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. Counselling psychologists - whether working with individuals, families or organisations - use a broad range of therapies and techniques. They assist individuals, families and organisations in areas such as personal well-being, relationships, work, recreation and health. This Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited program prepares graduates to practise as counselling psychologists in a range of settings including hospitals, community centres, schools, tertiary institutions, private practices, industry and health-oriented facilities. Students complete four advanced-level units, three supervised placements of 125 days or 1000 recorded hours of practical experience, and a research thesis of 9,000-16,000 words. The minor thesis component of the course consists of an independent empirical investigation of a high scientific standard, directly relevant to the specialism. Note: Off-campus is offered part-time every second year (the next intake is in semester 1, 2011) and only on a full fee paying basis.
Minimum entrance requirements Admission to the program requires four years of APAC-approved study in psychology. (Applicants with international qualifications will need to have their qualifications assessed by the APS - Australian Psychological Society. For further information please visit the APS website.) Selection will be based on academic merit and personal suitability. Intending applicants should ensure they possess such qualifications. Confidential referee reports are required. The closing date for applications is usually end October and selection for short-listed applicants will include an interview, usually held in late November or early December. English requirements: See the English Language Requirements web page Psychology programs - additional English language requirements: Applicants for the Master of Psychology and Master of Psychology/PhD programs must obtain and maintain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia's (PBA) before commencing their study. The PBA requires that applicants, whether domestic or international who completed any of their secondary or tertiary studies in a medium other than English must supply an IELTS test result and meet their English language requirements for provisional registration as a psychologist before commencing the program. For further information please visit: www.psychologyboard.gov.au. Special application requirements All applicants must submit a Master of Psychology Supplementary Information Form and a Master of Psychology Professional Referee Report Form. For further information please visit the How to apply for a Psychology degree webpage.
This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.