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'Our teaching staff are experts in their field and have either worked or are currently working in their chosen area. As an educator and teacher who has over 20 years' experience, I believe it is important to understand the effects of student mental health and wellbeing to ensure a supportive learning environment.'
Accreditation
QUT’s Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) is accredited with Australian Counselling Association. Graduates of this course are eligible to join the Australian Counselling Association.
Leading through guidance
'This course could not have been more relevant and useful to the guidance officer role. It was full of practical information and teaching staff who had been guidance officer's themselves and were able to deliver course content with a real-world perspective in mind. Not only has my study at QUT prepared me for my role as a guidance officer, but it has enabled me to become a member of the Australian Counselling Association and a qualified counsellor… I know that this course and my time as a guidance officer will provide me with invaluable knowledge and experience as I pursue that career venture.'
Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling)
Real expert
'Our teaching staff are experts in their field and have either worked or are currently working in their chosen area. As an educator and teacher who has over 20 years' experience, I believe it is important to understand the effects of student mental health and wellbeing to ensure a supportive learning environment.'
Accreditation
QUT’s Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) is accredited with Australian Counselling Association. Graduates of this course are eligible to join the Australian Counselling Association.
Leading through guidance
'This course could not have been more relevant and useful to the guidance officer role. It was full of practical information and teaching staff who had been guidance officer's themselves and were able to deliver course content with a real-world perspective in mind. Not only has my study at QUT prepared me for my role as a guidance officer, but it has enabled me to become a member of the Australian Counselling Association and a qualified counsellor… I know that this course and my time as a guidance officer will provide me with invaluable knowledge and experience as I pursue that career venture.'
Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling)
Highlights
- Ideal for current teachers seeking a qualification in school guidance and counselling.
- Leads to employment in a school setting from Prep to Year 12.
- Equips graduates to lead a comprehensive student support and wellbeing agenda in a school.
Highlights
- Ideal for current teachers seeking a qualification in school guidance and counselling.
- Leads to employment in a school setting from Prep to Year 12.
- Equips graduates to lead a comprehensive student support and wellbeing agenda in a school.
Why choose this course?
The Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) provides registered teachers with the knowledge, skills and required qualification to become a Guidance Officer or Guidance Counsellor in schools from Prep to Year 12.
Guidance Officers and Guidance Counsellors require a diverse range of skills and knowledge and an ability to form strong and productive relationships with students, families, teachers and other professionals and to develop and implement programs that are responsive to the needs of students and schools.
Be inspired by postgraduate students putting their learnings into action. Read their stories on our Education insights blog.
Real-world learning
Learn today, use tomorrow with our real-world courses. QUT works closely with education partners to ensure the quality and relevance of this course. We have consulted with government, catholic and independent education sectors, the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association, the Career Industry Council of Australia, and Australian Counselling Association.
Learn from the best
Our teachers have worked as Guidance Officers, Guidance Counsellors, Senior Guidance Counsellors or in leadership roles in schools. You’ll benefit from the real-world experience they are able to share. The course is backed by QUT’s evidence-based research programs working to develop solutions to current and emerging issues in education.
Explore this course
This course introduces core counselling techniques and communication skills essential for effective helping strategies in various professions. It aims to enhance self-awareness and awareness of others’ needs, enabling clients to problem-solve and achieve their goals. Additionally, you will learn psychoeducational assessment techniques used by Guidance Officers and School Counsellors, including observation, interviewing, and formal testing for learners with difficulties.
You will also explore lifelong learning within career contexts, developing skills to lead career development programs. You will learn through theoretical career programs that will prepare you to create innovative, flexible programs. Further, throughout this course, you will get an introduction into social research and how to use findings within professional settings. You will learn about major counselling theories applicable in schools, helping to develop a model based on these theories for future practice and preparing you for professional experience in school guidance and counselling across various educational settings.
Flexible delivery
You can study on campus or online. This program includes online intensive sessions held before semester begins and require your attendance during the Queensland school holidays.
Assessment items or practicum
This course includes a practicum unit to provide the opportunity for you to apply your learnings under the supervision of guidance practitioners in schools.
Careers and outcomes
Guidance Officers or Guidance Counsellors provide an array of specialised services to school communities. They lead and implement a comprehensive student support and wellbeing agenda within schools by working with students, school personnel, families and child/adolescent support specialists and organisations. Their work can include:
- counselling for educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issues
- psychoeducational assessment
- leading verification and education adjustment processes to support students with identified impairments
- career development and advice for students
- student case management
- leadership and support in responding to complex and challenging circumstances including student protection matters, critical incidents, mental health issues, and suicide prevention and postvention support.
Professional recognition
The Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) is approved by the Australian Counselling Association. Graduates are eligible to join the Australian Counselling Association.
The study area is also recognised by Education Queensland, Catholic Education, and Independent Schools as a guidance officer qualification in Queensland schools. Please consult other states’ registering authorities if you are seeking employment outside of Queensland.
Early exit
You can exit the course with a Graduate Certificate in Education following completion of any four masters units.
The 144 credit point course is comprised of; one 72 credit point major in School Guidance and Counselling; 24 credit points of options; and a 48 credit point block of advanced level units, comprised of 36 credit points of research units and 12 credit points of advanced level option units.
If you have an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 qualification in the field of education (honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or higher), or a completed recognised bachelor degree in the field of education plus a minimum of 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant work experience in Education you can be awarded advanced standing for up to 36 credit points of option units.
The 144 credit point course is comprised of; one 72 credit point major in School Guidance and Counselling; 24 credit points of options; and a 48 credit point block of advanced level units, comprised of 36 credit points of research units and 12 credit points of advanced level option units.
If you have an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 qualification in the field of education (honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or higher), or a completed recognised bachelor degree in the field of education plus a minimum of 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant work experience in Education you can be awarded advanced standing for up to 36 credit points of option units.
- Course code
- EU73
-
- Online
- Kelvin Grove
- 1.5 years full-time
- 3 years part-time
- January and June
Entry requirements
You must have a:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in teaching or education; plus
- Current Australian teacher registration.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Advanced standing
You will be automatically granted 36 credit points of general advanced standing towards the option units if you have one of the following recognised pathways and provided the required documentation as outlined in the online application:
- bachelor honours degree in teaching or education; or
- bachelor degree in any discipline plus graduate certificate in teaching or education; or
- graduate diploma (or higher qualification) in teaching or education; or
- bachelor degree in teaching or education followed by at least two years full-time (or equivalent) work experience in teaching or education.
This will be confirmed in your offer letter. Please note if you do not provide the required documentation you can apply for this advanced standing after you have accepted your offer.
Please note this advanced standing will not reduce the duration of your studies.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: CSP $4,700 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2025 fees
2025: $34,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: CSP $4,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $32,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
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