The course provides an introduction to the professional practice of psychology and aims to establish a foundation of knowledge in counselling and related disciplines. The guiding orientation of the course is towards helping individuals with socio-emotional problems and includes the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological difficulties other than psychotic illness, and the promotion and maintenance of psychological wellbeing.
The content of the course is designed for individuals wishing to work in the field of counselling psychology and community development. The course is particularly relevant for people working in community health centres, community welfare agencies and educational establishments.
Attendance requirements
Students are required to attend a five-day residential program on the Gippsland campus each semester. The residential schools are devoted to counselling and other experiential components of the curriculum, and attendance is compulsory.
Admission requirements
Admission to the course is open to applicants who possess a bachelors degree with a major in psychology from any course accredited by the Australian Psychological Society. Applicants are required to have a sound knowledge of abnormal psychology.
Unsatisfactory progress
Students will be liable for exclusion if they do not pass at least two subjects per year (except where two or fewer subjects remain to complete the degree and one is failed and is the only failure to date).
Course structure
The following course structure will apply to the 1995 intake.
Level one
* GAS4501 Counselling theory and practice A
* GAS4502 Research methods in counselling psychology
* GAS4503 Psychological assessment
* GAS4504 Ethics of professional practice
Level two
* GAS4505 Counselling theory and practice B
* GAS4508 Community psychology in Australia
* GAS4510 Research project
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology a student shall (a) complete all the prescribed seven subjects of study; and (b) attend four residential schools of five days duration over the two-year period of the course.
In accordance with usual policy the Australian Psychological Society (APsS) has given provisional accreditation for the teaching of this course in the distance education mode.
Further details may be obtained from the administrative officer, Department of Psychology, School of Applied Science.