Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Counselling

Effective from 01-JUL-2020 : Code I90

ECU’s Master of Counselling has been developed to identify and evolve with rapidly changing market trends in the counselling industry. This online degree, delivered in accelerated learning mode, examines the fundamental theories and techniques of counselling and how these can be translated and adapted for delivery across a range of face-to-face, over the phone, and online modalities. Designed for those with an approved degree in social work, psychology, human services, nursing or other related field, the course provides students with a range of skills and knowledge that can be applied across work settings, client types and cultural groups. With specific units focusing on children and adolescents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and practice, counselling in a digital world, and trauma-informed practice, this course provides opportunities for students to explore counselling practice in a wide range of situations and contexts. Students will be introduced to creative approaches to counselling, including play and art therapy, and will explore the application of humanistic, systemic, behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies in individual, couple and group interventions. Reflecting the need for ethical diversity, the course supports students to appreciate the variety of human experience by recognising, valuing and responding to differences in client age, ability, need, gender and culture. The ethical and professional issues faced by counsellors are also examined, including the moral obligations and dilemmas faced by counsellors as the field expands across the digital realm. With a focus on real-life skill development, the course includes 250 hours of professional placement in an agency setting, including 35 hours of supervision. Students will graduate with the job-ready skills needed to deliver flexible, meaningful and effective counselling practices in unique and far-reaching ways.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

The final unit of this course requires students to engage in a Professional Field Placement, providing an opportunity for the student to receive supervised practice in an agency setting. Aimed at developing the full identity and competence of the counsellor, students will be required to plan, implement and evaluate counselling sessions, collaborate as part of an inter professional team, engage reflectively in supervision and adhere to agency protocols, policies and procedures.

Duty of care

Students will be required to apply for and supply current Working with Children Check (WWCC) cards and police clearances as part of their eligibility to enroll in the Professional Field Placement unit

Attendance requirements

Students are expected to meet professional standards of punctuality, dependability and responsibility, with a compulsory attendance requirement of no less than 80%.

Professional practice rules

These will be defined by the agencies in which the students attend for their placements.

Implications of failing

Passing the Professional Field Placement unit is a requirement of completing the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply high-level interpersonal skills in order to collaborate in interprofessional practice.
2. Apply professional and technical skills to design, implement, and evaluate counselling interventions across a range of different modalities.
3. Communicate in an ethical and culturally responsive manner in professional practice.
4. Critically analyse and apply a complex body of theoretical knowledge and skills based practice in the discipline of counselling.
5. Engage in high level self-management and reflective practice to monitor professional functioning and implement strategies for ongoing development as a professional.
6. Investigate and employ the ethical and legal frameworks relevant to counselling in a range of professional contexts.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 6)

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have a Graduate Certificate in Counselling, with equivalents considered, and attend an interview. Application will involve submission of academic transcript, two referee reports, and personal statement about motivations to complete the course.

Course Duration

• Students are only able to complete one unit at a time, over 6wks, due to the accelerated online mode of delivery

Course Delivery

• Online: Part Time, Full Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Students undertake one unit at a time in the fully online, accelerated delivery mode (6 weeks)

Course Coordinator

Ms Georgina Mary AKERS

Course Structure