Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) is a two year part-time program that provides students with training in the theory and practice of counselling. The program offers an alternative to the existing Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, which is only available to students with a three-year Australian Psychological Society (APS) accredited sequence in psychology. The Human Services - Counselling program is designed to meet the needs of people currently employed in the human services (e.g. mental health, general health care, education, law and mediation, and the public service). Students are taught a range of counselling skills that can be applied across work settings and client types. Prospective students may also wish to consider the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) and the Master of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling). Note: This program is not available for study to onshore International students with a student visa.
Aims & Objectives:
The program is designed to provide graduates with: Training in basic counselling theory and skillsAn introduction to the ethical dilemmas faced and ethical conduct required by counsellors in human services industriesTraining in the theory and practice of helping people with addiction problemsAn understanding of the special needs of particular population groups and assessment issues such as suicide and dangerousness riskAdvanced counselling skillsTraining in the specialised skill of trauma, loss and grief counselling
Course Structure:
The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) is a nested program incorporating the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) and Master of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) programs. All three programs are only offered on a part-time basis and, dependent on numbers, day and evening classes will be available. Current Program Structure: The graduate diploma program consists of 100 credit points, comprising eight units of study. In each year, 50 credit points (25 credit points each semester) constitutes a part-time load. Units of study carry 12.5 credit points each. Pre-2010: The graduate diploma program consisted of 100 credit points, comprising seven units of study. In each year, 50 credit points (25 credit points each semester) constituted a part-time load. Units of study normally carry 12.5 credit points except in the case of HAYC422 Trauma, Loss and Grief and HAYC423 Supervised Practice, which are 25 credit points each.
Units of Study:
2011 Program Structure Stage 1 – Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma Semester 1HAYC410 Ethical and Social Issues for CounsellorsHAYC411 Foundations of Counselling 1 Semester 2HAYC414 Life Span Development and CounsellingHAYC413 Foundations of Counselling 2 Stage 2 - Graduate Diploma Semester 1 HAYC426 Addiction Counselling HAYC421 Advanced Counselling Semester 2 HAYC424 Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling HAYC425 Supervised Placement 2010 Program Structure Stage 1 – Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma Semester 1HAYC410 Ethical and Social Issues for CounsellorsHAYC411 Foundations of Counselling 1 Semester 2HAYC414 Life Span Development and CounsellingHAYC413 Foundations of Counselling 2 Stage 2 - Graduate Diploma Semester 1 HAYC420 Issues for Special Population Groups HAYC421 Advanced Counselling Semester 2 HAYC424 Trauma, Loss and Grief Counselling HAYC425 Supervised Placement Pre-2010 Program Structure Stage 1 – Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma Semester 1HAYC410 Ethical and Social Issues for CounsellorsHAYC411 Foundations of Counselling 1 Semester 2 HAYC412 Addiction Counselling HAYC413 Foundations of Counselling 2 Stage 2 – Graduate Diploma Semester 1 HAYC420 Issues for Special Population Groups HAYC421 Advanced Counselling Semester 2 HAYC422 Trauma, Loss and Grief (25 credit points)OR HAYC423 Supervised Practice (25 credit points) Students who have previously completed the Graduate Certificate and wish to enrol for the Graduate Diploma should consult the program convenor for advice about future unit of study selections and program requirements.
Career Opportunities:
The program is primarily designed to give students counselling skills to use within the human services industry in which they may already be employed (e.g. health, education, pastoral care, welfare etc). For this reason, selection is biased towards those already working within such industries.
Professional recognition:
The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) seeks to meet the minimum training standards of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), with the exception of the requirement for 50 hours of supervision in counselling practice, which may be completed by students following the program. PACFA is not currently involved in the formal accreditation of counselling programs, but has plans to do so in the future. When such accreditation procedures are established, this program will be submitted for approval.
Graduate Attributes:
Improved skills in listening, understanding and respondingUnderstanding of ethical and professional practices in the workplaceWritten and oral presentation skillsA better understanding of the self and othersAbility to prepare and deliver group projects and presentationsDevelopment of professional networks
Entry Requirements:
A minimum three-year degree from an Australian university or approved equivalent. While no specific area of study is required as a prerequisite, preference may be given to those with experience in human services. Selection is based on an interview and the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Course Fees:
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees
Application Procedure:
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply Closing Date (Round 2): Friday 20 January 2012 for Semester 1 2012 intake. There is no mid-year intake for this program.
Further information:
Web: Enquire online Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
