The Master of Counselling is based on the scientist/practitioner model and incorporates a significant practice component off Campus. This means that in addition to your coursework and research, you will be required to undertake a minimum of 120 hours at a counselling placement. Students are encouraged to complete more hours for their own training. Based on your client counselling experiences during your placement, you will also need to submit two case studies as part of your degree.

Applicants must usually hold a first degree or equivalent in a related area and have completed a course in developmental psychology, or equivalent, as determined by the Dean. An applicant who has not completed such a unit will usually be required to complete Notre Dame's Developmental Psychology course in the first semester of the Master of Counselling program. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour. Admission also requires a selection interview with a member of the Counselling staff. At the interview the applicant will be required to demonstrate a suitable degree of mature life experience as defined by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Applications should be received at least one month prior to commencement. Postgraduate programs at the university are filled on a first-come first-served basis. English: Academic IELTS 6.5 with no writing score lower than 6.5 and no individual band below 6.0, Internet-based (IBT) TOEFL: 84 overall, with no score lower than 21 in writing and no other band score lower than 17 Pearson PTE 58 overall, with no individual band score lower than 50