3231 - Master of Psychology (Counselling)

This course provides an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-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.

This degree trains selected psychology graduates in the advanced therapeutic and research skills necessary for registration and practise in counselling psychology across the lifespan. At the completion of the degree, students will have been trained to apply sound practice principles concerning the therapeutic relationship and interventions, critically discuss and apply the current research concerning the scientific evaluation of major psychotherapies in use, and administer and interpret a wide range of psychological tests and assessment instruments. Competencies for working with individuals, couples, and groups in a sound ethical context will be developed. During the three field practica, students will build on case conceptualisation and clinical capacities and the ability to liaise and work effectively with other mental health professionals. In undertaking their minor research thesis, students will increase their ability to function as scientist-practitioners, using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods to investigate an applied topic relevant to therapeutic psychology.

The program consists of three parts: advanced coursework, supervised practica and a research thesis. Units are only offered in alternate years.

Students enrolled in off-campus mode will be required to attend a compulsory one-week (35 hour) residential sessions at the Clayton campus for each of the four core units. Research supervision will be by telephone, email and/or residential workshop.

Coursework

Core units

• EDF6501 Counselling psychology: theory, research and practice
• EDF6502 Clinical assessment and psychopathology
• EDF6503 Advanced professional counselling psychology: clinical, research and ethical issues
• EDF6517 Research and therapeutic interventions in counselling psychology

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 submit proof of provisional 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

NOTE: Unit availability may change. Students should consult http://www.education.monash.edu.au/students/current/timetables and talk with their course adviser to assist in planning their program.

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. Students enrolled in the MPsych(Couns) who achieve an higher distinction average in two units (one of which must be the research project unit) and a minimum overall average of distinction over all four units will be eligible to apply for articulation to the combined M Psych (Couns)/PhD program.

Graduates qualify for registration as a counselling psychologist with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Master of Psychology (Counselling)