Masters (Coursework)
The Master of Counselling offers an integrative approach to counsellor training and supervision, drawing upon a wide range of theories and evidence-informed practice to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills-based competencies required by contemporary counselling practitioners. Emphasis is given to producing university-qualified, registered counsellors who are ethical, self-reflexive, and committed to lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.
Combining online study with mandatory intensive schools in a blended learning format, the course is ideally suited to individuals with a prior degree in any discipline wishing to gain an industry-recognised qualification whilst continuing to meet their work and family commitments. As part of the award, students can complete either the Generalist Counselling Pathway or the Counselling Placement Pathway which involves 40 hours of face-to-face counselling; 10 hours of clinical supervision and 150 hours of agency-based activities. The course provides a pathway to the UNE Doctor of Philosophy for those students who meet the other entry requirements to that program.
The Master of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), a national peak association, and Australia's largest single registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists. Student membership with the ACA is available while undertaking the course, with professional membership eligibility after graduation. Graduates who engage in ongoing professional development are also eligible to be listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP), an independent national register of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification; or
(b) hold the 2015-2018 AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the University of New England; or
(c) hold the 2019-onwards AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the University of New England; or
(d) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or AQF Level 9 Masters or AQF Level 10 Doctorate degree in any relevant* discipline; or
(e) satisfy UNE by means of other relevant* professional experience by submitting a Statement of Service from your employer/s and a resume outlining a minimum of three years' full-time (or equivalent) relevant* professional experience and training undertaken in the past 10 years.
*Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to: Counselling, psychology, social work, nursing, teaching, human resources, life coaching, community services, children's services, youth work, care for the aged, care for the disabled, residential client care, welfare studies, human welfare studies, pastoral care and medicine.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Enhanced employment opportunities within the public, private and community counselling, health, education and human services sectors as well as private practice.