D6003 Master of Counselling

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Orientation to counselling, Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling and Part C. Specialist counselling practice. All students complete Part C. Depending upon your prior qualifications you may receive credit for Part A, or Part A and Part B.

Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points)

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of counselling at an advanced undergraduate level. They examine the major lifespan theories and counselling approaches and familiarise you with the professional side of counselling including the many different ways in which counselling is offered. These studies are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a related discipline.

Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points)

These studies will extend your foundational knowledge for the field of counselling. They focus on counselling practice in the areas of mental health and working with young people.

Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points)

These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for counselling. They cover major approaches to counselling, provide training in counselling practice and address the ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.

As part of this core study, you will complete 250 hours of professional experience, including a minimum of 140 hours of client contact.

Master's entry points

If you are:

• admitted at entry level 1, you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• admitted at entry level 2, you complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C
• admitted at entry level 3, you complete 48 points, comprising Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies, you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Course progression maps

The course progression maps provide guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study: 

• Semester 1 intake
• Semester 2 intake

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points), Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points) and Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points).

If you are:

• admitted at entry level 1, you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• admitted at entry level 2, you complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C
• admitted at entry level 3, you complete 48 points, comprising Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies, you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points)

You must complete:

• EDF4530 Lifespan development and counsellor identity
• EDF4531 Counselling settings and populations

Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points)

You must complete:

• EDF4532 Introduction to mental health issues
• EDF4533 Counselling children and adolescents

Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points)

You must complete:

• EDF5530 Counselling skills for individuals, couples and groups
• EDF5531 Cognitive behaviour therapies
• EDF5532 Ethics for counsellors
• EDF5533 Informing practice through research
• EDF5534 Supervised professional counselling practice (0 points)