Master of
Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

Degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related area Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Graduate Diploma in Behavioural Health (Counselling)

See entry requirements Download brochure

SATAC

2CM317

CRICOS

111884B

Duration

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Indicative Fees

2026 : $17,399 (CSP)

2027 : $47,600 (FFP)

Delivery mode

In person (Bedford Park)

Practical experience

Available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

Overview

Overview Pathways Program of study Careers Scholarships FAQs How to apply

Enquire now

Why study the Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Designed for graduates and professionals from a range of backgrounds, the course equips you to support people experiencing behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges across community, health and wellbeing settings.

Study evidence-based counselling approaches, including therapeutic communication, behavioural interventions and person-centred care, while building practical skills through supervised placement experiences. Ideal if you want to expand your existing health services career, or transition into counselling practice.

Up to 80% off fees*

*Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Build specialist counselling expertise

Develop advanced knowledge and practical counselling skills to support people experiencing behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges in diverse health and community settings.

Learn through practical experience

Combine evidence-based study with supervised placement opportunities, building your confidence to apply counselling approaches in real-world professional practice.

Create new career opportunities

Graduate with an accredited qualification that can help you advance in health, community services, counselling and private practice roles.

Why study the Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Designed for graduates and professionals from a range of backgrounds, the course equips you to support people experiencing behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges across community, health and wellbeing settings.

Study evidence-based counselling approaches, including therapeutic communication, behavioural interventions and person-centred care, while building practical skills through supervised placement experiences. Ideal if you want to expand your existing health services career, or transition into counselling practice.

Build specialist counselling expertise

Develop advanced knowledge and practical counselling skills to support people experiencing behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges in diverse health and community settings.

Learn through practical experience

Combine evidence-based study with supervised placement opportunities, building your confidence to apply counselling approaches in real-world professional practice.

Create new career opportunities

Graduate with an accredited qualification that can help you advance in health, community services, counselling and private practice roles.

Build your career step by step.

We recognise committing to a year of full-time study can feel overwhelming. Flinders University offers staggered qualifications as you complete certain milestones. Complete 4 topics for a Graduate Certificate, 8 topics for a Graduate Diploma, and 12 topics for a Master’s degree with each stage recognised as a standalone qualification. You’ll simply need to apply and be admitted at each level, with credit available for topics already completed.

6-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Counselling (Behavioural Health)

12-month

Complete 8 topics to earn
Graduate Diploma in Counselling (Behavioural Health)

24-month

Complete 12 topics to earn
Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

What will you study?

You will complete 18 topics, including supervised professional placements, building advanced counselling knowledge alongside practical skills in behavioural health. Study full-time in 2 years or part-time over up to 4 years, with flexible delivery designed to support working professionals through a blend of online learning and on-campus intensive teaching.

Course handbook

Available in Year 1

Semester 1

Fundamental Counselling Skills
Fundamentals of Clinical Practice
Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Brief Interventions and Counselling Approaches

Available in Year 1

Semester 2

Advanced Therapeutic Approaches to Counselling
Clinical Practicum 1: Applications of Counselling Practice
Trauma Informed Knowledge and Practice in Counselling

Available in Year 2

Semester 1

Clinical Practicum 2: Extended Applications of Counselling Practice
Group Work Theory and Practice

Available in Year 2

Semester 2

Research Skills in Clinical Education – Evidence Synthesis
Approaches to Counselling Across the Lifespan
Motivational Interviewing
Relationships and Sexual Health Counselling
+ 1 Elective

What will you study?

You will complete 18 topics, including supervised professional placements, building advanced counselling knowledge alongside practical skills in behavioural health.

