Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Ikon Institute of Australia is a two-year postgraduate qualification for people who want to work as counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia. It sits at the master's level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it builds on prior study and prepares you for professional practice rather than research alone. The course is registered on CRICOS (course code 116562B), so it is available to international students studying in Australia on a Student visa.

What you study

The degree covers the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. You can expect units in human development, counselling models, psychopathology, ethics and professional practice, group work, and family or relationship counselling. Assessment typically includes essays, case studies, supervised practice, and a research project or capstone. Because this is a master's degree, the final stage often includes a substantial independent project where you apply what you have learned to a real client or community issue.

How it is structured

Australian master's degrees are measured in units of study and credit points. A full-time load is usually four units per semester, and a two-year degree is typically 16 units or 96 credit points. Ikon Institute of Australia delivers the course over two years full-time, with semesters or trimesters depending on the intake. Part-time study may be available. You need to complete all core units and any electives, plus the capstone or research component, to graduate.

Practical experience

Counselling and psychotherapy is a field where you learn by doing. The course includes supervised clinical practice or placement, where you work with clients under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. This is usually arranged by the institute in partnership with community organisations, mental health services, or private practices. Placement hours count towards the requirements for professional registration with bodies such as PACFA or ACA, though you should confirm the current accreditation status and registration pathways directly with Ikon Institute of Australia and the relevant professional association.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who already hold a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, nursing, education, or the humanities, and who want to retrain as counsellors or psychotherapists. It also suits practising professionals who want to deepen their clinical skills or move into private practice. If you are an international student, you will need to meet English language requirements (IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for coursework master's, though you should check the exact score for this course) and the Department of Home Affairs' English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Confirm all details, including tuition, intake dates, and English requirements, on the official CRICOS register and with Ikon Institute of Australia.

• Counsellor, community health centres, schools, relationship counselling services, drug and alcohol services, and private practice.
• Psychotherapist, private practice, mental health clinics, and allied health practices.
• Case manager or support worker, non-government organisations, disability services, and housing services.
• School counsellor, primary and secondary schools (additional registration or teaching qualifications may be required).
• Rehabilitation counsellor, insurance, workers compensation, and employment services.
• Mental health worker, hospitals, community mental health teams, and crisis services.
• Private practitioner, after meeting registration requirements with PACFA or ACA.

Graduates work across Australia in health, education, community services, and private practice. Registration with a professional body is often required to practise and to access Medicare rebates, so check the current requirements with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).