Masters (Coursework)
In Australasia, genetic counsellors are allied health professionals who work in partnership with clinical geneticists or other medical specialists, often as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include other allied health professionals and/or scientists.
Genetic counselling is a communication process that aims to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the implications of a genetic contribution to a health condition.
The role of a genetic counsellor includes
The Master of Genetic Counselling is a professionally accredited coursework degree, completed full time over two years.
*The first year (100 credit points) of the Master of Genetic Counselling MUST be undertaken full-time. The final year (100 credit points) may be undertaken part-time.
The 2-year Master of Genetic Counselling is designed to develop and strengthen skills in clinical genetics and genomics, counselling theory and practice, research theory and practice, and the societal implications of genetics and genomics as applied to health care.
A Master of Genetic Counselling will provide you with the knowledge and acumen to become a professional genetic counsellor. This world-renowned program will elevate your prospects for employment both domestically and abroad. Graduates of this course are eligible to undertake professional certification by the Human Genetic Society of Australasia (HGSA).
Applications for 2022 entry are now open and will close on 13th September 2021.
As part of the application process all applicants must write a personal statement of up to 1,000 words. The statement should explain how the applicant meets the selection criteria, identify individual skills and qualities relevant to a career in genetic counselling and attest that it is the students own work.
All applications should include an academic transcript and three written references from relevant referees such as:
a) teacher/lecturer/academic
b) employer/supervisor of paid work
c) supervisor of peer counselling/volunteer work/placement
Referees should detail the length of time they have known the candidate and in what capacity and attest to their perception of the candidate's ability, character and suitability for a career as a genetic counsellor.
Please ensure that your referees complete the Referee Report template. The Referee Report template is available for download DOCX, 48.72 KB. Please ask your referees to send their completed Referee Report's direct to mdhs-gradcw-admissions@unimelb.edu.au