Online Master of Counselling (Advanced)

What is a Master of Counselling (Advanced)?

The Master of Counselling (Advanced) qualification has been designed to prepare its graduates for employment in a role which leverages counselling and coaching skills within a specialist work environment. The qualification also meets the need of those seeking work in community and business settings to facilitate positive human change.

Designed to fit in with you
With all your learning materials online, you can tailor a schedule to fit your personal needs. 

Learn from specialists in their field 
Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

Tap into our knowledge 
Our heritage with Southern School of Natural Therapies and Australasian College of Natural Therapies ensures you’re learning from decades of experience.

Course overview

The Master of Counselling (Advanced) has been designed to accommodate study requirements for International students. The course further develops your capability in providing counselling and support across the life-stages through a range of theoretical and practical skills. You will be equipped with a wide range of skills to enable further lifelong learning, support continued resilience and professional boundaries in order to facilitate effective interpersonal communication across business, community, education and well-being settings. This accredited master's degree is the highest level of counselling training available in Australia and provides a holistic environment for students to gain hands-on experience practicing their counselling skills.

Career opportunities

This course has been designed to prepare you for employment in a role which leverages counselling and communication skills. Graduates of this course will progress their careers in the professional domain of counselling and case management.

Career paths

Counselling
Case Manager
Rehabilitation Support Services
Mental Health Support Services
Domestic Violence Support Services
Addiction Support Services
Family Services
Child Protection

Future careers
Counselling

Case Manager

Rehabilitation Support Services

Mental Health Support Services

Domestic Violence Support Services

Addiction Support Services

Family Services

Child Protection

Learn more about careers in Counselling and Community Services

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Most face-to-face courses are also available online. Please note that due to COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time, i.e. the student must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year.

11 Core subjects

Advanced Therapeutic Communication | ATC401

Communication skills are fundamental to therapeutic relationships. This subject explores the nature of interpersonal communication including different communication channels and barriers to effective communication. The role of self-perception and culture in interpersonal communication, listening and reflection play in effective communication will be critically appraised.
Students will examine how different types of relationships both personal and professional can be enhanced through more effective communication. This subject concludes with a discussion of power in interpersonal relationships, and how and when confidentially and the therapeutic responsibility to exercise ‘duty of care’ might conflict
Students will demonstrate micro-skills, attending and communication process skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, nuanced listening and reflecting skills, and the use and abuse of questions.
Theoretical Approaches to Counselling | TAC402

This subject introduces a variety of counselling approaches. Students are required to explore approaches to theories, modalities and practice skills.
Students are introduced to a selection of counselling theories, including:
• Person‐centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused techniques
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based practice
Students will participate in different experiential learning scenarios to develop their understanding of various counselling interventions This subject also establishes a firm foundation for the concepts and techniques developed in later subjects.
Life Stages and Development | LSD403

The subject introduces the field of developmental psychology and explores why people behave in certain ways, what drives or motivates human behaviour, and links between developmental experience and trauma. Students will examine the key life stages of birth, early and later childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, mid‐life, aging and death in their social and cultural contexts.
The subject provides an opportunity for students to explore how theories of attachment, cognitive and social development explain human development across the lifespan with particular reference to the effects of trauma. The influences of biology, gender, culture, ethnicity and socio‐political contexts in these development periods will also be investigated.
Self Care & Developing Resilience | SDR404

Resilience, a quality that allows individuals to recover from times of difficulty and crisis and can be developed through understanding and practice. The subject covers the principles of social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing as they relate to health behaviours. Students will analyse the role of capacity building and the promotion of wellbeing through strategies to enhance personal and professional self-care. The impact of vicarious trauma and the effects of burnout for professionals will be explored.
Students will be required to critically self-reflect applying theories and practice skills to personal lived experience and history and use this knowledge to develop a cohesive self-care plan suitable to future industry practice.
Mental Health | MEH505

In this subject, students will develop the knowledge and understanding of how to work effectively with people with a mental illness. Students will gain an understanding of common types of mental illness and the social and psychological determinants of mental health. Reduction of lethal risk and domestic abuse are key components of this subject. Common personality disorders will be outlined and explored.
Digital Counselling | DGC506

