Introduction

The Master of Counselling provides opportunities for graduates with a background in psychology or another area of human services to undertake advanced level training in counselling. It is a full fee-paying course offered on a full-time or part-time study basis. Of the fifteen units undertaken, seven are available on the Hobart campus only.

Admission & Prerequisites

Requirements for entry to the course are completion of a degree with a major in psychology or behavioural science, or a degree in an affiliated area or other equivalent qualifications. Applicants must have completed all units required for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (See also Graduate Diploma in Counselling for more details)

Course Objectives

The Master of Counselling is a skill based course which aims to provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills in counselling, assessment and research and preparation for employment in a range of counselling roles. The course focuses on developing an advanced understanding of theoretical basis of counselling and the ethical, legal and professional issues in relation to the practice of counselling, and the acquisition of advanced level counselling skills. Students will develop an ability to demonstrate a range of skills in relation to assessment, intervention, evaluation, consultation and referral; and an understanding of approaches to research in counselling and the ability to successfully undertake independent projects within the community in the area of counselling.

Career Outcomes

Counselling graduates work in a wide range of settings including relationship counselling organisations, secondary and postsecondary education, community welfare centres, drug and alcohol agencies, church agencies, and private practice. Other graduates utilise their knowledge and skills in counselling in their existing employment.

Articulation to/from Course

Students who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree and the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Counselling will be eligible to progress to the Master of Counselling.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Counselling meets the requirements for eligibility for listing on the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Register. Admission to the Register based on recognition of prior learning, practice and supervision is also possible. For further information, go to the PACFA website (www.pacfa.org.au/). Psychology graduates should note that the Master of Counselling is not an accredited postgraduate program in psychology and a graduate will not be eligible for registration as a psychologist.