Counselling

CounsellingWhy study Counselling?

Our postgraduate coursework program provides an advanced professional qualification in counselling. Humanistic and experiential, our program includes a practical and theoretical introduction to a wide range of psychotherapeutic orientations. Learn how to maintain effective therapeutic relationships and client outcomes across a range of clients and settings. Our program meets the criteria for registration with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia..

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to practise as professional counsellors.

Courses

Local students

Counselling courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2012 Doctor of Psychology in Counselling Psychology Melbourne
3 years full-time. Semester 1 (March)

Doctor of Psychology in Counselling Psychology continued…

Course description
This course aims to give students theoretical knowledge and a range of professional skills that fit a variety of professional roles. It encourages both positivist and post-positivist methods as representations of a scientist practitioner model. Content involves experiential learning; candidates are expected to bring personal material into teaching through practical exercises, such as the use of family origin material, group processes and individual counselling sessions.
Prerequisite
APS-accredited three-year psychology qualification with minimum B grade average or equivalent across all years, and APS-accredited fourth year with minimum H2A result, or equivalent.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $18,750 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
Students have to pay for class notes for the Research Seminar A subject and for accommodation and food for a single residential weekend group workshop.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form.
Professional recognition
The course is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society for full membership, and following one year of graduate experience in the field, membership of its College of Counselling Psychologists.
Full course details
Counselling Psychology (Doctor of Psychology)Melbourne
2012 Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy Other
1 year part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy continued…

Course description
This course is designed to present narrative therapy theories and practices useful in working with individuals, families and communities. Drawing on poststructural and narrative theory and practice, participants working in a variety of professional roles are encouraged to relate what they are learning to their own work settings. Please note further professional supervision and family therapy training is required for accreditation as a family therapist.
Prerequisite
Undergraduate degree in any field, but preferably in a counselling, health or welfare field. Special consideration may be given to exceptional candidates without an undergraduate degree who have worked in and significantly contributed to the health, welfare or education field for a substantial period.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2011): $5715 (60 credit points).
Additional costs
The Course Coordinator will advise students of additional costs.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 31 October 2011. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form.
Full course details
Narrative Therapy (Graduate Certificate)Other
2012 Master of Counselling Melbourne
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent. Semester 1 (February)

Master of Counselling continued…

Course description
This course aims to give students an advanced professional qualification in counselling. It offers them the chance to collaborate with clients to assess and present ongoing issues. Its approach is humanistic and experiential, but includes practical and theoretical introductions to a wide range of psychotherapeutic orientations. The course meets coursework criteria for registration with PACFA - The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, which requires a minimum of two years' training. For more information, please download our Prospective Student Guide (PDF 131KB).
Prerequisite
Undergraduate degree and some professional counselling experience; those with other professional qualifications or who can demonstrate appropriate academic skills may also considered.
Fee type
Both Commonwealth Supported & full fee places available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $15,770 per 120 credit points. Commonwealth Supported Places may also be available.
Additional costs
National police check - A$15 immunisations - approximately A$500.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form. Please also complete the Supplementary Form (PDF 36KB). Shortlisted applicants are required to attend an interview.
Professional recognition
The course is in line with the Psychotherapy Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) registration requirements.
Full course details
Counselling (Master)Melbourne
2011 Master of Couple and Relationship Counselling Other
2 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Couple and Relationship Counselling continued…

Course description
Jointly run by Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) and The Bouverie Centre, this course offers a range of practice, theory and clinical research opportunities for experienced practitioners wishing to specialise as couples counsellors, couple and family therapists and specialised couples mediators. It is designed for practitioners interested in advanced conceptual, supervisory and research skills seeking leadership positions in this field.
Prerequisite
Undergraduate studies with at least a B or 70% grade average, comprising: . three-year undergraduate degree in the health and welfare field, or . Graduate Certificate in Family Sensitive Practice or equivalent and three-year degree in a related discipline, or . four-year degree in a related discipline, or . Bachelor degree and approved fourth year of study. Applicants must also have at least the equivalent of one to two years' (depending on undergraduate studies) full-time, face-to-face experience as a counsellor with individuals, couples or families. Students are required to work in a counselling or therapy role with the opportunity to work with couples (full- or part-time) or to have had recent counselling experience with couples.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2011): $10,790 (per 120 credit points)
Additional costs
The Course Coordinator will advise additional costs.
Additional information
The course is taught at the Bouverie Centre, Brunswick.
How to apply
Download and complete a postgraduate coursework application form, and send it directly to the relevant campus. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required. Apply direct to the University (contact details below) by 31 October 2010 (for semester 1 commencement) or 31 May 2011 (for semester 2 commencement).
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the AARC provided they can demonstrate requisite supervision hours relating to direct client contact. For details, visit: www.aarc.org.au
Full course details
Couple and Relationship Counselling (Master)Melbourne
2012 Master of Couple and Relationship Counselling Other
2 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Couple and Relationship Counselling continued…

