Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Effective from 01-JAN-2025 : Code L67

The course includes theoretical study, experiential-based skill development and self-reflective clinical practice in the fields of counselling and psychotherapy. Students are prepared to work within the frame of individual therapies, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. The aim is for students to develop their experience in both in-depth and more intensive short-term modalities. Clinical emphasis on the person of the therapist in relationship with the world of the client/s is a key part of all the units. This course is psychologically and culturally relevant to populations across the lifespan and encompasses classical and modern understandings of contemporary mental health issues, with the goal of aiding in early interventions and symptom relief. Consideration of ethics associated with the role and function for counsellors and psychotherapists is incorporated into all units within the course. In the final year of study, students can hone their clinical skills in a year-long fieldwork placement, or as an alternative to the fieldwork placement, students with relevant previous clinical experience may apply to complete a research project.

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.

Practicum Option

Students are required to complete a year-long fieldwork placement in their final year of study.

Attendance requirements

There are mandatory participation and attendance requirements in all units.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Reflect critically and holistically on a complex body of theoretical knowledge, research principles and skills-based practice to demonstrate mastery of counselling professional practice.
2. Apply specialist psychodynamic and systemic knowledge creatively to investigate, evaluate and synthesize complex counselling frameworks and theories in authentic situations.
3. Apply communication and collaboration skills to design innovative contributions to professional practice.
4. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and participate in supervised counselling and psychotherapy in professional practice or execute a substantial project.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

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 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.

Reporting Obligations

ECU has an obligation to report details of all students enrolled in this course to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 2 Years
• Part Time: 4 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Cross Campus Attendance

Students are required to attend classes on campus and ECU psychological and clinic services for training.

Course Coordinator

Dr Sonam PELDEN

Course Structure

# 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 the School Progression Panel.