The Master of Social Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy) involves part-time study over a period of three years and includes theoretical study, experiential-based skill development, and a fieldwork placement.  Suitably qualified and experienced students may opt to replace the fieldwork placement with a research project.  The elective streams within the course are Couples ad Family Therapy and Short-term Psychotherapy.  Students who hold an undergaduate degree in Psychology and wish to undertake studeis in cognitive psychotherapy should refer to the Master of Psychology course.

COURSE LOCATION AND MODE OF STUDY

The course is available by part-time study on Joondalup campus.

It is also offered in Singapore in collaboration with the Academy of Human Development.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to this course requires a three-year degree from a recognised university, normally in one of the helping professions, such as social work, psychology, medicine, occupational therapy, nursing, theology, human services.  In addition, applicants must have had a minimum of two years’ work experience in a human service profession.  Admission to the course is competitive, and requires a written application and an interview for those who are short-listed.  Preference will be given to applicants with experience in a formal counselling role.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is divided into two stages, with the second stage being available in coursework or coursework plus research project mode..  Students have an option to exit after completion of Stage 1 with a Post Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Counselling).  Suitably qualified and experienced students may replace one of the coursework units and the two fieldwork placement units with a research project related to an aspect of clinical practice.

Enrolment in individual units is restricted to students formally admitted to the counselling programme.