Why Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Inspire growth and contribute to the healing and wellbeing of others.
Provide therapeutic support to individuals experiencing psychological distress using evidence-based clinical approaches. Develop advanced skills in counselling, psychotherapy across diverse therapeutic modalities. You’ll be prepared to work effectively in clinical, community and specialised healthcare settings.
This degree is accredited by both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Overview
Transform your passion for helping others into a meaningful career with Adelaide University’s Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Clinical Practice.
This comprehensive degree combines evidence-based theory with practical, hands-on training to equip you with the skills and confidence to support clients facing a range of mental health challenges. Learn from experienced professionals, engage in realistic counselling simulations and gain invaluable real-world experience through supervised placements in clinical settings. Tailor your studies to your interests and develop expertise in diverse therapeutic approaches – from CBT and EFT to Grief, Relationship, and Expressive Therapies, all grounded in trauma-informed care.
Graduates of this program are prepared to work across diverse mental health and community services, from hospital and aged care settings to schools and AOD support. With a focus on ethical practice and research-informed methods, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impact in your clients’ lives. Accredited by leading professional bodies, this degree offers a clear pathway to professional registration and advanced roles in counselling and psychotherapy.
Key features
Build practical skills by engaging in hands-on, simulated scenarios with actors representing clients. - Acquire valuable insights from practicing clinicians with expertise in counselling and psychotherapy.
- Gain hands-on experience by completing supervised clinical placements.
- Develop advanced skills in counselling, psychotherapy across diverse therapeutic modalities.
- Build proficiency in diverse therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioural, narrative, mindfulness, bereavement, emotion-focused and expressive therapies.
- Graduates are recognised by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
What you'll learn
Adelaide University’s Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Clinical Practice, prepares you to be an ethically responsible, research-informed and clinically proficient counsellor. Customise your learning to fit your career aspirations and benefit from the guidance of academics who are also seasoned clinicians with extensive counselling and psychotherapy expertise.
Our programs feature a flexible, nested structure designed to fast-track your qualifications and help you enter the workforce more quickly. With multiple exit points available, you can make an immediate impact in your community – such as Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma holders stepping into entry-level counselling roles
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation with core courses in areas such as counselling skills, mindfulness-based counselling applications, grief counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy, before exploring your Clinical Practice specialisation in depth.
Starting in your second year, your coursework and chosen electives will focus heavily on your Clinical Practice specialisation. You will gain essential practical experience through supervised counselling placements, spending up to two days per week working directly with clients in authentic clinical settings.
This degree is only offered in a face-to-face study mode, incorporating blended learning opportunities, with on-campus attendance required to ensure you receive the full benefit of face-to-face learning and interactions.
Specialisations
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Clinical Trauma Practice
- Research.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units for either of the following:
- All of the following:
- 42 units for all Core courses, and
- 42 to 48 units for Discipline courses, and
- 6 to 12 units for Electives, or
- 96 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation
Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 1
|
Course code
PUBH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
|
Course code
PUBH5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
|
Course code
PUBH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
|
Course code
PUBH5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 2
|
Course code
PUBH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nature of Grief
|
Course code
PUBH5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
|
Course code
PUBH5008
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 12 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Ethical Challenges in Modern Health Care
|
Course code
PUBH5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation and Economics (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Emotion Focused Therapy
|
Course code
PUBH6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Relationship Counselling
|
Course code
PUBH6003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Expressive Therapies: Creative Arts in Counselling
|
Course code
PUBH6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling of Children and Adolescents
|
Course code
PUBH6005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trauma-informed counselling for CALD and Indigenous populations
|
Course code
PUBH6006
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Specialisation electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Emotion Focused Therapy
|
Course code
PUBH6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Relationship Counselling
|
Course code
PUBH6003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Expressive Therapies: Creative Arts in Counselling
|
Course code
PUBH6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling of Children and Adolescents
|
Course code
PUBH6005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trauma-informed counselling for CALD and Indigenous populations
|
Course code
PUBH6006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Developing a Novel Research Question
|
Course code
PUBH6020
|
Units
6
|
Complete 78 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 1
|
Course code
PUBH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics in the Counselling Workplace
|
Course code
PUBH5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Attachment Processes in the Therapeutic Relationship
|
Course code
PUBH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories
|
Course code
PUBH5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Skills 2
|
Course code
PUBH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Overview of Mental Health
|
Course code
PUBH5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nature of Grief
|
Course code
PUBH5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mindfulness-based Counselling Applications
|
Course code
PUBH5008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|
Course code
PUBH6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Narrative Approaches to Counselling
|
Course code
PUBH6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Trauma Informed Practice (UoA)
|
Course code
PUBH6021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Placement IA
|
Course code
PUBH6901
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counselling Placement IB
|
Course code
PUBH6902
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
This degree will equip you with the clinical skills, ethical practice and knowledge of a variety of therapeutic approaches, to prepare you for direct client work and broader mental health roles.
You might work in a school, supporting students with emotional and social development, career guidance and academic challenges. You might specialise in relationship counselling and family dynamics. Perhaps you’ll work with clients on emotional, psychological and relational difficulties, employing tailored therapy approaches for each individual.
Other careers include:
- Mental health worker
- Clinical counsellor
- Clinical psychotherapist
- School wellbeing team member
- Community services officer.
Industry trends
There remains a strong demand for counselling services in Australia, driven by the high prevalence of mental health conditions in the population. Counsellor job growth is projected at 14.2% by 2026, supported by government funding, an ageing population and wider recognition of mental health needs (Global Health Education Australia, 2025). The counselling and psychotherapy industry in Australia is positioned for continued growth and transformation. With your degree from Adelaide University, you’ll be primed to shift social attitudes, and encourage openness and help seeking for mental health wellbeing.
Accreditation
The clinical pathways of this program are accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Graduates are eligible for registration with PACFA and ACA and to be listed with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
