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Study a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

  • Professionally accredited course
  • Practical work placement opportunities
  • Learn from experienced industry mentors
  • Advance your skills and your career prospects
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Gain advanced knowledge and expertise

Our Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy program nurtures committed learners who utilise their theoretical knowledge to solve real-world issues, appreciate multiple perspectives, and possess critical consciousness and agency.

 

Throughout this postgraduate course, students develop and apply advanced counselling skills including case conceptualisation and trauma-informed practice, to enhance therapeutic effectiveness amongst diverse population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

our masters program is Professionally accredited

Our program is professionally accredited by PACFA, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Graduates who fulfill ongoing professional development and clinical supervision requirements are eligible for listing on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP). ARCAP is an independent national register of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.

DEMAND FOR COUNSELLORS

According to the latest data from the National Skills Commission (Jobs and Skills Australia), counselling roles are expected to grow for the five years between November 2021 and November 2026. It is forecast that the number of counselling professionals is expected to increase from 24,400 to 27,800 by 2026.

 

Median hourly earnings are also on the rise, with Counsellors earning up to $45 per hour – 10 per cent more than the average wage of all full-time occupations.

 

Trusted by our counselling community

Real reviews from real students. See what they say about studying with ACAP.

 

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Key Learnings from this course

The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy provides practical learning experiences, enabling you to apply knowledge in real-world settings and effectively contribute to the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

  • Counselling in Multicultural Populations: Gain knowledge and skills to effectively counsel individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
  • Ethical Practice: Understand and apply ethical principles and standards in the field of counselling and psychotherapy, ensuring the highest level of professional conduct.
  • Contemporary Counselling: Stay abreast of current trends and practices in counselling, equipping yourself with the latest tools and techniques to address the evolving needs of clients.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Practices: Develop a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues and learn evidence-based strategies for promoting wellbeing and providing effective support to clients.
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Career outcomes

ACAP’s Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy ensures you’ll graduate with a versatile and comprehensive skill set, and knowledge of human behaviour that can be applied in a variety of settings, including:

  • Private Practice: Private counselling or psychotherapy practice for individual, couples, or family therapy.
  • Mental Health Clinics: Mental health clinics and centres, providing counselling and psychotherapy services to clients.
  • Hospitals and Medical Centres: Collaboratively work in healthcare settings with medical professionals for patient care.
  • Educational Institutions: Provide guidance and support to students, addressing their academic, social, and emotional needs.
  • Nonprofit Organisations: Graduates can work as counsellors or therapists in people-focused organisations, helping individuals and families in need.
  • Government Agencies: Work in Government departments as counsellors or psychotherapists and provide support and therapy to individuals and families.

WHY CHOOSE ACAP

We're industry known for preparing our students to meet future demands and develop knowledge that's useful, usable and applicable to real-life solution and real-world change.

Professionally accredited courses
Industry-specific accreditations ensure our course content is relevant to your career
Graduate industry-ready
Gain industry experience and establish contacts through professional placement opportunities
Personalised and supportive
Benefit from a tailored learning experience and dedicated support
Study your way
Full-time or part-time, online, on campus or by blended delivery – the choice is yours
Learn now, pay later
Study minus the financial stress with FEE-HELP
Learn from experts
Receive mentorship from academics with relevant industry experience

REAL FEEDBACK, REAL IMPACT

Our alumni have experienced the ACAP difference first-hand.

  • 94%

    Recommend studying at ACAP*

  • 94%

    Are currently employed, plus 1 in 3 own their private practice or business*

  • 86%

    Is the average rating of the overall experience studying at ACAP*

  • 50%

    Gained employment while they were still studying at ACAP, or within a month of graduating*

*Source: ACAP Alumni Survey 2025

Female counselling and psychotherapy student Stephanie sitting at ACAP Sydney campus - close up profile shot

MEET STEPHANIE

At the end of her Bachelor degree, Stephanie studied an elective in grief and loss after her own personal loss. She then realised her career path was in personal and family counselling. This was the catalyst for her enrolling in the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at ACAP. Stephanie is now a Family Practitioner at OzChild and owner of One Step Counselling. She is dedicated to helping families navigate complex issues including domestic violence and child protection.

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We'll support you with funding options

Your fees may vary depending on your enrolment. Whether you're a self-funded domestic student, using a FEE-HELP loan or an international student, we have options to meet your needs.

  • Pay Upfront: Pay your tuition fees up front by direct debit or credit card every trimester.
  • FEE-HELP: A Commonwealth Government loan to help pay for all or part of your higher education course fees.
Female counselling and psychotherapy student Mahalia sitting at ACAP Sydney campus - close up profile shot

MEET MAHALIA

Growing up in Albury Wodonga, Mahalia knew many young people who struggled with poor mental health, and wondered why there wasn’t more early intervention. She studied the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at ACAP. While working at a regional high school during her Masters, a challenging fire season led to a tragic increase in youth suicide in the local schools. Mahalia is now the Clinical Practice Lead for Centacare, has created a school wellbeing program, and runs her own community-based counselling service supporting males 16-25.

We enrich our students with the confidence to go out and make a difference

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Having teachers who are practitioners in the field gives a marriage of academic rigour with practical exposure. They can share case studies from real life that are happening at the moment. Caitlin, Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
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I have held a lifelong passion to work as a mental health therapist, but wasn’t in a position to pursue this career until the last 10 years. I had graduated with an honours psych degree, but felt the need to develop my counselling skills which I believe are integral to the helping profession. I’m now employed in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Unit at a private hospital – my placement experience during my course paved the way to empowering and informing my growth as a mental health therapist. Lisa, Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

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Change your life and the lives of others. Speak to a Course Advisor today about trimester start dates, available funding options, and any other queries you might have.

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