Top 8 Masters in Counselling in Singapore 2023

Update: This article has been updated as of 1 March 2023.

Enrolling in a master’s degree in counselling can be an important step towards pursuing a career as a professional counsellor.

However, it is crucial to choose a program that is recognised and accredited by the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). The SAC is a reputable organisation that plays a significant role in promoting the professional practice of counselling, advancing the field of counselling, and setting higher standards in the profession.

By enrolling in an accredited program, students can gain access to the numerous benefits and opportunities offered by the SAC. For instance, becoming a member of the association can help individuals expand their professional network, attend workshops and conferences, and stay updated on the latest developments and research in the field.

Furthermore, accredited programs are aligned with the objectives of the SAC and are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and excellence in counselling education.

Accredited programs are also recognised by other organisations, such as the Social Service Tribe, which considers SAC accreditation when assessing the education requirements of counselling professionals.

The Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) is a professional organisation that is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of counselling in Singapore. The SAC was established in 1990 and has since been playing a crucial role in setting standards for the practice of counselling, as well as promoting research, training, and education in the field.

One of the primary objectives of the SAC is to ensure that the highest standards of professional practice are maintained in counselling. As such, the association offers accreditation to counselling courses and programmes that meet their strict criteria. 

That means …

By enrolling in an SAC-accredited programme, individuals can be assured that they are receiving a high-quality education that meets the standards set by the association.

This can be particularly beneficial for those who are interested in pursuing a career in counselling, as it can help to enhance their employability and professional development.

Moreover, the SAC also provides a range of resources and support to its members, including networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and access to research and publications. This can be especially valuable for those who are starting out in the field and looking to build their skills and knowledge.

In this blog article, we will provide you with primary details and requirements for masters in counselling programs that are accredited by SAC.

We have carefully considered the top masters in counselling programs listed by the association, which offer a range of specialisations, including counselling process and outcome, supervision and training, career development and counselling, prevention, and health.

Our aim is to help you make an informed decision when selecting a program that meets your career aspirations and goals.

8. Singapore University of Social Sciences, Master of Counselling

Course Background

The course:

• Emphasises a balance of skills-based/practice orientation and academic rigour while allowing specialisation in different areas of counselling and training in supervisory skills to enable graduates to take on leadership roles or become domain experts.
• Offers flexibility in entry and exit points to suit different academic needs. Pre-requisite courses will help those without prior counselling training to be initiated into the programme.
• Is recognised and accredited by the Singapore Association of Counselling (SAC).

Fees: S$ 26,400 (Singapore Citizen/Permanent Residents); S$ 31,680 (Other Residents)

Duration: Approximately 2 years with practicum. 

Masters in Counselling Requirements: Click here.

7. Master of Counselling, Flinders University, Adelaide (Partnership with ECTA)

Course Background

This Masters of Counselling (Advanced) programme is designed to teach students on how to apply counselling, psychotherapeutic and psychological theories at an advanced level. It also teaches students to implement various counselling approaches especially in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Family Therapy. The programme trains students to act as professional counsellors in accordance with ethical guidelines and professional boundaries, and to utilise a set of advanced interpersonal skills that emphasise in the processes of facilitation. Moreover, the programme also trains students to apply processes of self-monitoring, self-examination and self-awareness in terms of personal and professional development.

Fees: Click here.

Duration: 12 months

Masters in Counselling Requirements: Prerequisite – Completed Graduate Certificate of Counselling or Graduate Diploma of Counselling 

6. Singapore Bible College, Master of Arts in Counselling

Course Background

The programme contains topics on Christianity, Theory and Practice Counselling, Human Development, Integration of Psychology and Theology, Therapy and Counselling Perspectives.

Fees: Unavailable

Duration: 2 years (Full-Time)

Masters in Counselling Requirements:

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University or Bible College

English Language Requirements

• ‘A’ Level: B4 in ‘AO’ level General Paper or
• TOEFL: 550 pts (or 80 iBT) or
• IELTS: 6.0

General Requirements

• At least 24 years old
• Christian for at least 2 years
• Evidence of involvement in ministry
• Endorsement by church leadership

4. Nanyang Technological University, Master of Arts (Counseling and Guidance)

Course Background

The programme is designed to train students in terms of major counselling theories, evidence-based practices, case documentation, ethical and legal issues, and research and programme evaluation skills in counselling. Moreover, students are also taught to adopt an integrated approach to counselling including counselling theories, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and multicultural therapeutic perspectives.

