Master of Psychology (Counselling)

Course code: 3231 + Course abbreviation: MPsych(Couns) + Total credit points required: 96 + 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Off-campus (Clayton)

Course description

This course provides an Australian Psychological Society (APS)-accredited fifth and sixth-year sequence in psychology and prepares graduates to practise as counselling psychologists in a range of settings including hospitals, community centres, schools, tertiary institutions, private practices, industry, health-oriented facilities and other similar places. For more detailed information regarding the role and employment prospects of counselling psychologists, students should consult the College of Counselling Psychologists, Australian Psychological Society.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Master of Psychology (Counselling) program requires four years of APS-approved study in psychology. Selection will be based on academic merit and personal suitability. Intending applicants should ensure they possess such qualifications. Referee reports may be required. Selection may include an interview, usually held in the first two weeks of December.

Course structure

The program consists of three parts: advanced coursework, supervised practica and a research thesis.

Coursework

Core units

EDF6501 Counselling psychology: theories and practice*
EDF6502 Advanced psychological assessment
EDF6503 Ethical, clinical and professional practice in counselling psychology

Electives

Select one of following units:

EDF6512 Intervention across the lifespan
EDF6517 Counselling and psychotherapy interventions

* Students normally complete only one of the units EDF6512 and EDF6517, but those with existing knowledge and skills in counselling may apply to the course coordinator to replace EDF6501 (Counselling psychology: theories and practice) with EDF6517 (Counselling and psychotherapy interventions), in which case they will complete both EDF6512 and EDF6517.

Practica and research thesis

In the second year (full-time) or third and fourth years (part-time), students undertake supervised practica and complete a research thesis on a topic relevant to the discipline of counselling psychology. Prior to commencing their placement, students must obtain probationary registration with the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria.

EDF6507 Clinical placement in psychology 1
EDF6508 Clinical placement in psychology 2
EDF6509 Clinical placement in psychology 3
EDF6535 Psychology thesis part 1
EDF6536 Psychology thesis part 2

Students enrolled in the off-campus version of the units will be required to attend compulsory one-week (35-hour) residential sessions at the Clayton campus for each of the four core units.

This course outline is indicative of the program students will follow, but is subject to change. Students should consult their course coordinator to assist in planning their program. Check current timetable for unit availability via the website at www.education.monash.edu.au/students/current/timetables after 30 September.

Eligibility for doctoral-level studies

To satisfy the entry requirements for doctoral-level studies (PhD), applicants need to have completed research at either masters or honours level. Master of Psychology by coursework candidates who wish to proceed to a doctoral course must achieve a grade of distinction or higher for the research thesis and an average of distinction or higher in the coursework units for doctoral-level eligibility.

Exit point

Students may choose to exit the course with a Master in Counselling, provided they have met all the requirements for that degree.

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9905 2819 or visit www.education.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinators

Dr Philip Greenway (on-campus), Dr Janette Simmonds (off-campus)

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