Master of Counselling

This course provides advanced counselling knowledge and skills for professionals working in a range of education, community and service-related industries, including human resources, health, social welfare and education.

It provides a professional qualification and offers authentic counselling experience, taught by academics with extensive experience working as professional counsellors/psychologists.

An integral component of the course is 300 hours of professional placement, where you have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in clinical settings. The placement includes 200 contact hours (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, group and online counselling) and 100 non-contact hours (e.g. observation, case notes, meetings, administration). You will also complete 50 hours of supervision (which are included in the non-contact hours) and participate in weekly online discussion groups and postings throughout the duration of the placement.

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 you 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/)

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.

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 enrolled at Clayton 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/).

For relevant checks and security clearances for Hong Kong and Singapore, it is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet that country's requirements.

This course is accredited in Australia by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)Australian Counselling Association (ACA) (http://www.theaca.net.au/) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) (http://www.pacfa.org.au/).

This course is registered for delivery in Singapore with the Singapore Council for Private EducationCouncil for Private Education (https://www.cpe.gov.sg/) (CPE), and is recognised by the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) (http://www.sac-counsel.org.sg/).

This course has registration in Hong Kong with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ)Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) (http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/).

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Orientation to counselling, Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling and Part C. Specialist counselling practice. All students complete Part C. Depending upon your prior qualifications you may receive credit for Part A or Part A and Part B.

Part A. Orientation to Counselling (24 points)

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of counselling at advanced undergraduate level. They examine the major lifespan theories and counselling approaches and familiarise you with the professional side of counselling including the many different ways in which counselling is offered. These studies are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points)

These studies will extend your foundational knowledge for the field of counselling. They focus on counselling practice in the areas of mental health and working with young people.

Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points)

These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for counselling. They cover major approaches to counselling, provide training in counselling practice and address the ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.

As part of this core study you will complete 300 hours of clinical placements, including a minimum of 200 hours of client contact.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points), Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points) and Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points).

Students admitted at:

• Entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• Entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C
• Entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-d6003.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

PART A. Orientation to counselling (24 points)

Students complete:

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

PART B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points)

Students complete:

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

PART C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points)

Students complete:

• 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)

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award during their enrolment in this master's course:

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