Understanding digital culture and its impact upon intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intercultural experience in a globalised society is fundamental to therapeutic relationships.
This subject examines the ways in which technology influences thinking and behaviour introducing phenomena such as disinhibition, net-worked relationships, multiple, contingent and mobile identities, dissociative imagination and behaviours, and the desire for liminal experience. Through a critical analysis of the impact of technology this subject assists students to utilise traditional face-to-face counselling theories and methods in digital environments, including apps, SMS, videoconferencing, and virtual reality as it applies to counselling.
This subject provides students with the tools to create, and manage, a digitally competent ethical and professionally appropriate interpersonal online presence and strategies for managing client privacy and security. Current and future trends in social media and information communication technology and their impact on practice will also be considered.
Clinical Practice & Supervision | CPS507

Clinical practice and supervision. Students will receive 48 hours of supervision and experience face to face counselling. The importance of ethics, professional boundaries, counselling theories and practice will be covered.
Particular attention is devoted to client assessment and treatment planning; to skills of dealing with client resistance; assessing risk and to issues of transference and counter-transference. Students will be required to write up cases to professional standard.
Advanced Counselling Skills | ACS504

This subject introduces a variety of counselling approaches. Students are required to explore approaches to theories, modalities and practice skills.
Students are introduced to a selection of counselling theories, including:
• Person‐centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based practice
Students will participate in different experiential learning scenarios to develop their understanding of various counselling interventions This subject also establishes a firm foundation for the concepts and techniques developed in later subjects.
Advanced Social Research Methods | RES602A

This subject introduces students to research in the social sciences. Students will be guided in the process of preparing a research proposal that they may then choose to use in the subsequent subject RES603 Research Project. Students will be given an opportunity to explore their ontological position and how this then relates to the epistemology of their own research practices. They will investigate different qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis techniques for each; students will also consider the application of mixed modes.
This subject will assist students to understand the process of research, including developing proposals before undertaking research, specifying research questions, selecting the most appropriate research methods for the research questions, research ethics and protocols, sampling, data collection, data analysis and reporting. A range of research paradigms and case studies of published research reports will be presented to allow an examination of the relationship between that which is under study and the research method(s) used. At the conclusion of the subject, students will have prepared a research proposal to final draft stage.
Group Leadership | GRL610

This course aims to introduce students to principles, practices and theories of working with groups in a therapeutic context. The aim of this course is to provide a balance of theory and practice to assist student to gain knowledge and confidence in leading groups.
Trauma Informed Practice | TIP611

The effects of trauma are seen across spectrums of human experience. This course begins with a definition of trauma and the impact that traumatic experience may have on a person. The neurobiology of trauma including the impact on the nervous system and polyvagal theory will be explored. The idea of an optimal window of tolerance for the autonomic nervous system and that adaptations such as drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders may simultaneously be functional for survival and a problem for the individual will be explored. Research shows that the adversity we experience as children can affect us into adulthood. Students will learn about domestic abuse, applying risk assessment tools and understand the impact of domestic abuse on family, friends and community.
Students will be required to demonstrate core skills that enable health professionals to apply successful trauma counselling techniques whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries and adequate self-care.

5 Elective subjects

Choose 5 specified or unspecified research electives from below:

Positive Aging | POA612

This subject provides students with an overview of positive aging with a focus on aging well and in optimal emotional and physical health. In this subject transition to older age is understood as a developmental stage impacted by social and emotional determinants.
Students will demonstrate a critical understanding of emotional issue relating to aging and of counselling approaches applicable to positive aging. Techniques for working with older people including digital technologies, phone and telehealth, robot companionship and simulated presence therapy will be critically explored.
Grief and Loss | GAL613

This subject prepares the student for working with clients through the processes of loss, grief, and change. The effects of grief in terms of human suffering and the associated costs for providing support are critical issues that need to be addressed in counsellor training. This subject provides a holistic approach to grief and loss counselling.
Students learn the various experiences and stages associated with the process of grieving. Students learn the required skills to work compassionately with people who suffer psychological fall-outs and face existential questions following multiple losses such as those associated with relationship loss, declining physical and mental health, loss of role function and identity, migration and cultural status and death and dying including bereavement counselling and end of life plans. Students learn the distinction between grief and complicated grief whilst recognizing and respecting the uniqueness of each client's experience.
Coaching and Positive Psychology | CPP614

