Master of Counselling
Why study the Master of Counselling at UNE?
The Master of Counselling provides professional training in counselling specialisations to enable graduates to work in a range of counselling contexts. Emphasis is given to producing counsellors who are self-reflective and committed to lifelong learning in the areas of human development and counselling processes. This award incorporates the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care and the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice, which is designed to equip health professionals to support people with mental health issues and their carers.
I would like to know more about this course.Career Opportunities
Enhanced employment opportunities which equips people to work in welfare, health, education (independent schools) and private practice settings.
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
1.5 Years Full-timeUp to 4 years Part-time
0.5 Years Full-time
Up to 2 years Part-time
FEES
Commonwealth Supported Place2010 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Semester 1, Off CampusSemester 2, Off Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
All domestic students apply directly to UNE. This course is only available off-campus (distance education).
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| Official Abbreviation | MCouns | |||||||||
| Course Type | Postgraduate | |||||||||
| Commencing |
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| Course Duration |
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| Fees | Commonwealth Supported Place | |||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 24 or 72 |
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| How to apply |
All domestic students apply directly to UNE. This course is only available off-campus (distance education). For more information, click here |
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| Intensive Schools | Intensive mandatory schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements. |
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| Entry Requirements | A candidate shall: (a) hold the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care from the University of New England, or its equivalent; or (b) satisfy the School by means of other qualifications and relevant experience of adequate preparation for candidature; and (c) one year, or its equivalent, of relevant professional practice; and (d) (i) a curriculum vitae of not more than five pages highlighting counselling related information and including supporting documentation; (ii) a referee report to be sent to the Student Centre directly by your referee; (iii) a separate question and answer sheet where the applicant will answer the following questions: Why do you want to become a counsellor? (max 200 words); What values are important for a counsellor to hold? (max 200 words); What do you perceive as your strengths and weaknesses? (max 100 words); What are you hoping to gain from doing this course? (max 100 words); How will you access clients for counselling practice? (max 50 words). |
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| Practical, Clinical or Work Experience | Students will attend a minimum of four mandatory three-day intensive schools for skills training and will be encouraged to apply the skills they learn in their work environments. They will be taught the following counselling related skills: advanced counselling microskills; creating a therapeutic relationship; clinical assessment skills using the DSM-IV as a diagnostic framework; how to conduct a mental health status examination and make appropriate referrals; report writing skills; brief intervention skills such as how to work from a cognitive-behavioural perspective; other theoretical approaches to counselling; how to integrate theory and practice; how to be critical and self-reflexive; how to work in a culturally competent manner; how to present a case study and case conceptualisation; how to give constructive feedback; skills relevant to peer supervision; and how to plan interventions and design treatment plans. |
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| Advanced Standing | Except for candidates admitted under Rule 1.(a) the maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 36 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by the University and approved for the course comprising: (a) up to 36 credit points on the basis of units that have been counted towards another qualification at this University; (b) up to 36 credit points on the basis of units that have or have not counted towards another qualification that have been completed at another University; (c) there shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of units that have not counted towards another postgraduate qualification that have been completed at this University. (d) Candidates admitted under Rule 1.(a) shall not receive advanced standing except for (c) above. |
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| Academic Colours |
old rose (BCC 157) |
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| Further Information | 
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
1. Admission to Candidature
A candidate shall:
(a) hold the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care from the University of New England or its equivalent; or
(b) satisfy the School by means of other qualifications and relevant experience of adequate preparation for candidature; and
(c) one year, or its equivalent, of relevant professional practice; and
(d)
provide with their application: (i) a curriculum vitae of not more than five pages highlighting counselling-related information and including supporting documentation; (ii) a referee report (the form must be downloaded and sent to the Student Centre directly by your referee); and (iii) a separate question and answer sheet where the applicant will answer the following questions: Why do you want to become a counsellor? (max 200 words); What values are important for a counsellor to hold? (max 200 words); What do you perceive as your strengths and weaknesses? (max 100 words); What are you hoping to gain from this course? (max 100 words); How will you access clients for counselling practice? (max 50 words).
2. Award of Degree
A candidate who meets the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Counselling.
3. Course Requirements
(a) To qualify for the award, and except with the permission of the School, a candidate admitted under Rule 1.(a) shall pass 24 credit points, including at least 12 credit points at 500-level and not more than 6 credit points at 400-level, as specified in Schedule A.
(b) To qualify for the award, and except with the permission of the School, a candidate admitted under Rule 1.(b) shall pass 72 credit points, including at least 30 credit points at 500-level and 30 credit points at 400-level, as specified in Schedule B.
4. Period of Candidature
For candidates admitted under Rule 1.(a) the maximum period of candidature shall be:
(a) six months as a full-time candidate;
(b) two years as a part-time candidate.
For candidates admitted under Rule 1.(b) the maximum period of candidature shall be:
(a) one and a half year as a full-time candidate;
(b) four years as a part-time candidate.
5. Advanced Standing
Except for candidates admitted under Rule 1.(a) the maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 36 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by the University and approved for the course comprising:
(a) up to 36 credit points on the basis of units that have been counted towards another qualification at this University;
(b) up to 36 credit points on the basis of units that have or have not counted towards another qualification that have been completed at another University;
(c) there shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of units that have not counted towards another postgraduate qualification that have been completed at this University.
(d) Candidates admitted under Rule 1.(a) shall not receive any advanced standing except for (c) above.
6. Exit Pathways
(a) A candidate who has completed HSMH421, HSMH422, HSMH423 and HSMH424 may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice.
(b) A candidate who has completed
HSMH421, HSMH422, HSMH423 and HSMH424, HSCS452, HSCS521 and HSCS535 may exit with the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care.
Program of Study – for candidates admitted under Rule 1.(a)
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
Course Structure |
Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 12 cps |
| Elective Units | 12 cps |
| Total | 24 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Program of Study - for candidates admitted under Rule 1.(b)
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
Course Structure |
Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 60 cps |
| Elective Units | 12 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |