- 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.
2025 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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling)
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA 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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Postgraduate study in counselling
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
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.
How much does a Master of Counselling cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80 – $9,033.60*
- International students
- NZ$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.
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 2024.
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 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you.
If you need any help, you can reach out to our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist: pgt@auckland.ac.nz
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 and Grafton campuses with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.
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 graduated with a Master of Counselling. He works with the counselling division of Bays Youth Community Trust and also does private practice work.
Read moreStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513