| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
| 2025-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Guidance and Counselling
Overview
The Master of Guidance and Counselling is a postgraduate degree that equips students with the skills and knowledge to provide guidance and counselling services in various settings. The program focuses on developing students' understanding of counselling theories, practices, and techniques, as well as their ability to design and implement guidance programs.
Flexible Study Options
- Study online or on campus
- Enhance your expertise and progress your career
- Qualify to practice in Australia and Singapore
Fast Facts
- Domestic students: citizens of Australia or New Zealand, Australian permanent residents, or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
- International students: non-citizens of Australia or New Zealand, non-Australian permanent residents, or non-holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
Location
- JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course
- Online
- Townsville
Commencing
- The month(s) you can start the course
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
Fees
- Indicative, annual cost of your course
- $4,627.00+ (estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee for a full-time study load)
- $25,255.00^ (estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load)
- Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
- Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
- The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student
- 1.5 years full-time
Entry Requirements
- AQF level 7 bachelor in cognate discipline
Course Code
- JCU's unique identifier for this course
- 34704
Course Detail
What to Expect
The Master of Guidance and Counselling program prepares students to provide information and support to clients in various settings. Students will gain a deep understanding of counselling theories, practices, and techniques, as well as the ability to design and implement guidance programs.
Core Subjects
- Foundations of counselling theory and practice
- Advanced counselling techniques
- Reflective practice
- Career and leisure guidance
- Atypical development
Elective Subjects
- Educational research
- Behaviour Management
- Social learning perspectives
- Conflict analysis and resolution
Research Project
- Students will undertake an individual, small-scale research project that encourages informed, action-oriented leadership approaches to building social and/or ecological capacity in the guidance and counselling field.
Career Opportunities
- Guidance officer
- Counsellor
- Career development advisor
- Specialist human resource management skills across the public or private sector
Accreditation
- Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association and the Singapore Association for Counselling
Inherent Requirements
- Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated during the learning experience to successfully complete a course.
Handbook
- Visit the JCU Course and Subject Handbook for more information.
Fees and Scholarships
- Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD4,627.00
- Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD25,255.00
- A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
Pathways to JCU
- JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.
How to Apply
- Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
Real Stories
- Student testimonials and alumni stories are available on the JCU website.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Core Subjects:
- Atypical Development
- Foundations of Counselling Theory
- Foundations of Counselling Practice
- Advanced Counselling
- Practicum in Guidance and Counselling
- Reflective Practice Research in Guidance and Counselling
- Career and Leisure Guidance and Counselling
- Assessment
- Options:
- Introduction to Educational Research
- Educational Leadership
- Leading for Change in Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Education for Sustainability
- Social Learning Perspectives for a Sustainable Future
- Individual Researched Action Project
- Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution
- Conflict Analysis
- Ethical Decision Making and Reflective Practice
Careers:
- Guidance counsellor
- Career development advisor
- Human resource management specialist
James Cook University
Overview:
James Cook University (JCU) is a public university located in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its focus on tropical research and its commitment to providing a world-class education in a unique environment. JCU is the second-oldest university in Queensland and is considered a leading institution in Australia.
Services Offered:
JCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Study options:
Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, online courses, and pathways to university.Student life:
Accommodation, campus locations, global rankings, scholarships, and accessibility support.Admissions and entry:
Application process, important dates, fees and financial support.Current student support:
Subject search, course and subject handbook, fees and financial support, timetable and important dates, exams and results, off-campus student support, study overseas opportunities, student life, clubs and sporting teams, student mentor program, student placements, graduation and beyond, learning online, personal support, Indigenous student support, LearnJCU, The Learning Centre, careers and employability, and safety and wellbeing.Student Life and Campus Experience:
JCU offers a vibrant student life with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:
Unique environment:
World-class facilities, natural wonders, and a vibrant student life.Opportunities:
Study overseas, join clubs and sporting teams, participate in the student mentor program, and engage in student placements.Support:
Access to a range of support services, including personal support, Indigenous student support, and career guidance.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
Delivered by expert lecturers and world-class researchers.Career-focused courses:
Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen field.Unique research opportunities:
Access to world-class research facilities and locations, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine.Commitment to student success:
Lecturers are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential.Environmental sustainability:
JCU is committed to environmental sustainability, with energy-efficient facilities and a focus on tropical research.Academic Programs:
JCU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts, Society and Education
Business, Law and Governance
Healthcare Sciences
Medicine and Dentistry
Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences
Science and Engineering
Other:
JCU is committed to research that addresses global challenges and improves outcomes for those living in the tropics. The university has a strong focus on environmental sustainability and Indigenous engagement. JCU graduates are known for their problem-solving skills and their commitment to making a difference in the world.
Entry Requirements:
Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a cognate discipline. Cognate disciplines include education, psychology, social work, law, health or career development.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
