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This coursework Masters includes theoretical study, experiential-based skill development and self-reflective clinical practice in the fields of counselling and psychotherapy. The overall theoretical orientation of the course is psychoanalytic and to a lesser extent systemic. In the final year, students can hone their clinical skills in a year-long fieldwork placement, or as an alternative to the fieldwork placement, students with relevant previous experience may apply to complete a research project.
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.
Students are required to complete a year-long fieldwork placement in their final year of study.
There are mandatory participation and attendance requirements in all units.
This course has been Accredited by: Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
The panel recommends that the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Clinical Strand) be accredited for a period of 7 years. This does not include the research focused Masters strand. Students wishing to pursue a PACFA accredited course must complete the field placement and group supervision subjects in the Clinical strand.
All applicants are required to have a three year degree from a recognised university, and attend an interview. Applicants will be asked to provide a written application and attend an interview if they are short-listed. Preference will be given to applicants with at least two years full-time (or equivalent) experience in a formal counselling role. It is desirable that all applicants have a three-year degree from a recognised university, in an area such as social work, psychology, medicine, occupational therapy, nursing, theology or human services.
Students are required to attend classes on both campuses to complete the course.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU6113 | Principles of Psychodynamic Practice | 15 |
| COU6121 | Psychodynamic Theories of Counselling | 15 |
| COU5303 | Couples and Family Therapy | 15 |
| COU6305 | Individual Psychotherapy Practice 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU6114 | Object Relations and Attachment Theory | 15 |
| COU5210 | Personal Issues in Counselling | 15 |
| COU6324 | Individual Psychotherapy Practice 2 | 15 |
| COU6403 | Psychodynamic Theories of Couples and Family Therapy | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Field Placement Mode | ||
| COU6428 | Couples and Family Therapy Practice 1 | 15 |
| COU6429 | Couples and Family Therapy Practice 2 | 15 |
| COU6430 | Group Supervision 1 | 15 |
| COU6424 # | Field Placement 1 | 15 |
| Option 2: Research Project Mode | ||
| COU6428 | Couples and Family Therapy Practice 1 | 15 |
| COU6429 | Couples and Family Therapy Practice 2 | 15 |
| COU6433 | Counselling Research: Project Preparation | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Field Placement Mode | ||
| COU6323 | Group Psychotherapy | 15 |
| COU6412 | Psychotherapy Research | 15 |
| COU6425 # | Field Placement 2 | 15 |
| COU6432 | Group Supervision 2 | 15 |
| Option 2: Research Project Mode | ||
| COU6323 | Group Psychotherapy | 15 |
| COU6412 | Psychotherapy Research | 15 |
| COU6228 | Counselling Research Project | 20 |
| COU6230 | Counselling Research Project Report | 20 |
# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners.
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
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