Torrens University Australia

Master of Counselling (Advanced)

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 Months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop advanced counselling, research and professional practice capability through this online master's degree, combining flexible study with supervised placement, extensive practical skills training and Australian Counselling Association accreditation.

Course overview

The Master of Counselling (Advanced) is an online postgraduate qualification designed for graduates seeking to expand their counselling expertise through advanced professional practice and additional elective study. Building on the Master of Counselling, the course incorporates broader learning opportunities and research preparation while equipping graduates for counselling roles across health, education, business and community settings. This course is not accepting new enrolments until 2027.

Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to build therapeutic relationships, apply evidence-informed counselling approaches and support clients across diverse life stages. In addition to developing advanced communication, ethical practice and clinical decision-making, you'll explore professional resilience, self-care and psychosocial wellbeing while extending your knowledge through additional electives or a research-focused pathway that supports future academic study.

Although delivered online, the course includes compulsory practical components to ensure graduates develop real-world counselling capability. You'll complete 40 hours of supervised work placement and 120 hours of on-campus Practical Intensive Workshops across three subjects. Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the qualification also benefits from more than 40 years of counselling expertise through Torrens University's heritage with the Jansen Newman Institute.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 Months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,088
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of eight subjects per year.
Intake
14th September, 2026
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
16
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

The Master of Counselling (Advanced) comprises 11 core subjects and five electives.

Core subjects

Year one

These eight core subjects must be completed.

  • Advanced Therapeutic Communication
  • Theoretical Approaches to Counselling
  • Life Stages and Development
  • Self-Care & Developing Resilience
  • Mental Health
  • Digital Counselling
  • Clinical Practice & Supervision
  • Advanced Counselling Skills

Year 2

These three core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you're required to select five electives from the electives tab.

  • Group Leadership
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Working with Risk Groups and Suicidality
Electives

Entry requirements

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet one of the requirements listed below.

  • An Australian bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent.
  • Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent in a non-related field of study and the completion of the Torrens University Work Life Entry Form and successful completion of the Torrens University Graduate Certificate in Counselling.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Support clients with a range of issues within ethical and professional requirements.
  • Understand and apply psychosocial well-being 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.

Career outcomes

The Master of Counselling (Advanced) has been designed to prepare you for employment in a role that leverages counselling and communication skills. Graduates of this course will progress their careers in the professional domain of counselling and case management.

Potential career paths:

  • Counsellor
  • Case manager
  • Rehabilitation counsellor
  • Addiction counsellor

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative subject price in 2026: $3,088 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated annual price in 2026: $49,408 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Subject prices are based on 10-credit-point blocks.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of subjects studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of subjects.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.