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 overall theoretical orientation of the course is psychoanalytic. (Students who hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology and wish to undertake studies in cognitive psychotherapy should refer to the Master of Psychology course.)

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, in order to proceed with phase 2 of the Masters of Social Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy), applicants are expected to attain an average of 65% or above for phase 1. Those who enrol for a Postgraduate Diploma (Counselling) who wish to go on to do a Masters of Social Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy) would need to attain an average 65% or above in their Post Graduate Diploma (Counselling). Finally, 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.

The course is divided into two stages, Stage 1 is compulsory with Stage 2 being available in coursework or coursework plus research project mode.  The Master of Social Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy) consists of 180 credit points.

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.

The Master of Social Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy) is also offered in Singapore in collaboration with the Academy of Human Development.

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