Master of Counselling
Master of Counselling
The Master of Counselling program at Monash University aims to provide a skill-based training of counselling that can gear you up for counselling practice in Hong Kong.
The program draws on contemporary theories and approaches, for example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT), to counselling and psychotherapy and will develop your appreciation of the mental-health issues that arise across the lifespan. You will examine the various forms of professional counselling, including grief and trauma counselling, child and adolescent counselling, and couples and group counselling. You will also be introduced to the ethical and professional issues faced by counsellors.
While counselling skills are widely applied in areas of social work, community service, the field of counselling has also recognised as one of the core professions. Master of Counselling graduates work in a variety of fields, including careers counselling, education, child and family services, child protection services, health policy, family counselling, health services management and rehabilitation counselling.
Programme Excellence
Flexible study
Flexible study timetable (1 hour of lecture & 2 hours of tutorial)
Support on placement
Provide suggestions on the lookout for placement centre
ACA, PACFA Membership
Graduates can apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Program Details
Program Structure
Modules | 96 Credit Points | 72 Credit Points | 48 Credit Points |
| Lifespan Development and Counselling* | • | | |
| Counselling for Change and Transition* | • | | |
| Introduction to Ethics and Professional Issues in Counselling* | • | | |
| Foundations in Counselling: Evidence-Based Practice* | • | | |
| Counselling in the School Years^ | • | • | |
| Learning and Career Counselling^ | • | • | |
| Diversity in Counselling^ | • | • | |
| Telehealth and Technology in Counselling^ | • | • | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapies: Assessment and Intervention | • | • | • |
| Advanced Ethics and Professional Issues in Counselling | • | • | • |
| Grief and Trauma Counselling | • | • | • |
| Contemporary Counselling Approaches | • | • | • |
| Emerging Counsellor Practice | • | • | • |
| Counselling Couples, Families and Groups | • | • | • |
| Supervised Counselling Placement A** | • | • | • |
| Supervised Counselling Placement B** | • | • | • |
*Exemption granted due to recognition of prior learning.
^Further exemption can be given based on additional approved academic qualifications and/or recognition of prior learning.
**While assistance will be provided, students are expected to secure their own practicum placement with counselling agencies or social service centres. Monash and Kaplan Higher Education have ongoing associations in the local market in this respect and will assist as necessary. The cost of on-site or individual practicum supervision is negotiable between students and their supervisors, and be borne and paid directly by students to their supervisors.
Duration
Can be completed in 16 - 23 months
Medium of Instruction
English
Teaching Mode
Online teaching: 12 lecture hours & 12/24 tutorial hours per unit
100% taught by Monash academic staff with professional experience in psychology and counselling
Assessment Method
Each unit will be formally assessed by reports, essays, and/ or case studies
CRICOS Provider: 00008C
It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.
Application
Program Start Date
July 2025
Entry Requirement
- Applicants must have successfully completed a recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a high credit (65%) average.
English Language Requirements:
Having studied at an institution where English is the Language of instruction and assessment for the entire institution evidenced by a letter or transcript from the institution, applicants must have satisfactorily completed one and a half years full-time (three standard full-time semesters) of one of the following:
- Undergraduate study
- A programme assessed as being equivalent to Monash University undergraduate study
- One year, full time (two standard full-time semesters) of postgraduate study
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall (no band lower than 7.0)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 65 overall (no band lower than 65)
- TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 98 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 27, Listening: 24, Reading: 24 and speaking: 23
- Or an equivalent English test approved by the University
Please refer to https://www.monash.edu/admissions/entryrequirements/english-language
Credit / Advanced Standing
Students are expected to undertake all 72 credits in the program content unless granted credit / advanced standing by the University. Applicants may be eligible for exemption of the 4 units of the program based on additional approved academic qualifications and/or recognition of prior learning
- Relevant Academic Work
Successful completion of a minimum of an approved relevant 4th-year qualification - Relevant Non-Academic Work
Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements PLUS can provide evidence of a minimum of 2 years full-time relevant work experience
Points to note
- Applicants must be a Hong Kong identity card holder.
