Are you considering studying for a master’s of counselling but don’t know what to do after it? Finding out what you can do with a master’s of counselling online can be tricky, especially if you have never studied an online course before. Luckily for you, we can help. Our brief guide shows you what you can do with a master’s of counselling online and what you need to apply for the course.
What will I learn on a master’s of counselling online?
What you will learn on a master’s of counselling online course will vary depending on the course provider that you choose. Each provider will use slightly different phrasing when outlining their course and the learning outcomes, but there will be many overlapping areas. You can expect to see the following learning outcomes for your course:
- Understand counselling in a digital world
- Develop a person-centred approach
- Examine the roles of counsellors working at the cultural interface
- Explore self-awareness and reflective practice
The course is divided into twelve units, with ten core units and two work placements. The placements will help you to put your skills and knowledge into practice, seeing how you would behave in a counselling environment. The unit titles will vary depending on the course provider that you choose, but you can expect to see the following titles in your course brochure:
- Advanced theories and techniques in counselling
- Child and adolescent counselling
- Counselling in a digital world
- Counselling at the cultural interface: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and practice
- Ethics in counselling
- Foundations of counselling practice
- Mental health counselling
- Theories and techniques in counselling
- The role of the counsellor
- Trauma informed counselling
- Work placement
What can I do with a master’s of counselling online?
After you have completed your master’s of counselling online, you will be able to work as a counsellor across Australia. It’s worth checking before completing your course if it is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), as this will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive as a counsellor. The accreditation also shows potential employers that you are able to step into a counselling role and succeed.
After completing the course, many graduates move into the following roles:
- Child and adolescent counsellors
- Couples and relationship counsellors
- Community worker
- Family counsellor
- Financial counsellor
- Private practice counsellor
- Rehab counsellor
- Therapeutic case worker
- Youth work
The course also provides you with the transferable skills that you need to move into other roles and sectors. Some graduates move into the education sector, where they work with students in a pastoral role or help others train to become counsellors. Many counselling graduates also move into health service management, working in managerial roles. These toles rely on your counselling course skills to help you manage and inspire your tram.
The active listening and communication skills you have developed will help you support your team and find creative solutions. Graduates can also choose to remain in education, specialising in a specific area of counselling or choosing to continue with a research-based postgraduate course.
It’s worth considering your career when deciding which counselling course to choose. When looking at your master’s of counselling online, consider the units being offered and whether they will provide you with the skills you need to excel in your future career. If you aren’t sure what you want for your future career, it’s best to choose an online counselling course that provides you with transferable skills that allow you to move into different sectors after completing the course.
What do I need to apply for a master’s of counselling online?
The entry requirements for a master’s of counselling online can vary, depending on your course provider. Usually, you will need one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Prior learning, including five years of relevant professional experience
- A graduate certificate in counselling
Alongside one of these, you will also be required to complete a personal statement, include an academic transcript and two references, and complete an online interview. The interview and application process does vary depending on the course provider, so you might not need to conduct an interview. Details of the application and interview process can be found on your course provider’s website or handbook.
If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet English language requirements. The score that you need for these varies depending on the course provider, so it is best to check with them before applying.
Find your counselling course today
A master’s of counselling is a worthwhile course that provides you with the skills and experience that you need to move into a counselling role, offering support for those that need it.
