Course details

Summary

Study to become a counsellor or advance your counselling qualification. Examine and develop theory, research, advanced skills and reflexivity, which are essential to effective counselling practice.

Programme overview

Tailor-made for working professionals, this flexible masters attracts graduates who are already working in the teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or other related professions and want to become a counsellor or to advance their counselling qualification.

This programme provides opportunities to examine and develop the inter-related components essential to effective counselling practice – theory, research, advanced skills and reflexivity. If you are a teacher, social worker or professional in a related field, this programme will enable you to become a professional counsellor. If you are an experienced counsellor, the Master of Counselling will provide you with an opportunity to advance your skills and research capabilities and gain a highly regarded postgraduate qualification.

Programme structure

The programme includes lectures, discussions, student presentations, skills laboratories, seminars, workshops, group work, individual investigation and self-directed study. Practicum work in community settings is supervised on-site by counselling practitioners and overseen by University staff. Your research portfolio will be guided by at least one supervisor.

120-point programme:

120 points: Research Portfolio (PROFCOUN 797)*

240-point programme:

90 points: Counselling Laboratory (PROFCOUN 701), The Counselling Process (PROFCOUN 705), Cultural Issues in Counselling (PROFCOUN 706), Professional Issues in Counselling (PROFCOUN 708), Research and Counselling (PROFCOUN 709)

30 points from Education Professional Studies, Education, Professional Counselling, Professional Supervision, Social Work Health Practice, or a 700-level course in another subject as approved by the Associate Dean (Postgraduate)

120 points: Research Portfolio (PROFCOUN 797)*

*The prerequisite Research and Counselling (PROFCOUN 709) must be completed before enrolment in this course.

Where could this programme take you?

This programme is suitable for experienced and aspiring individuals who are looking to both broaden and advance their careers as counselling professionals.

Jobs related to this programme

• Counsellor in community settings
• Counsellor in government agencies (such as ACC, Corrections Department)
• Counsellor in private practice
• Counsellor in schools, and other secondary and tertiary settings
• Health and welfare services counsellor
• Human resource counsellor
• Not-for-profit agency counsellor

Further study options

• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Philosophy

Entry criteria

For Research 120 points: You must have completed one year of postgraduate study in counselling or counselling theory, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken. You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.

For Research 240 points: You must have completed an undergraduate degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work or similar profession. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken. You also must have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching, counselling, nursing, social work or a similar profession.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.