Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling)

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 students to problem-solve and achieve their goals. Additionally, you will learn about psychoeducational assessment used to support student learning, as well as the key areas of guidance officer and guidance counsellor practice including supporting students impacted by trauma, student protection, complex case management and responding to critical incidents.

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 may study the course full-time or part-time. You can study on campus, online or select a blended approach to suit you. QUT provides a variety of online learning environments to enable you to participate fully, receive expert guidance and support, and be in regular contact with expert teaching staff. 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 education adjustment processes to support students 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

Students and graduates are eligible to join the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association.

The study area is recognised by Queensland Department of Education, Catholic Education, and Independent Schools as a guidance officer and guidance counsellor qualification in Queensland schools. Please consult other states' registering authorities if you are seeking employment outside of Queensland.

The Master of Education does not lead to teacher registration. If you are seeking a teaching qualification, the Bachelor of Education, or Master of Teaching may be suitable for you. Explore course options.