Postgraduate - CourseMaster of Counselling

NOTE: This course has had one or more changes made to it since publication on 1 October 2014. For details of changes, please consult the Handbook change registerHandbook change register (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2015handbooks/2015-change-register.html).

This course provides advanced counselling knowledge and skills for professionals working in a range of education, community and service-related industries. It covers major approaches to counselling, provides training in counselling practice and introduces the study of ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

(1.) demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of evidence-based theories and frameworks related to the major schools of counselling and psychotherapy

(2.) relate appropriate therapeutic approaches and strategies to the corresponding developmental stages across childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age

(3.) demonstrate capacity to synthesise and communicate ideas at an advanced academic level

(4.) demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all aspects of counselling

(5.) develop a deeper understanding of self, personal values and preferred styles of counselling

(6.) assess clients both formally and informally

(7.) apply the knowledge and skills developed in counselling practice in a workplace setting

(8.) recognise the ethical and professional issues in counselling

(9.) write reports and case notes and make appropriate specialist and agency referrals.

Students who have studied at the tertiary level may be eligible for credit for prior studies.credit for prior studies. (http://monash.edu/education/future-students/apply/credit/)

Clinical practice

This course requires students to undertake 300 hours of clinical placements, including a minimum of 200 hours of client contact. Through these mandatory placements, students have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in clinical settings. For advice on professional experience intervention, support and unsatisfactory progress refer to the Professional experience intervention and support policyProfessional experience intervention and support policy (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/policies-and-procedures/professional-experience-intervention-and-support-policy/).

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all uniform, equipment, travel, accommodation and any other expenses incurred during clinical placement and will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Mandatory checks and security clearances

Upon commencing the course and before commencing their placement, students must submit a satisfactory Victorian government Working with Children CheckWorking with Children Check (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/professional-experience/placements/security-checks-required/).

This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling AssociationAustralian Counselling Association (http://www.theaca.net.au/) (ACA).

This course consists of orientation units, application units, core units and a professional experience unit.

Students complete one of the following structures as determined by any credit granted on the basis of their admission qualifications:

• Structure 1: 96 points over two years full-time, or part-time equivalent
• Structure 2: 72 points over one and a half years full-time, or part-time equivalent
• Structure 3: 48 points over one year full-time, or part-time equivalent.

Note: Students eligible for credit may elect not to receive it and complete one of the higher credit-point options if they choose.

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Structure 1 - 96 credit points

Students must complete:

(A.) two orientation units (24 points):

• EDF4530 Lifespan development and counsellor identity
• EDF4531 Professional practice in counselling

(B.) four core units plus a professional experience unit (48 points):

• EDF5530 Counselling skills for individuals, couples and groups
• EDF5531 Cognitive behaviour therapies
• EDF5532 Ethics for counsellors
• EDF5533 Advanced counselling practice
• EDF5534 Supervised professional counselling practice (0 points)

(C.) two application units (24 points):

• EDF4532 Introduction to mental health issues
• EDF4533 Counselling children and adolescents

Structure 2 - 72 credit points

Students must complete all units in the requirements listed in (B.) and (C.) above.

Structure 3 - 48 credit points

Students must complete all units in the requirements listed in (B.) above.

Course progression

Refer to the course mapscourse maps (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/courses/maps/2015/) for guidance on how to plan your unit enrolment for each semester of study.

On-campus study requirement for off-campus students

For students enrolled at Clayton via off-campus mode, the unit EDF5530 (Counselling skills for individuals, couples and groups) requires compulsory attendance at a 3-day (20-hour) residential school on the Clayton campus. Students enrolled at Singapore and Hong Kong are required to attend an intensive 20-hour study block for each unit, except for EDF5534 (Supervised professional counselling practice) which requires attendance for one 4-hour block.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with the following, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award:

• Graduate Certificate of Counselling after successful completion of 24 points of study
• Graduate Diploma of Counselling after successful completion of 48 points of study.

Master of Counselling