, group or couple counselling face-to-face or from a distance (online/remote). This provides you with the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a supervised setting.
The Placement Team works on behalf of students to source placements; however, please note students in rural or remote locations may need to assist with securing a placement (or be flexible on travel and location of placement). Students undergoing a placement will also require the satisfactory completion of a Working With Children Check and National Police Check, and many agencies will require an interview with students prior to starting.
NOTE: It is anticipated that students will need to travel for the three-day intensive and placement component of the course. Both components will be held in Australia. The three-day intensive location is yet to be decided, but there will likely be an option of both Perth and an East Coast location. Students may also be required to travel to their nearest capital city to complete the placement component of this degree. Contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors to discuss your circumstances.
Professional Recognition
Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
About Edith Cowan University Online
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a young and progressive university with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching. Its reputation as a Good Universities Guide 5-star institution is built on knowledge sharing between students, industry, government, communities and wider university networks.ECU offers a range of flexible, online postgraduate courses designed to give students a competitive edge in today's market. From its beginnings as Claremont Teachers' College in 1902, ECU now welcomes students on-campus, online and through its new accelerated study model. Designed to fit into a busy life, ECU Accelerated Online allows students to focus on one unit at a time and graduate sooner than a traditional course, while enjoying the same high-quality learning experience.
