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Master of Applied Social Science (Counselling)

Specialise in Counselling at Masters Level

Gain advanced counselling knowledge and skills through this postgraduate applied social science course. Upon completion, you'll be able to apply counselling skills and techniques in an ethical and professional manner.

The Master of Applied Social Science (Counselling) is ideal if you wish to work in areas such as:

  • Counselling
  • Family support
  • Health care
  • Mental health work
  • Multicultural services
  • Refugee services
  • Welfare
  • Youth work
Quick Course Guide
Qualification Masters Degree Delivered by ACAP
Study time 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Enquire now for more details on study time and enrolment dates. Accreditation Meets PACFA minimum training standards
Delivery method Flexible - on campus, by correspondence and/or online Pre-requisites Relevant undergraduate degree and currently practising as a counsellor*
Student support Comprehensive support Finance options FEE-HELP available

This applied social science course meets the minimum training standards of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Delivered by the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP), this course focuses on experiential learning, so you emerge job ready with skills you can apply immediately.

*Please note that you must be practising under a recognised counselling body, eg. the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

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Master of Applied Social Science (Counselling) Course Structure

There are 12 modules in this counselling course:

  • Theories of Contemporary Society
  • Research Practices and Methodologies
  • Counselling Skills
  • Advanced Counselling Applications
  • Approaches to Therapy I
  • Approaches to Therapy II
  • Advanced Clinical Supervision
  • Development Throughout the Lifespan
  • The Contextualised Self
  • Individual Project
  • Counselling Specialisation Elective 1
  • Counselling Specialisation Elective 2
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Be Job Ready

Classes for this applied social science course are small and interactive, and focus on hands-on learning. The curriculum is developed and updated in consultation with industry, so you are work ready upon completion and able to apply your skills immediately.

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Flexible Learning Methods

To help fit your study around your lifestyle, work and family commitments, we provide a choice of learning methods:

  • On-campus in Sydney
    Interactive and lively classes; maximum of 20 students per class
  • By correspondence
    Study from anywhere in Australia and overseas; all you need is a postal address
  • Online
    Log on and learn from anywhere in the world; all you need is regular computer and Internet access
  • Summer School
    Intensive study option for busy students or those who want to complete their studies sooner

Flexible & Affordable Study

Flexibility and support were the reasons I chose ACAP. Choice of class times means I can continue to work full-time and the government loan scheme helps pay my fees.

Malcolm Breen

You can select a different study method for each module you enrol in. If you choose to study your full qualification by correspondence or online, you may wish to attend ACAP's intensive development workshops on campus to further develop your skills.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more information about the different study methods available and enrolment dates.


Practical Assessments, Not Exams

There are no exams for this counselling course. As ACAP values experiential learning, the College uses assessments to determine if learning outcomes have been achieved.

ACAP's assessments combine both theory and practice, and can take the form of interviews, videotaped role-plays, self-critiques, essays, journals, projects and presentations. Most modules contain 3 assessments.

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Study Now, Pay as You Earn

Almost every Australian citizen is eligible for Government assistance through the FEE-HELP program. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront, but can pay for your course as you earn. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant to find out more about how you can study now and pay as you earn with FEE-HELP.

This course is also Austudy and Abstudy-accredited.


Exceptional Student Support

A wide range of student support is available:

  • Academic guidance: get professional assistance to help you understand and prepare for assessments - especially useful for those who have not studied for many years or are unfamiliar with academic requirements to satisfy tertiary standards
  • Student resources: access academic and administrative information through a web-based resource centre
  • Student support counsellors: receive professional career guidance and counselling from qualified experts

In addition, those studying by correspondence or online have access to a dedicated support person by phone or email.

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About ACAP

ACAP is a leading Higher Education Provider (HEP) in applied psychology and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). ACAP educators are highly experienced practitioners with current industry knowledge.

The College has over 20 years' experience in the industry, and is a supporter of key associations including the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Find out more about ACAP.

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Enquire now for more course details, including fees and career options.

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Free Call 0800 170 252
9am - 5.30pm AEST Mon - Fri to speak to a SEEK Learning consultant

Affordable Study

This course qualifies for FEE-HELP, meaning you can study now and pay as you earn. Enquire now.


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