- Applicants must complete the whole placement in Hong Kong.
Program Fee
| Application Fee (Non-refundable) | HK$ 1,000 | |
| Registration Fee (Pay upon successful application & non-refundable) | HK$ 2,000 | |
| Total: | HK$ 3,000 | |
| 48 Credits Advanced Standing# | 72 Credits | |
| Installment 1 (Semester 2) | AU$ 6,840 | AU$ 6,840 |
| Installment 2 (Summer A) | AU$ 6,840 | AU$ 6,840 |
| Installment 3 (Semester 1) | AU$ 6,840 | AU$ 6,840 |
| Installment 4 (Winter) | AU$ 3,420 | AU$ 3,420 |
| Installment 5 (Semester 2) | AU$ 3,420 | AU$ 6,840 |
| Installment 6 (Summer A) | - | AU$ 3,420 |
| Installment 7 (Semester 1) | - | AU$ 6,840 |
| Total: | AU$ 27,360 | AU$ 41,040 |
Candidates who do not comply with the fee schedule will not be permitted to proceed with the program.
# For details of the advanced standing entry, please refer to the Advanced Standing section.
🎁 Enjoy HK$3,000 Early Bird Offer Now*
Applicants who apply on or before 24 April 2025 will now enjoy HK$3,000 Early Bird discount.
* The rebate will be awarded based on applicant's successful enrolment, paid the 1st instalment of the tuition fees and successfully completed the 1st term. This rebate cannot be used in conjunction with any other rebates or any other form of discount.
Refund Policy
- The program allows for full refund of installment fee if withdrawal notice is received in writing by the Monash University via Kaplan Higher Education (HK) Limited prior to the start of each of the teaching periods. There will be no refund of installment fee if withdrawal notice is received after the start of each of the teaching periods. All fees paid less application fee will be refunded if the course is withdrawn or not offered
- On premature cessation of the course, all fees and charges that have been collected in respect of any part of the course failing to be conducted on or after the date of the cessation will be refunded within 1 month of the premature cessation
- In case of hardship and deferral (students are required to complete the course within the maximum length of 72 months) cases, the University will consider the refund arrangement on an individual and case-by-case basis
- Students will not need to pay for the exempted units (i.e. modules)
Professional Recognition
Professional Recognition
| 1. | Graduates can be admitted as a registered counsellor at Australian Counselling Association (ACA) | http://www.theaca.net.au/ |
| 2. | Graduates can be admitted as a registered counsellor at Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) | http://www.pacfa.org.au/ |
University
Monash University was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1958 and is one of Australia's largest and most dynamic universities. Its research is internationally recognised, its faculties are acclaimed for teaching excellence throughout Australia, and its graduates hold prestigious positions worldwide in industry, commerce and education.
With over 70,000 students (and 250,000 alumni) from over 170 countries, we are today Australia's largest university. Monash offers a breadth and depth of courses that are unique. Monash University's vision is defined by 3 themes: Innovation, Engagement, and Internationalization.
University Excellence
- A member of Group of Eight – Australia’s Leading Universities
- In the top 1% of world universities - Ranked 37th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- In the top 1% of world universities - Ranked 58th in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
- Ranked 2nd in the category of education in Australia (Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2024)
- Ranked 16th in the category of education in the world (Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2024)
Program Management
Our programs are strictly complying with the regulatory requirements of Hong Kong Education Bureau. We are actively working with our partner universities to deliver high quality programs which can be integrated into student’s practical needs. Apart from the lecturers who come from our partner universities, our international associates are highly-qualified with relevant academic qualifications, practical and teaching experiences.
Conductive study environment, thoughtful program management and administrative services are the key promises which Kaplan Higher Education is proud to deliver. Our Program Management Team assigns dedicated program manager for each program as the bridge between students and universities.
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