University
University of CanterburyMaster of Counselling
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
4 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Main Campus
Summary
The Master of Counselling gives you the opportunity to extend your theoretical grounding and professional skills to work as a counsellor in a variety of settings. You will be trained to identify systematic, effective ways to help clients find simple, acceptable solutions to their current concerns and problems.
The MCouns consists of 240 points of study, taken as a combination of practical and theory courses.
Subjects and Courses- COUN671 Counselling and Psychology: Theories and Skills
- COUN672 Counselling Supervision and Reflective Practice
- COUN675 Professional Counselling Practice I
- COUN681 Solution-Focused Theory and Practice with Individuals and Groups
- HLTH462 Quantitative Methods in Health
- HLTH470 Qualitative Research Methods for Health
- another approved research methods course of at least 15 points
- COUN685 Professional Counselling Practice II
- HLTH430 Motivating Behaviour Change I (30 points)
- HLTH 431 Motivating Behaviour Change II (30 points)
- HLTH448 The Foundation of Hospice Palliative Care (30 points)
- HLTH463 Whānau and Community Health (30 points)
- HLTH469 Health Issues in the Community (30 points)
- COUN682 Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) (15 points)
- CFPY601 Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence (30 points)
- CFPY602 Child and Adolescent Development: Research, Contexts, and Applications (30 points)
- CFPY603 Introduction to Interventions (30 points)
- EDEM608 Understanding Emotions in Education, Leadership, and Health (30 points)
- SOWK612 Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice (15 points)
- CULT419 The Policies and Politics of Sex (30 points)
Entry criteria
Anyone wishing to enrol in the MCouns must have qualified for one of the following:
- a degree from Aotearoa New Zealand with either acquired experience in counselling, teaching, nursing, social work, or an equivalent profession, or been deemed suitable for training as a counsellor; or
- other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard.
One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
Selection will be based on academic attainment and other criteria, which will include an interview for admission to the professional counselling practice course (COUN675 Professional Counselling Practice I). The relevance and standard of previous studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval. You will normally be expected to have at least a B Grade Point Average in your 300-level courses. You must also be vetted by police.
To apply, you will need to complete an application form – see 'How to Apply' below.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Counselling or use the admission requirements checker.
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