Fees: Masters by Coursework (MOE subsidised programmes), Masters by Coursework (Non-subsidised programmes)

Duration: 1.5 to 2 years (Full-time), 3 to 4 years (Part-Time)

Masters in Counselling Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally recognised university, for international applicants please click here.

3. Master of Arts in Integrative Counselling (Top-Up), College of Allied Educators

Course Background

In response to the growing demand for effective psycho-therapeutic practices, we offer a course through which qualified therapists can build knowledge within certain areas of interest, supporting the development of specialism and identity within the profession. If you already hold a postgraduate diploma in counselling or psychotherapy, then this one year top-up course gives you the opportunity to obtain a masters qualification by studying two research modules.

You will be introduced to the appropriate methods of research in psychotherapy, and will use this knowledge to form a research proposal. You will then complete a dissertation on a subject area of your choice, but relating to psychotherapeutic practice. Your course will provide an advanced critical and reflexive understanding of the theory, practice and established methods of psychotherapy used in professional practice.

Fees: S$ 38,520.00

Duration: 3 trimesters per year, 1-2 subjects per trimester

Masters in Counselling Requirements:

• Applicants will be graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, and Graduate Diploma Counselling Psychology course at the College of Allied Educators. Applicants with prior learning and similar postgraduate diploma may be assessed on a case by case basis.
• Where applicable, applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; All applicants should satisfy the Leeds Beckett University English language requirements, IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5 or an equivalent award.
• Depending on the nature of the research project, local processes will need to be followed regarding police checks or similar for projects with participants who are at risk adults or children.

2. Master of Arts (Counselling and Guidance), National Institute of Education Singapore

Course Background

The Master of Arts (Counselling and Guidance) programme is fully certified by the Singapore Association for Counselling as a training programme for Registered Counsellors. Upon completing the programme, students are expected to be competent in various areas including major counselling theories, evidence-based practices, case conceptualisation, treatment plan, case documentation, ethical and legal issues, and research and programme evaluation skills in counselling. Students are trained to adopt an integrated approach to counselling, which draws on knowledge from various counselling theories, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and multicultural therapeutic perspectives.

The programme emphasises a developmental perspective, focusing on issues pertinent to providing counselling and guidance services and programme development. The counsellors’ personal and professional growth and development; appreciation of diversity and demonstration of understanding ethical and legal issues are also emphasised. The practicum allows application of theories and techniques leading to effective individual and group counselling.

Fees: Subject to yearly revision. See here.

Duration: Minimum 1.5 years for full-time and 3 years for part-time.

Masters in Counselling Requirements:

Entry Requirements

You must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally recognised university preferably with Honours or equivalent in a relevant discipline, with preference given to relevant experience. For international applicants, more information on the entry requirements can be found here.

1. James Cook University, Master of Guidance and Counselling

Course Background

The programme is designed to provide students with advanced academic and practical training in the professional discipline of counselling. The programme consists of subjects such as Foundations of Counselling Theory and Practice, Advanced Counselling, Atypical Development, and various Guidance and Counselling subjects. 

Fees: S$ 38,520.00

Duration: 3 trimesters per year, 1-2 subjects per trimester

Masters in Counselling Requirements:

Entry Requirements

• Initial completion of a cognate, three-year Bachelor Degree. A discipline is considered cognate if it places a significant emphasis on the development of people and interpersonal skills.
• In exceptional cases, applicants may be admitted to the course if they submit other evidence of academic and/or professional attainments relevant to the field of Counselling – and their candidature is approved.

English Requirements

• Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0) / TOEFL (Internet Based) 86 (no component less than 21) / Pearson PTE Academic 58 (no component less than 54); or
• Satisfactory completion of James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP); or
• Successful completion of other qualifications completed in English Language deemed comparable to Australian standards within the last two years on a case-by-case basis

There you go! One more thing, though:

In addition to accreditation, it is also essential to consider other factors, such as the programme’s focus and specialisations, faculty expertise, and learning environment.

It is recommended that prospective students take the time to research and compare different programmes thoroughly before making a decision.

Lastly, pursuing a masters in counselling requires dedication and hard work. It is important to have a genuine interest in the field and a passion for helping others. With dedication, perseverance, and the right education, a career in counselling can be highly rewarding and fulfilling.

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into the top 8 masters courses in counselling in Singapore and has helped you make an informed decision about your educational journey.

Best of luck in your pursuit of a career in counselling! 🙂