Torrens University Australia

Master of Counselling Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 18 Months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop advanced counselling knowledge and clinical 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 is an online postgraduate qualification designed for graduates seeking to become professional counsellors, enhance their current practice or apply counselling skills across health, education, business and community settings. As Torrens University's highest-level counselling qualification, the course combines advanced theory with supervised practical experience to prepare graduates for professional counselling practice.

Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to establish therapeutic relationships, apply evidence-informed counselling approaches and respond ethically to complex client needs across diverse settings. You'll develop advanced communication, clinical reasoning and reflective practice while building capability in psychosocial wellbeing, self-care, telehealth delivery and professional decision-making to support individuals throughout different life stages.

Although delivered online, the course includes compulsory practical components to develop hands-on counselling experience. 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 draws on more than 40 years of counselling expertise through Torrens University's heritage with the Jansen Newman Institute and is assessed through coursework rather than formal examinations.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
18 Months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $2,488
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
New start dates announced soon
Units
More Information
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.
12
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 comprises 11 core subjects and one elective subject.

Core subjects

Year one

These eight core subjects must be completed.

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

Year two

These three core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you're required to select one elective.

  • 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 the requirements listed below.

  • AQF Level 7 (Bachelor's degree) or above in a relevant discipline.
  • A Bachelor's degree and complete the Torrens Work Life entry form, demonstrating your interest in and suitability to gain entry to the course. Students who do not have a prior degree in a related field must successfully complete the Graduate Certificate prior to enrolling in the Graduate Diploma, Master's, or Advanced Master's. This is a professional accreditation requirement.

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 communication skills.
  • Apply theory and practice skills to demonstrate self-care and personal lived experience.

The Master of Counselling has been designed to prepare you for employment in roles that require counselling and communication skills or to progress your career in the professional domain of counselling and case management.

Career outcomes

The Master of Counselling has been designed to prepare you for employment in roles that require counselling and communication skills, or to progress your career in the professional domain of counselling and case management.

  • Counsellor
  • Case manager
  • Rehabilitation counsellor
  • Addiction counsellor

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative subject price in 2026: $2,488 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated first-year price in 2026: $29,856 (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.