In this subject, the usefulness, relevance and relationship of coaching and positive psychology to counselling will be explored.
Positive psychology will be reviewed and its contribution as an approach to the ‘helping relationship’ investigated.
As part of their exploration of the key positive psychology theorists, students will begin to develop an understanding of how they can synthesise that work into their potential coaching practice. They will also learn a range of particular coaching skills, including solution‐focused and strengths‐based approaches, as well as goal‐setting and personal development coaching.
This subject will balance theory and practice in its delivery and students will be encouraged to engage in interactive learning through discussion and experiential practice.
This subject will include 2 short courses from EXC603 Coaching as a Leadership Activity:
EXC603_SC1 The GROW Model for Coaching
EXC603_SC2 Reflective Practice
Social and Emotional Well-being in Australian Indigenous Populations | SEW615

Connection to land, culture, spirituality, family and community are important elements of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
In this subject students will critically analyse the social determinants of mental health and problems such as grief and loss, trauma, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Ethics and best practice in mental health provision will also be addressed. The link between identity, country, and mental health will be critically appraised. Students will engage in self-reflexive analysis of the impact of personal colonial history, bias, and beliefs impact self and practice with clients.
Consumer Rights and Advocacy | CRA616

Beginning with the lived experience of mental health consumers this subject introduces empowerment as a multidimensional social process through which individuals and groups gain better understanding and control over their lives thus enabling them to change their social and political environment to improve their health-related life circumstances. Students will develop an understanding of their role as change agents and advocates for mental health consumers. This subject offers the opportunity to explore and understand advocacy organisations.
Working with at Risk Groups and Suicidality | WRG617

In this subject students learn the skills and acquire the knowledge required to safely provide counselling for a suicidal person. The subject will cover definitions of suicide and serious self-harm, including risk factors for suicide with particular consideration of mental illness, domestic abuse and substance misuse. The social determinants of suicidality and the ways in which culture, ethnicity and refugee and migrant status, indigeneity, gender and sexuality, demographics and health status affect risk will be explored. The social impact of suicide, media reporting, health promotion and suicide prevention policy and practice will also be addressed.
Students will learn to work with the recovery approach to suicidality, including the common factors that facilitate recovery; individual responsibility, acceptance, hope, identity, empowerment, and advocacy.
Empowerment and Advocacy | EPA618

Beginning with the lived experience of mental health consumers this subject introduces empowerment as a multidimensional social process through which individuals and groups gain better understanding and control over their lives thus enabling them to change their social and political environment to improve their health-related life circumstances. Students will develop an understanding of their role as change agents and advocates for mental health consumers. This subject offers the opportunity to explore and understand advocacy organisations.

Industry partners and work placements

Work placements and Work-Integrated Learning programs provide a valuable resource for you to develop hands-on practical experience to ensure you graduate confident and job-ready. We are proud of our network of partners and always welcome new opportunities to build new relationships.

Learning outcomes

Support clients with a range of issues within ethical and professional requirements
Understand and apply psychosocial wellbeing to practice
Deepen and broaden your communication skills
Apply theories and practical skills to personal lived experience
Apply theory and practice skills to demonstrate self-care

Hear from our current Health lecturers and industry professionals on how we deliver our career focused approach to your education.

Choose your student type for entry requirements, fees and scholarships

Domestic
International

Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

View full course admission information

Fees: Domestic students

Scholarships: Domestic students

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

View all scholarships

How to apply: Domestic students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Admissions criteria and pathways: International students

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet all the requirements listed below

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

View full course admission information

Fees: International students

International fees

Check the International Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

View our fees
Fee payment

Course fees can be paid in 3 instalments, each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

View our fees

Scholarships: International students

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Scholarship types
International scholarships

View all scholarships

How to Apply: International students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Frequently asked questions

What does admissions criteria mean?

Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.

To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.

All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
What are course credits?

Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits

.
What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate.
Am I a domestic or an international student?

