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
0.5 Years Full-timeUp to 2 years Part-time
1.5 Years Full-time
Up to 4 years Part-time
FEES
CSP (quotas apply)Full Fee
International
2011 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Semester 1, Off CampusSemester 2, Off Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
All domestic students apply direct to UNE
This course is only available off-campus (distance education)
For more information, click hereInternational Students
International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and PathwaysFor more information, click here
Contact Us
So we know where to direct your enquiry, please tell us if you are a current or future student:
| Official Abbreviation | MCouns | |||||||||
| Course Type | Postgraduate | |||||||||
| Commencing |
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| Course Duration |
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| Fees | CSP (quotas apply)/ Full Fee / International | |||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 24 or 72 |
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| How to apply |
All domestic students apply direct to UNE This course is only available off-campus (distance education) For more information, click here
International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways 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) 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). |
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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 |
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).
Advanced Standing
Except for candidates admitted under Rule (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.
Candidates admitted under Rule (a) shall not receive any advanced standing except for (c) above.
Period of Candidature
For candidates admitted under Rule (a) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) six months as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to two years as a part-time candidate.
For candidates admitted under Rule (b) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one and a half year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.
Course Requirements
1. To qualify for the award, and except with the permission of the School, a candidate admitted under Rule (a) must pass units to the value of 24 credit points.
2. To qualify for the award, and except with the permission of the School, a candidate admitted under Rule (b) must pass units to the value of 72 credit points.
Program of Study
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
For candidates admitted under Rule (a)
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 12 cps |
| Listed Units | 12 cps |
| Total | 24 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
For candidates admitted under Rule (b)
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 60 cps |
| Listed Units | 12 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Award of Degree
Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Counselling.
Exit Pathways
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice on completion of HSMH421, HSMH422, HSMH423 and HSMH424.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care on completion of HSMH421, HSMH422, HSMH423, HSMH424, HSCS452, HSCS521 and HSCS535.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct.