Why Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Empower lives affected by trauma and make a difference in the recovery and wellbeing of others.
Make a real impact in mental health with a trauma-focused curriculum that blends evidence-based approaches with experiential learning and supervised clinical placements. You’ll be equipped to work with trauma survivors in clinical, community, educational and residential care settings.
Graduate with a degree accredited by both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Overview
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Clinical Trauma Practice prepares graduates to facilitate trauma survivors’ recovery using ethically grounded, evidence-based approaches.
Our degree equips you to become a practice-ready, culturally sensitive counsellor specialising in trauma by building strong ethical foundations and advanced clinical competencies. Explore contemporary trauma theories and therapeutic approaches, adopting a holistic perspective to address emotional, psychological and other challenges related to trauma. Through hands-on experiential learning, including simulated scenarios with actors portraying clients, you’ll build practical skills for trauma-informed care.
You’ll further consolidate your learning through supervised clinical placements across a range of settings.
Key features
Study the only accredited Master specialising in Trauma Counselling in Australia. - Develop practical skills through hands-on simulated scenarios with actors representing clients.
- Gain insights from professionals with extensive counselling expertise.
- Lead supervised counselling sessions with real clients.
- Build core skills in trauma-informed practices, including somatic approaches, expressive modalities and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
- Graduate 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 Trauma Practice prepares you to become an ethically grounded, research-informed and clinically skilled counsellor. Align your studies with your career goals and learn from experienced academics with extensive professional counselling backgrounds.
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation with core courses in areas such as counselling skills, mindfulness-based counselling and attachment applications, grief counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy, before exploring your specialisation in greater depth.
From second year, your courses and electives will be aligned to your chosen specialisation in Clinical Trauma Practice. You’ll complete hands-on counselling placements that will provide you necessary and invaluable supervised experience. You’ll spend up to two days each week in real counselling environments with real clients.
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 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 90 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 counselling for CALD and Indigenous populations
|
Course code
PUBH6006
|
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
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Trauma Practice
|
Course code
PUBH6903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 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
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate equipped to apply trauma-informed frameworks that honour each person’s strengths and lived experience, guiding nuanced assessment, support and healing from trauma’s complex effects.
You might work with domestic violence survivors, supporting them through counselling and safety planning. You could support individuals navigating the intersection of trauma and substance use, fostering resilience and adaptive coping strategies. You will be equipped to facilitate tailored, evidence-based therapeutic strategies for those experiencing trauma-related mental health challenges – always centring safety, trust and collaborative empowerment.
Other careers include:
- Sexual assault and family violence counsellor
- Mental health worker
- Clinical counsellor
- Clinical psychotherapist
- Refugee and migrant trauma support worker
- Trauma-informed care consultant.
Industry trends
The counselling profession in Australia reflects steady job growth and job security, with approximately 3,500 new roles expected to be created by 2026 (Global Health Education Australia, 2025). Demand is especially high for specialisations in trauma, anxiety, family violence, addiction and mental health. You’ll be well-positioned to meet the growing need for trauma-informed mental health support in Australia’s evolving and diverse counselling landscape.
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.
