Why Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Gain meaningful new insights and advance the field of counselling and psychotherapy through original research.
Open doors to roles in academia and mental health policy and help shape, guidelines, service delivery models and best-practice frameworks in mental health.
Make a real impact in Australia’s expanding mental health sector by translating research into better practice.
Overview
Our Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Research develops your counselling and research expertise through focused coursework and a standalone dissertation.
Under expert academic supervision, you’ll investigate a topic in depth, applying qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. Core units cover counselling theories, ethical decision-making and mental health fundamentals, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice.
You’ll emerge with both clinical and research competency, ready for roles in academia, policy development or leadership within mental health services. Equip yourself for Australia’s expanding mental health sector by mastering research that directly informs and improves practice.
Key features
Gain meaningful insights from counselling professionals in the field. - Benefit from case-based learning.
- Build proficiency in diverse therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioural, narrative, emotion-focused and expressive therapies.
- Develop advanced knowledge in counselling and psychotherapy theories.
- Choose up to two closed electives aligned with your area of interest.
- Complete a dissertation over one year, guided by expert academic supervision.
What you'll learn
Our Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Research develops your knowledge in counselling theories, therapeutic skills, ethics and mental health. You’ll also focus on advanced research methods and evidence-based practice in mental healthcare.
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation with core courses in areas such as counselling skills, mindfulness-based counselling applications, nature of grief and cognitive behaviour therapy, before undertaking a year-long research dissertation.
From second year, you’ll design and execute an independent research dissertation in a field of interest to you, under the supervised guidance of expert academics. You’ll also have a choice of two closed electives from the counselling and psychotherapy elective list. Your Research specialisation will give you new insights into the field of counselling and psychotherapy through inquiry and analysis.
This degree is only offered in a face-to-face study mode, with on-campus attendance required to ensure you receive the full benefit of face-to-face learning and interactions. Select subjects, however, may be offered in a blended format.
Specialisations
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Clinical Trauma Practice
- Clinical Practice.
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 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Specialisation electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Knowing What Works - Evaluation for Public Health
|
Course code
PUBH2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
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
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|
Course code
PUBH6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Narrative Approaches to Counselling
|
Course code
PUBH6002
|
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
Trauma Informed Practice (UoA)
|
Course code
PUBH6021
|
Units
6
|
Complete 84 units comprising:
- 60 units for all Specialisation core courses, and
- 24 units from Specialisation core selective courses
| 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
Qualitative Research Methods In Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Developing a Novel Research Question
|
Course code
PUBH6020
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Dissertation Full time
|
Course code
PUBH5009
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Dissertation Part 1
|
Course code
PUBH6018
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Dissertation Part 2
|
Course code
PUBH6019
|
Units
24
|
Career outcomes
This research-focused Master’s combines counselling and research competency and equips you for roles in research institutes, higher education, policy development and program evaluation.
You’ll lead or contribute to mental health research, inform policy. You may design and conduct empirical studies, develop and evaluate training initiatives and assess service outcomes to translate findings into policy and practice improvements. Your combined counselling and research competency will also be in demand across human resources, health promotion and multidisciplinary settings.
Other careers include:
- Researcher
- Community engagement coordinator
- Policy advisor
- Grants and funding officer
- Advocacy officer
- Program evaluation officer.
Industry trends
There has been significant growth and transformation across mental health services in Australia in recent years. The sector is experiencing robust expansion, with a projected industry growth of around 16% in 2025, continuing through 2033 (IMARC, 2025). This means there will be an increased demand for research-informed counsellors to meet both clinical and academic needs. You’ll be contributing new insights through research and driving improvements in intervention models and client outcomes.
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.
