- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2027 Semester One – 1 March
- 2028 Semester One – 28 February
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 240
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
The Master of Counselling is a limited entry programme that provides students with the opportunities to develop and examine the inter-related components essential to effective counselling practice – theory, research, advanced skills and reflexivity.
The programme is designed for students with prior tertiary qualifications and professional experience in a field relevant to counselling (for example teaching, nursing, or social work) who are seeking to transition into counselling from their current profession.
On completion of the Master of Counselling a student will be eligible to apply for provisional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.
The 240-Point Master of Counselling
The 240-point Master of Counselling programme is typically appropriate for domestic applicants who have been awarded a scholarship for the duration of their study, or for international applicants as these individuals are usually required to enrol in a complete, full-time, master’s programme to fulfil their requirements of the scholarship or study visa. Acceptance onto the 240-point Masters of Counselling programme will enable these students to become a professional counsellor.
Note: If you are a domestic applicant who has not been awarded a scholarship, you should apply for the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (Theory), which progresses to the 120-Point Masters of Counselling.
To apply for our Master of Counselling (240-Point) programme, you will need to:
- Have at least three years’ professional experience as a teacher, social worker, or other professional in a people-related field
- Provide a CV of your work experience
- Submit statements from two referees
- Submit the transcripts from your tertiary qualification(s) (a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required)
- Complete a satisfactory interview
- Complete satisfactory police check(s)
- Complete a satisfactory safety check
You can find more detailed information for counselling applicants here.
The 120-Point Masters of Counselling
The 120-point Master of Counselling programme is appropriate for applicants who have completed our 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (Theory) or an equivalent counselling qualification.
Acceptance onto the 120-point Master of Counselling will provide students with an opportunity to advance their counselling practice, research capabilities, and gain a highly regarded postgraduate qualification.
To apply for our Master of Counselling 120 programme, you will need to:
- Have completed our Postgraduate Diploma of Counselling Theory (or equivalent) with a GPA of 0.5
If you have not completed our Postgraduate Diploma of Counselling Theory, but have a qualification that you believe may be considered as an equivalent qualification then you will need to:
- Submit the transcripts of your tertiary qualification (a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required) to the admissions team for assessment
- Provide evidence of your professional work experience
- Submit statements from two referees
- Complete a satisfactory interview
- Complete satisfactory police check(s)
- Complete a satisfactory safety check
You can find more detailed information for counselling applicants here.
Programme structure
The programme includes lectures, discussions, student presentations, skills laboratories, seminars, workshops, group work, individual investigation and self-directed study. Practicum work in community settings is supervised on-site by counselling practitioners and overseen by University staff. Your research portfolio will be guided by at least one supervisor.
240-point Master of Counselling: Year One
Duration: 1 year
(Part-time: 2 years maximum)
90 points: PROFCOUN 701, 705, 706, 708, 711
30 points: EDUCSW 700 or EDUC 787
(120–points in total)
*please note that the courses listed above are the same as those required for the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory
240-Point Master of Counselling: Year Two
After completing the first year of the 240-Point Master of Counselling, you will have the opportunity to choose one of the following pathways:
Taught pathway
For individuals who want to focus on honing their practice knowledge, theory, and skills.
Duration: 1 year
(Part-time: 2–4 years maximum)
- 60 points: PROFCOUN 730, 732
- 60 points from EDPROFST 743-745, 760–774, EDUC 732–747, 755-759, 767, PROFCOUN 700, 702, 703, 707, PROFSUPV 700-704, 710-716, SOCCHFM 700, 731-735, SOCHLTH 732, or other 700 level courses approved by the Programme Director
(120–points in total)
Research pathway
For individuals who want to develop and undertake counselling research for the profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Duration: 1 year
(Part-time: 2 years maximum)
- 30 points: PROFCOUN 730
- 90 points: PROFCOUN 796 Thesis or PROFCOUN 795Research Portfolio
(120–points in total)
120-point Master of Counselling
The 120-point Master of Counselling programme gives you the opportunity to choose one of the following pathways:
Taught pathway:
For individuals who want to focus on honing their counselling practice knowledge, theory, and skills.
Duration: 1 year
(Part-time: 2–4 years maximum)
- 60 points: PROFCOUN 730, 732
- 60 points from EDPROFST 743-745, 760–774, EDUC 732–747, 755-759, 767, PROFCOUN 700, 702, 703, 707, PROFSUPV 700-704, 710-716, SOCCHFM 700, 731-735, SOCHLTH 732, or other 700 level courses approved by the Programme Director
(120–points in total)
Research pathway:
For individuals who want to develop counselling research skills and contribute to the profession’s knowledge, theory, and practices in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Duration: 1 year
(Part-time: 2 years maximum)
- 30 points: PROFCOUN 730
- 90 points: PROFCOUN 796 Thesis or PROFCOUN 795 Research Portfolio
(120–points in total)
For full course details, visit the Curriculum Catalogue.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2026 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling)
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Relevant bachelors degree
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling) with a GPA of 5.0.
You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.
Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, previous employment and referees’ report and safety checks
Note: If you already hold a Master of Education - Counselling specialisation (or substantially similar field of study), you may not be admitted to this programme.
You must have completed a bachelors degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work or similar profession with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II.
Or, passed 60 points towards a relevant (education, counselling, nursing or social work) postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.
You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.
Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.
Note: If you already hold a Master of Education - Counselling specialisation (or substantially similar field of study), you may not be admitted to this programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPA requirement you may still gain entry if you successfully demonstrate capacity to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Postgraduate study in counselling
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study in counselling or counselling theory, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken.
You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.
Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.
Note: If you already hold a masters degree in counselling, you may not be admitted to this programme.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work or similar profession. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken.
You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.
Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks, previous employment and referees’ reports.
Note: If you already hold a masters degree in counselling, you may not be admitted to this programme.
How much does a Master of Counselling cost per year?
2026 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,392.40 – $9,574.80*
- International students
- NZ$43,674*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
The application closing date below applies to the Master of Counselling 120 points.
The Master of Counselling 240 points application closing date is 1 November 2025.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2027
- 1 November 2026
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 28 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you.
If you have any questions or need help with any aspects of application
or enrolment, please visit auckland.ac.nz/askus
Student Hubs
Visit your hubs for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.
The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.
The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City and Grafton campuses with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.
Where could this programme take you?
This programme is suitable for experienced and aspiring individuals who are looking to both broaden and advance their careers as counselling professionals.
Jobs related to this programme
- Counsellor in community settings
- Counsellor in government agencies (such as ACC, Corrections Department)
- Counsellor in private practice
- Counsellor in schools, and other secondary and tertiary settings
- Health and welfare services counsellor
- Human resource counsellor
- Not-for-profit agency counsellor
Roberto McLeay graduated with a Master of Counselling. He works with the counselling division of Bays Youth Community Trust and also does private practice work.
Read moreStudent career planning service
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Key Information for Students
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