Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Master of Counselling (MCouns) is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and professional counselling skills for working with clients in different settings.
• UC describes the programme as having a solution-focused approach, helping clients identify practical and acceptable solutions to their current concerns and problems.
• The programme combines academic theory with substantial supervised/practical counselling experience.
• Part I includes up to 70 hours of supervised clinical practice, while Part II includes a practical component involving up to 300 hours of counselling experience.
• The programme sits within UC's Health discipline and counselling overlaps with Psychology, Health Sciences, Social Work, Education, and Sociology.
• UC states that its Master of Counselling is the only postgraduate counselling programme in New Zealand's South Island.
• The qualification is recognised/accredited by the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), and UC states that the degree enables graduates to obtain provisional membership with NZAC.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 240-point programme is divided into Part I and Part II.

Part I includes:

• COUN671 – Counselling and Psychology: Theories and Skills
• COUN672 – Counselling Supervision and Reflective Practice
• COUN675 – Professional Counselling Practice I
• COUN681 – Solution-Focused Theory and Practice with Individuals and Groups
• One approved research methods course of at least 15 points.

Research-methods options listed by UC include:

• HLTH462 – Quantitative Methods in Health
• HLTH470 – Qualitative Research Methods for Health
• another approved research methods course of at least 15 points.

Part I includes up to 70 hours of supervised clinical practice. Students normally need to achieve a B GPA or better in Part I to progress to Part II.

Part II includes:

• COUN685 – Professional Counselling Practice II

For part-time students, the practical component is divided into:

• COUN683 – Professional Counselling Practice II (Part A) Part time
• COUN684 – Professional Counselling Practice II (Part B) Part time

Possible coursework includes:

• COUN695 – Counselling Dissertation, 60 points
• HLTH430 – Motivating Behaviour Change I
• HLTH431 – Motivating Behaviour Change II
• HLTH448 – The Foundation of Hospice Palliative Care
• HLTH463 – Wh?nau and Community Health
• HLTH469 – Health Issues in the Community
• COUN682 – Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT), 15 points
• CFPY601 – Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
• CFPY602 – Child and Adolescent Development: Research, Contexts, and Applications
• CFPY603 – Introduction to Interventions
• EDEM608 – Understanding Emotions in Education, Leadership, and Health
• SOWK612 – Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake in Practice
• CULT419 – The Policies and Politics of Sex.

Disciplines/Specialisations

There are no formal majors, minors, or endorsements in the Master of Counselling.

The programme's principal disciplinary areas are:

• Counselling
• Psychology
• Health Sciences
• Social Work
• Education
• Sociology
• Solution-focused counselling
• Counselling supervision and reflective practice
• Professional counselling practice
• Health research methods.

Programme Highlights

• 240-point professional master's degree.
• Two-part structure combining academic learning and professional counselling practice.
• Up to 70 hours of supervised clinical practice in Part I.
• Up to 300 hours of counselling experience in Part II.
• Solution-focused counselling approach.
• Professional Counselling Practice I and II.
• Counselling supervision and reflective practice.
• Research-methods training.
• Choice of a 60-point dissertation or at least 60 points of additional approved coursework.
• Limited-entry selection process.
• Group and individual interviews.
• Police vetting.
• UC states that the qualification is accredited by the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.
• The degree can enable graduates to obtain provisional NZAC membership, subject to NZAC's own membership requirements.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is intended for professional counselling practice.

Potential employment environments include:

• schools;
• community agencies;
• health agencies;
• counselling services;
• social-service organisations;
• private practice;
• other professional helping environments.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The latest UC application information, published 17 April 2026, confirms that the programme has a specialised and selective application procedure. Applicants must submit motivation information, qualifications/transcripts, an additional information form, a CV, two referee reports, and participate in group and individual interviews if selected.

Important special requirements include:

• limited entry;
• application deadline of 1 October;
• B-level academic performance normally expected at 300 level;
• relevant professional/counselling experience or suitability for counselling training;
• police vetting;
• Children’s Act 2014 requirements;
• selection interview;
• B GPA or better normally required in Part I before progressing to Part II;
• practical counselling experience and supervision;
• some courses may require vaccinations. 

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the Master of Counselling on campus in New Zealand, the relevant visa is normally the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• an offer of place from an approved education provider;
• sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an applicable scholarship;
• sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor;
• acceptable medical and travel insurance;
• good health;
• good character;
• genuine intention to study in New Zealand;
• evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay;
• passport and supporting documentation;
• medical examination/chest X-ray or police certificates where required.