Domestic students are Australian and Permanent Residents. International students are those who hold citizenship or Permanent Resident status of all other countries.

International students from countries whose first official language is one other than English need to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.
How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?

Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.

Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.

Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
How much are Torrens University Australia courses?

For a full list of tuition fees, visit Tuition Fees.

Remember, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your fees can be covered by FEE-HELP. You can find out more information on FEE-HELP on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
To get a FEE-HELP loan, you must:

be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia, or

be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements.

be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans

be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)

submit the Request for FEE-HELP form to your provider by the census date

not have already borrowed up to your HELP loan limit.

Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies.

If you are studying at a non-university, you will also need to meet the ‘pass rate’ requirements.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor and we can guide you through the process.
Can I apply for FEE-HELP?

To be eligible for FEE-HELP you need to be an Australian citizen , and have a tax file number. You must also be studying at an approved higher education provider, such as Torrens University Australia.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?

If you receive an offer from Torrens University Australia, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP. You will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form if you want to defer payment of some, or all, of your tuition fees. You will need to quote your tax file number or provide a Certificate of Application for a Tax File Number. The form must be completed before the due date.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to our Course and Careers Advisors and we can guide you through the process.
Is there a FEE-HELP limit?

For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. The Australian Government publishes the HELP Loan limit on their website.

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition costs. Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. Note: Any loan fees that were applied to study prior to January 1, 2019 will not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.

Students repay the loan to the Australian Government through the tax system once a student reaches the minimum income threshold level for repayment, which for 2019-20 is $45,881.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or Contact Us and we can guide you through the process.
What courses are available for FEE-HELP?

To find out more, visit How to Apply.
What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full-fee-paying students pay their tuition costs.

You must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan, such as Torrens University Australia.

A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs like accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and must be repaid once you start earning above a certain income threshold.

To find out more, visit the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for Torrens University Australia?

There are lots of resources to help you prepare for university life. Attend one of our workshops or events and get some tips firsthand from our industry-focused lecturers and current students.

The events programs range in topic and delivery mode, so there should always be one to suit your needs. At any time you can contact one of our Course and Careers Advisors to talk through your career goals. They can guide you on what to expect and how you can get prepared earlier. If you know exactly which course you want to enrol in, you could take advantage of the early entry program.
What is the Early Entry Program?

The Torrens University Australia Early Entry Program has been created to allow you to apply and secure your place for your chosen course before you finish your Year 12 exams.

To find out more, visit Early Entry Program or email enquiries@tua.edu.au or phone 1300 575 803.
How do I apply?

Applying is easy and can be done online by filling out the apply form. If you have any difficulty, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. International applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislative requirements, for example, requirements for student visas (this does not apply for online study outside of Australia).
How will I know if my application has been processed?

Our Course and Careers Advisors will help you through every step of the application process and provide you with updates. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email.
I am having trouble with my application. Who can help?

Our friendly Course and Careers Advisors are available to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Fill out the contact us form and one of them will reach out to you.
What are pathways?

All Torrens University Australia courses have specific entry requirements, but we also offer multiple pathways into courses when you don’t meet those entry requirements.

There are different pathways for different courses. For example, we offer a range of diploma courses which pathway into bachelor degrees in Business, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Hospitality. We also have graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses which pathway into masters courses in Business, Global Project Management, Sports Management, Health, Education, Design and Hospitality. 

For more information on different types of pathways available, visit study pathways.
How can I pay for my course?
Payment information will be outlined in your offer letter but there are a couple of different options:

Upfront payment via credit card, BPAY, cheque or overseas bank account transfer

Full or partial payment via FEE-HELP Government Assistance (domestic students only)
What are the key dates for 2021?

To find out more, visit Key Dates.
What are the semester and term dates?

Torrens University Australia has three main intakes each year, usually during February, June and September. There are also a range of accelerated intake dates available, meaning if you just miss the start date, you don’t have to wait until the next intake.

You can apply any time throughout the year for the next intake start date – or a future start date if you are planning ahead. Different semester dates apply for Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School as well as some of our other courses.

To find out more, visit key dates.

View all FAQs

What is a Master of Counselling (Advanced)?