Master of Counselling
Why study the Master of Counselling at UNE?
The Master of Counselling is an Australian Counselling Association (ACA) approved course that provides professional training in counselling to prepare graduates to work in a range of professional contexts. Emphasis is given to producing counsellors who are self-reflexive and committed to lifelong learning. This award incorporates the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care and the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice. Students are expected to be working in the field during their candidature.
I would like to know more about this course.Career Opportunities
Enhanced employment opportunities enabling 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 6 years Part-time
FEES
CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee2013 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Trimester 1, Off CampusTrimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
All domestic students apply direct 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 | CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee | ||||||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 72 | ||||||||||||
| How to apply |
All domestic students apply direct to UNE. This course is only available off-campus (distance education). For more information, click here |
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| Intensive Schools | Mandatory intensive schools are 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) (i) hold the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care from the University of New England; or (ii) hold an undergraduate degree and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from another university or Higher Education Provider, and (b) have one year, or its equivalent, of relevant counselling or counselling-related professional practice within the last five years; and (c) provide with their application: a curriculum vitae of not more than five pages highlighting counselling related information and supporting documentation as required by the school. |
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| Additional Requirements | All candidates in the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice; the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care; or Master of Counselling enrolling in HSMH421 or HSMH422 or HSMH423 or HSMH424 for the first time are required to attend a Mandatory Introductory Intensive School to be held in Armidale. Students are only required to attend this weekend only once when they first enrol in these awards. Students enrolled in other awards are welcome to attend but it is non-mandatory in this instance. |
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| Practical, Clinical or Work Experience | Students 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 | For candidates admitted under rule (a)(ii) (i.e. those applicants with an undergraduate degree and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from another university or Higher Education Provider), the maximum advanced standing that may be granted is 36 credit points, for units that have been successfully completed towards a postgraduate qualification. Each application is assessed individually and advanced standing is only available for postgraduate study that has a strong correspondence with the units prescribed for this degree. Applicants must provide extensive documentation to support their application for advanced standing in a unit as per UNE policy |
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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) (i) hold the Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care from the University of New England; or
(ii) hold an undergraduate degree and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from another university or Higher Education Provider; and
(b) have one year, or its equivalent, of relevant counselling or counselling- related professional practice within the last five years; and
(c) provide with their application: a curriculum vitae of not more than five pages highlighting counselling related information and supporting documentation as required by the School.
Period of Candidature
For candidates admitted under Rule (a) (i) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) 0.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to two years as a part-time candidate.
For candidates admitted under Rule (a) (ii) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) 1.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.
Course Requirements
To qualify for the award, and except with the permission of the School, a candidate 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)(i)
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Block Advanced Standing | 48 cps |
| Core Units | 12 cps |
| Listed Units | 12 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
For candidates admitted under Rule (a)(ii)
| 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.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Graduate Certifcate in Mental Health Practice or Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Master of Counselling.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.
| Course Aims |
This course aims to equip students with more advanced counselling skills and an opportunity to specialise through choosing particular electives. |
| Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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| Graduate Attributes |
Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of the discipline of counselling will be taught through guided commentaries and specific questions based on them, set readings, and podcasts. It will be assessed and practised through various types of assessments. Students will start to develop their own integrative approach to counselling practice.
Communication Skills
The basis of counselling is having good communication skills. Students will be taught to listen well and to communicate clearly with their clients. In written work students will communicate, using well-organised and logical arguments, the ideas they have developed in studying the various units within the program. The assessment process will focus on the communication skills of the student and how well they articulate knowledge in the area of counselling theory and practice. Students will also participate in online discussions and so practise communicating their ideas with other students.
Global Perspectives
The course materials expose students to various international issues and are designed to improve students' awareness of their status as global citizens. Students learn a multicultural approach to the study of counselling and psychotherapy.
Information Literacy
Students will be assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written assignments, using books, journals and online sources.
Life-Long Learning
Students will be encouraged to see their development as counsellors as part of a lifelong learning process. They will be encouraged to reflect on their clinical practice, have ongoing supervision, and continually improve their skills.
Problem Solving
Students apply their skills of information literacy to develop a written argument about a particular issue. Assessment tasks are designed to elicit the student's own responses to a particular problem, in order to help students to develop critical thinking.
Social Responsibility
Students are taught to consider their social responsibility. The practice of counselling is steeped in the values of social justice and students will be assessed in terms of their ability to help others whatever their circumstances.
Team Work
Teamwork is practised at Intensive Schools, and via the online environment. Students are taught this through unit materials and assessment tasks and through the online group activity, in considering practice and ethical issues and dilemmas.
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