Course description
Jointly run by Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) and The Bouverie Centre, this course offers a range of practice, theory and clinical research opportunities for experienced practitioners wishing to specialise as couples counsellors, couple and family therapists and specialised couples mediators. It is designed for practitioners interested in advanced conceptual, supervisory and research skills seeking leadership positions in this field.
Prerequisite
Undergraduate studies with at least a B or 70% grade average, comprising: . three-year undergraduate degree in the health and welfare field, or . Graduate Certificate in Family Sensitive Practice or equivalent and three-year degree in a related discipline, or . four-year degree in a related discipline, or . Bachelor degree and approved fourth year of study. Applicants must also have at least the equivalent of one to two years' (depending on undergraduate studies) full-time, face-to-face experience as a counsellor with individuals, couples or families. Students are required to work in a counselling or therapy role with the opportunity to work with couples (full- or part-time) or to have had recent counselling experience with couples.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $11,430 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
The Course Coordinator will advise additional costs.
Additional information
The course is taught at the Bouverie Centre, Brunswick.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University by 31 October 2011 (for semester 1 commencement) or 31 May 2012 (for semester 2 commencement). Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the AARC provided they can demonstrate requisite supervision hours relating to direct client contact. For details, visit: www.aarc.org.au
Full course details
Couple and Relationship Counselling (Master)Melbourne
2012 Master of Gestalt Therapy Melbourne
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Master of Gestalt Therapy continued…

Course description
This course provides specialist training in the Gestalt approach to working with people. It aims to produce competent, ethical and creative practitioners capable of working in a range of health, education and community settings. In particular, graduates can expect to develop significant personal awareness and a high level of competency in this field.
Prerequisite
Three-year Bachelor degree or equivalent in a related discipline, and Introductory Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma of Gestalt Therapy offered by Gestalt Therapy Australia (GTA) or equivalent (equivalent to the GANZ minimum standard of 450 hours over a minimum of three years) - the latter with a minimum B grade average.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $15,770 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Applications close on 31 October 2011 for semester 1 commencement and 9 July 2012 for semester 2 commencement. Late first semester applications accepted until the end of January 2012 (full-fee places only). Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form. A supplementary application form (PDF 138KB) is also required for this course.
Full course details
Gestalt Therapy (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Counselling international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Master of Counselling (072755E) Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
2 years Semester 1 (February) $25 270

Master of Counselling continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This course aims to give students an advanced professional qualification in counselling. It offers them the chance to collaborate with clients to assess and present ongoing issues. Its approach is humanistic and experiential, but includes practical and theoretical introductions to a wide range of psychotherapeutic orientations. The course meets coursework criteria for registration with PACFA - The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, which requires a minimum of two years' training. For more information, please download our Prospective Student Guide (PDF 131KB).
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.5 with no individual band score less than 7; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 625 with a score of 6 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 263 with a score of 6 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 104 with no individual score less than 26; or Completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2b (80%)) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent
Academic entry requirements
Applicants should be graduates, however those with other professional qualifications or who can demonstrate appropriate academic skills, will be considered. Those with previous counselling or related experience will also be considered.
Special requirements
Students are required to submit a CV, statement of purpose and two written references in support of their application. Short-listed students will then be offered an interview. Students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and a Working with Children (WWC) Check (no cost) before undertaking professional placement. This course has a clinical component. For more information, please visit www.latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements
Additional costs
National police check - A$15 immunisations - approximately A$500.
Additional information
Subjects in the first year of the program are held at the Melbourne campus while subjects in the second year are held at the Franklin Street campus (formerly known as Melbourne City campus).
Professional recognition
The course is accredited by PACFA.
Course details
Counselling (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Alternative pathways

If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you may be given special consideration if you have worked in and significantly contributed to the health, welfare or education field for a substantial period.

Counselling placements

In the Master of Counselling, you will do two supervised placements in the second year of the program.

Course Coordinators

Master of Counselling

Dr Kathleen Gregory

Phone: (03) 9479 5623

Email: k.gregory@latrobe.edu.au

Mr Stephen Andrew

Phone: (03) 9479 3679

Email: s.andrew@latrobe.edu.au

Master of Gestalt Therapy

Dr Linsey Howie

Phone: (03) 9479 5600

Email: l.howie@latrobe.edu.au

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

Student Profile: Sally

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Counselling.

Counselling events

Please see the Event Calendar for events that are related to this study option.

If you would like to see the latest events for this page come up automatically, please enable JavaScript.

Browse all events