Discover the counselling course for you
Provide effective support to people experiencing mental health and developmental issues. Our postgraduate counselling courses are shaped by current workforce needs, meaning you’ll learn how to address relationship, social, educational and other life challenges with your clients.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Choose a degree that will get you work ready
If you have a high degree of empathy and well-developed communication skills, a career in counselling could be the area for you. Our courses can equip you with the skills to provide tailored support to your clients based on individual circumstances.
Gain industry experience
Valuable placement opportunities are embedded within our graduate diploma and masters programs. You’ll gain supervised experience supporting real clients from diverse backgrounds and ages, while collaborating with experienced mental health professionals.
Develop a broad skillset
In addition to working with clients face-to-face, you'll learn how to provide support via telehealth services and online communication tools, which are becoming increasingly important in modern counselling practice.
Our students have the opportunity to apply skills in real-world settings through supervised practicum placements. Graduates are prepared to hit the ground running in counselling roles, with the confidence and skills needed to make a real difference in the lives of their clients.
Carol Sandiford and Mayumi Purvis
Course directors, Master of Counselling
Professional recognition
While accreditation isn’t required to work as a counsellor in Australia, professional recognition can expand your employment options and provide valuable access to professional development and networking opportunities.
Our Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling are both accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Our Master of Counselling is also accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Top career opportunities in counselling
Healthcare and social assistance is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing employment sector, offering a wide range of career options in counselling. There are 4500 new jobs projected to be created for counsellors and 28,300 for social and welfare professionals by May 2028.* Our courses can equip you with specialist knowledge of a broad range of topics and prepare you for roles in:
- youth work and school counselling
- mental health support
- trauma and grief counselling
- relationship and family counselling
- sex and sexuality support services
- career coaching and professional guidance.
Graduate with an employment advantage
Study with us to gain an advanced understanding of cutting-edge therapies and developments in the field. Graduate with the skills and experience to make a difference with a degree from Victoria’s #1 university for course satisfaction.^
World-class teaching experiences
With an emphasis on teaching excellence, practical training and innovative course design, our postgraduate counselling degrees can equip you with the skills to provide high-quality counselling support.
Learn from experts
Our experienced academics bring clinical expertise to the classroom, allowing them to share real-world case studies with you. This practical focus ensures you receive hands-on training grounded in real-world practice.
Support diverse clients
Our programs place an emphasis on diversity and cultural safety. This means you'll be well equipped to provide culturally responsive counselling services to clients from all backgrounds.
Study flexibly online
You can study our Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Graduate Diploma of Counselling fully online. When you're ready to progress to the masters degree, enhance your skills with a mix of online and on-campus learning at our Melbourne Burwood Campus.
Want to explore more?
What’s the difference between psychology and counselling?
Do you have a passion for mental health? Find out the differences between studying psychology and counselling and the rewarding career pathways that await.
Footnotes
*Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2023–May 2028
^Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
Contact us
Got a question about our counselling courses? Our expert advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online