Real graduate
'QUT offers a good balance between theory and practical work so I feel I gained the best of both worlds. The flexibility of not having to attend lectures with the exception of block week was great. I never felt alone as lecturers were always ready to answer questions.'
Real expert
I came to QUT having previously worked as a primary teacher, school guidance officer, behaviour support specialist, and in a role overseeing state policy development and school practice regarding student behaviour. My research expertise and focus is on trauma-aware schooling and I am proud to lead a passionate and informed teaching team to deliver this course.
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.
Real graduate
'QUT offers a good balance between theory and practical work so I feel I gained the best of both worlds. The flexibility of not having to attend lectures with the exception of block week was great. I never felt alone as lecturers were always ready to answer questions.'
Real expert
I came to QUT having previously worked as a primary teacher, school guidance officer, behaviour support specialist, and in a role overseeing state policy development and school practice regarding student behaviour. My research expertise and focus is on trauma-aware schooling and I am proud to lead a passionate and informed teaching team to deliver this course.
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.






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
- Commonwealth Supported Places available for Australian citizens and permanent visa holders, and New Zealand citizens (subject to change).
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
- Commonwealth Supported Places available for Australian citizens and permanent visa holders, and New Zealand citizens (subject to change).
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 school guidance officer or school guidance counsellor in schools from Prep to Year 12.
Guidance officers require a diverse range of skills and knowledge and an ability to form strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders and to develop and implement programs that are responsive to the needs of students and schools.
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 departments, the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association, and the Career Industry Council of Australia.
Learn from the best
Our teachers have worked as guidance officers, 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
The course is designed to build on your existing knowledge and professional experience to deepen your understanding school guidance and counselling theory, research and practice.
Flexible delivery
You may study the course full-time or part-time. For semester two, 2021 entry the course is offered at Kelvin Grove campus. An online study option will be available from 2022.
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.
To graduate with a Master of Education you are required to complete 144 credit points of course 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.
To graduate with a Master of Education you are required to complete 144 credit points of course 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, South Africa, 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.
English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Commencing in 2022: The test validity has been extended from two to three years for all intakes in 2022. Commencing in 2023: Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
IELTS Academic
Commencing in 2022: The test validity has been extended from two to three years for all intakes in 2022. Commencing in 2023: Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOEFL iBT
Commencing in 2022: The test validity has been extended from two to three years for all intakes in 2022. Commencing in 2023: Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
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.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2023 fees
2023: To Be Announced
2023 fees
2023: To Be Announced
2022 fees
2022: CSP $4,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2022 fees
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about postgraduate course fees
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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