Course handbook

Available in Year 1

Semester 1

Fundamental Counselling Skills
Fundamentals of Clinical Practice
Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Brief Interventions and Counselling Approaches

Available in Year 1

Semester 2

Advanced Therapeutic Approaches to Counselling
Clinical Practicum 1: Applications of Counselling Practice
Trauma Informed Knowledge and Practice in Counselling

Available in Year 2

Semester 1

Clinical Practicum 2: Extended Applications of Counselling Practice
Group Work Theory and Practice

Available in Year 2

Semester 2

Research Skills in Clinical Education – Evidence Synthesis
Approaches to Counselling Across the Lifespan
Motivational Interviewing
Relationships and Sexual Health Counselling
+ 1 Elective

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

Contribute to an evolving, digitised and diverse health care both nationally and internationally.
Practice as a proficient and competent counsellor or psychotherapist using integrated and transdiagnostic therapeutic approaches.
Implement care that recognises and respects intersectionality, difference and self-determination.
Demonstrate the attributes and behaviours that sustain respectful and professional relationships.

Accreditation

The Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health) is accredited with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and requires in-person attendance at all teaching related activities.

Students intending to progress to the Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health), must complete the Graduate Certificate and/or Graduate Diploma courses in-person and on-campus study mode to meet the accreditation requirements of the Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health).

Your career and future pathways.

Counselling professionals are in strong demand, with jobs forecast to increase by 27.7% through to 2033. This accredited master’s degree prepares you for practice as a PACFA-registered counsellor, enabling meaningful work across healthcare, community, and private practice settings.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$95,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$95,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Discover South Australia.

Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.

Discover South Australia

_{Photo credit: SATC}

Learn from the experts.

Our teaching staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.

Dr Lian Hill

Clinical Psychologist
Discipline Lead and Course Coordinator of Behavioural Health

See full profile

Lian is a registered Clinical Psychologist, she brings experience across private, public and government sectors and has expertise in culturally responsive, inclusive and neuro-affirming practice. Her teaching spans counselling, psychotherapy, clinical practice and supervision.

Get inspired.

Discover more about Flinders University’s Counselling (Behavioural Health) program.

Hear from Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health) students

Vanshika Bhaskar and Sana Vohra are first-year students studying a Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health). They share their experiences at Flinders University in South Australia. Originally from India, both students highlight the practicality and unique opportunities Flinders’ counselling program offers.

Watch video

Forum Pandya

Graduate Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Jennifer Forbes-White

Graduate Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

The coursework is varied, including written assignments, quizzes, performance demonstrations through role-plays...

I’ve particularly valued the interactive and reflective teaching approaches used throughout the course...

The coursework is varied, including written assignments, quizzes, performance demonstrations through role-plays...

I’ve particularly valued the interactive and reflective teaching approaches used throughout the course...

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally.

Ranked #1 in SA in Education & Training for learning resources, overall experience, skills development, student support, teaching quality, graduate salary and full-time employment

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment.

4 in 5 students employed full-time while studying.

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally.

Ranked #1 in SA in Education & Training for learning resources, overall experience, skills development, student support, teaching quality, graduate salary and full-time employment

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment.

Career growth - Build confidence with practical, in-demand skills.

Get support.

Need support?

International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.

Get support

Campus tours

Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.

Discover our campuses

FUSA

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.

Learn more

Accommodation.

Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.

Explore accommodation

Scholarships.

Flinders University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to support international students pursue their educational and career goals.

View Scholarships

Get support.

Need support?

From course advice, recognition of prior learning assessments, to study skills and financial support, we’re here to help.

Get support

Industry and professional networks

Connect with Flinders alumni and industry partners through discipline-specific networks, seminars, and career events designed for postgraduate students.

Explore professional networks

Campus facilities

Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with library spaces, study and chill areas, ample parking and more.

Explore our campuses

Scholarships.

Flinders University offers a wide range of postgraduate scholarships to support students pursue their educational and career goals.

Find a scholarship

Frequently asked questions.

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What can I do with a Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)?

Graduates are equipped to work as professional counsellors, psychotherapists, or mental health clinicians in diverse settings including healthcare, education, community services, and private practice. The degree also prepares students for leadership roles in behavioural health, program coordination, and wellbeing support across public and private sectors.

Do I need to attend classes in person?

Yes. In-person attendance is required for all classes, workshops, and placements to meet PACFA accreditation standards. This ensures you develop strong interpersonal and therapeutic skills through hands-on practice, role-play, and supervised clinical training.

What type of practical experience will I gain?

Students complete supervised industry placements that provide real-world counselling experience. You’ll have opportunities to apply evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy, and to work directly with clients experiencing issues like addiction, grief, or chronic illness.

