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 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.