What is the Difference Between Counselling and Psychology?
Please note, this article includes content which may be distressing for some readers. Links for mental health support and resources can be found at the bottom of this page
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In a noisy world that is complex, uncertain and constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that there are people who can listen.
The number of full-time counsellors continues to grow, and counselling skills are becoming increasingly relevant in other professions, such as nursing, social work, teaching and other community-based roles.
If you are passionate about making a difference to individuals, families and communities, ECU’s online Master of Counselling will give you tools that you can apply to a range of settings.
ECU's online Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and will develop your capabilities in working with individuals and communities in a way that emphasises cultural awareness and person-centred approaches. You will learn how to translate and deliver counselling across modalities, as well as develop key practices to continue your own development.
You will also benefit from the opportunity to put your skills into practice on placement.
*Duration depends on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor for advice.
In a noisy world that is complex, uncertain and constantly changing, it’s more important than ever that there are people who can listen. Who can walk alongside us. Who can help make sense of what is going on in our lives and in the world around us.
The online and accelerated Master of Counselling at ECU provides advanced, evidence-based counselling knowledge and skills for professionals who want to make a difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities, whoever and wherever they may be.
The Master of Counselling gives you the opportunity to put theory into practice, online and with professional field placement. The world needs you to listen.
ECU’s online Master of Counselling provides advanced, evidence-based counselling knowledge and skills for professionals who want to make a difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities. Students may study this course to prepare to become a counsellor. Alternatively, they may wish to add to their existing skill set in roles including:
See admission requirements in ECU’s Master of Counselling brochure for more information.
Gain skills to effectively adapt to the field as it expands across the digital realm. Understand how theories and techniques of counselling can be translated and adapted for delivery across a range of modalities to connect with and support people in unique and far-reaching ways.
Learn how to walk alongside individuals in a process that values difference, supports self-discovery, builds on unique strengths and recognises the interrelationships between individuals, communities and social structures as important platforms for healing.
Learn the skills and abilities needed to work in the community and actively promote a positive sense of identity, culture and heritage, with particular emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and practice.
Engage in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice to gain a deeper understanding of the self, and how this interplays with the therapeutic process, personal growth and ongoing professional development.
I chose ECU’s online Master of Counselling because it was progressive. The course facilitators are friendly, encouraging practitioners with extensive professional experience. My fellow students are a diverse range of professionals of all ages and make the degree even richer through their contributions.
The course has 12 units of study made up as follows:
Work Placements
Students will undergo 220 hours of professional placement with an approved organisation, including a minimum of 60 hours client contact, in which there is 16 hours of supervision. Professional placement can involve individual, group or couple counselling face-to-face or from a distance (online/remote). This provides you with the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a supervised setting.
The Placement Team works on behalf of students to source placements; however, please note students in rural or remote locations may need to assist with securing a placement (or be flexible on travel and location of placement). Students undergoing a placement will also require satisfactory completion of a Working With Children Check and National Police Check, and many agencies will require an interview with students prior to starting.
NOTE: It is anticipated that students will need to travel for the three-day intensive and placement component of the course. Both components will be held in Australia. The three-day intensive location is yet to be decided, but there will likely be an option of both Perth and an East Coast location. Students may also be required to travel to their nearest capital city to complete the placement component of this degree. Contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors to discuss your circumstances.
You also have the option of studying the Graduate Certificate of Counselling.
Students looking to enter the Graduate Certificate of Counselling are required to submit documentation covering points one and four. Points two and three are covered during the Graduate Certificate component of the course.
Usually, if you successfully complete a Graduate Certificate, you can progress to the Masters by coursework degree.
Not only will you be supported by our academic staff with feedback and answers to your academic questions, but you will also receive dedicated one-on-one support for all non-academic queries from your Student Success Advisor. They are available via phone or email to provide motivation and guidance, supporting you while you achieve your study goals.
Assessments vary from unit to unit. Please check with your Course Coordinator or Student Success Advisor about each unit's assessment requirements. Assessments may include case studies, reviews, reports, portfolios, applied projects and presentations. We do not hold exams for online programs.
Ready to apply? Our support staff are available to guide you through our three-step process.
The government loan scheme that applies to most postgraduate courses is known as FEE-HELP. Australian citizens and holders of a Permanent Humanitarian visa who are residing within Australia are eligible to access FEE-HELP. Using this program, you can borrow enough money from the Commonwealth Government to cover your course fees. Once your income reaches a certain level, you will pay the loan back via the tax system.
For more information on fees and the FEE-HELP loan, call us on 1300 707 760.
Yes, completing ECU's Online Master of Counselling will empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to begin a career as a counsellor.
You can find more information about the career opportunities for counsellors on our blog.
Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
The three-day intensive location is yet to be decided, but there will likely be an option of both Perth and an East Coast location. Please reach out to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors if you would like to discuss your circumstances.
No, our Master of Counselling does not include specialisations. We provide you with skills across a broad range of relevant disciplines to enable you to begin your career as a counsellor.
Yes, there are placements in our Master of Counselling.
You can find the most frequently asked questions about the counselling placement on our blog.
Virtual classrooms are held fortnightly. They are highly recommended for all students but are mandatory for those students taking the Graduate Certificate of Counselling units (COU6501, COU6502, COU6503). They are usually recorded for students who cannot attend.
Our Student Enrolment Advisors are ready to answer your questions.
Send us an email or schedule a call-back at a time that best suits you.
Please note, this article includes content which may be distressing for some readers. Links for mental health support and resources can be found at the bottom of this page
You may be surprised to learn that the work of counsellors is not currently covered by Medicare.
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ECU is committed to reconciliation and recognises and respects the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ communities, cultures and histories. ECU acknowledges and respects the Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the land on which our campuses are located.
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You must have an APAC Accredited 3 year Psychology degree or equivalent to be eligible for this course.
If you have not studied Psychology before, you may be interested in our Online Accelerated Graduate Diploma of Psychology.
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Graduate Diploma of PsychologyYou must be a Qualified Teacher to be eligible for this course.
If you’re not currently a Qualified Teacher, you may be interested in our on-campus Teacher Education course.
Learn more