What makes Flinders’ approach to counselling unique?

Flinders’ philosophy is grounded in humanistic and person-centred practice, emphasising compassion, respect, and reflective learning. You’ll be supported by experienced counselling educators and industry partners to develop a professional identity built on empathy, integrity, and evidence-informed care.

Unable to find your answers?

Ask Flinders

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related area Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Graduate Diploma in Behavioural Health (Counselling) from Flinders University.

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

How to apply

Select your preferred course.

Check entry requirements.

Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.

Apply online at SATAC.

Apply directly via SATAC

2CM317 (CSP)

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

After you apply

Receive your offer

SATAC will notify you of an offer on behalf of Flinders University by emailing the offer letter. Offers will be made to the highest preference for which you are both eligible and sufficiently competitive.

Accept and enrol

Accept via SATAC or your offer email, then complete enrolment through the Enrolling @ Flinders portal.

Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.

If you want to change your preference, you can update your application via SATAC.
If you are unsure about your next steps, talk to us about your study options.

Entry requirements
Application options

Entry requirements

English language requirements

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

Please note, a test is required as evidence of English language proficiency even if an English language program has been completed. Tests accepted are Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and OET.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a health-related area, e.g. behavioural science, counselling, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology or social work; or
A bachelor's degree in a non-health related area with a minimum of two years full time equivalent relevant work experience in counselling, psychology, or behavioural science; or
A bachelor's degree in a non-health related area with evidence of continuous professional development (PD) in counselling, or post degree courses related to counselling, or psychology.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

Application options.

Apply online

Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.

Start application

Find an agent

Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.

View the full list of countries requiring agent assistance.

Find an agent

Contact us

Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.

Contact us

Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.

Preparatory courses

If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.

Learn more

Flinders University Academy

If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions.

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What documents do I need for my international application?

The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.

When should I apply for my student visa?

Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.

Apply for a visa

Can I study part-time?

No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.

Can I study online?

No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.

What if I don’t meet English language requirements?

If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

English language pathways

How do I apply?

You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.

If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.

Apply now

Find an agent

Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.

Learn more

What support services are available for international students?

Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.

Explore International Student Services

Unable to find answers? Get in touch with us.

Contact Us

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisors about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.

1300 354 633

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Apply

Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Entry requirements

Key information

Why study the Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Up to 80% off fees*

*Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Build specialist counselling expertise

Develop advanced knowledge and practical counselling skills to support people experiencing behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges in diverse health and community settings.

Learn through practical experience

Combine evidence-based study with supervised placement opportunities, building your confidence to apply counselling approaches in real-world professional practice.

Create new career opportunities

Graduate with an accredited qualification that can help you advance in health, community services, counselling and private practice roles.

Why study the Master of Counselling (Behavioural Health)

Build specialist counselling expertise

Develop advanced knowledge and practical counselling skills to support people experiencing behavioural, emotional and mental health challenges in diverse health and community settings.

Learn through practical experience

Combine evidence-based study with supervised placement opportunities, building your confidence to apply counselling approaches in real-world professional practice.

Create new career opportunities

Graduate with an accredited qualification that can help you advance in health, community services, counselling and private practice roles.

Build your career step by step.

Build your career step by step.

What will you study?

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 2

Available in Year 2

Available in Year 2

Available in Year 2

What will you study?

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 1

Available in Year 2

Available in Year 2

Available in Year 2

Available in Year 2

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

Accreditation

Your career and future pathways.

Potential occupations

Potential occupations

Discover South Australia.

Learn from the experts.

Get inspired.

Forum Pandya

Jennifer Forbes-White

Forum Pandya

Jennifer Forbes-White

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Get support.

Need support?

Campus tours

FUSA

Accommodation.

Scholarships.

Get support.

Need support?

Industry and professional networks

Campus facilities

Scholarships.

Frequently asked questions.

Entry requirements

How to apply

Apply directly via SATAC

Entry requirements

How to apply

Application options.

Apply online

Find an agent

Contact us

Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.

Preparatory courses

Flinders University Academy

Frequently asked questions.

Follow Flinders

Flinders Chat

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Master of
Counselling (Behavioural Health)