Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

Our counselling programmes are designed for mature students with existing tertiary
qualifications and professional experience in a field related to counselling,
who wish to transition into counselling from their current profession

This programme provides opportunities to examine and develop the inter-related components essential to effective counselling practice – theory, research, advanced skills and reflexivity. If you are a teacher, social worker or professional in a related field, this programme will enable you to become a professional counsellor. If you are an experienced counsellor, the Master of Counselling will provide you with an opportunity to advance your skills and research capabilities and gain a highly regarded postgraduate qualification.

Please note that this is a limited entry programme and selection criteria apply. An interview supported by referees’ statements and evidence of practical experience is required.

Interviews are conducted from October to December with the aim of informing applicants by the end of the year. Applicants may also be placed on waiting list and offered a place as spaces become available up until February the following year. In individual circumstances where applicants need to know the outcome of their application sooner (e.g. for international visa requirements, scholarships etc.), an earlier interview can be arranged.

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.

Requirements:

120-point programme:
Research Masters:

  • 30 points: PROFCOUN 730
  • 90 points: PROFCOUN 796 Thesis or PROFCOUN 795 Research Portfolio

Note: A student wishing to enrol in the Research Portfolio / Thesis of the MCouns should note that PROFCOUN 709, EDUCSW 700 or EDUC 787 is a prerequisite for enrolment.

Taught Masters:

  • 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

240-point programme:
Research Masters:

  • 90 points: PROFCOUN 701, 705, 706, 708, 711
  • 30 points: EDUCSW 700 or EDUC 787
  • 30 points: PROFCOUN 730
  • 90 points: PROFCOUN 796 Thesis or PROFCOUN 795 Research Portfolio

Note: A student wishing to enrol in the Research Portfolio / Thesis of the MCouns should note that PROFCOUN 709, EDUCSW 700 or EDUC 787 is a prerequisite for enrolment.

Taught Masters:

  • 90 points: PROFCOUN 701, 705, 706, 708, 711,
  • 30 points: EDUCSW 700 or EDUC 787
  • 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

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 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 option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling)

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA 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 in at least 90 points of 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, 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 90 points of 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 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 option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Postgraduate study in counselling

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Counselling cost per year?

2024 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,359.20 – $8,522.40*
International students
NZ$39,995 – $41,594*

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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 2023.

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 2024
8 December 2023

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your study options please contact:

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, Grafton, Epsom and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.

Find out more.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 Master of Counselling graduate

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 more

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