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Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) 

N0904

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Study Mode

Study Level

Duration

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Hawthorn

Part-time (evening)

Postgraduate

4 years part-time

Feb

The Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) is designed for students who have completed a first degree and have completed a four year sequence of studies in psychology as well as having some counselling experience in an appropriate setting. The program is intended to prepare students for professional practice as counselling psychologists.

There are many applications of counselling psychology. This program has been designed to:
  • teach generic skills and areas of knowledge that apply across the various areas of counselling psychology practice;
  • examine selected areas of practice that exemplify the delivery of counselling-related services to persons with particular needs.
Prospective international students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology), Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) programs.


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Below is a summary of the Key Generic Skills associated with the Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) program. These are also commensurate with the generic skills promoted by the Psychology Board of Australia.

*  To promote the development of a broad base of knowledge and understanding of general psychological principles and of their application to human behaviour.
* To enhance a student’s understanding of human behaviour and the competencies and experiences needed to enter into appropriate occupational settings.
*  To facilitate the development of competencies and an in‐depth knowledge of major issues, techniques and theories enabling students to function as entry‐level practitioners in human services and mental health fields.
*  To expose students to applied areas of psychology, through field experiences and supervision, thus providing opportunities to practice prerequisite skills and competencies.
*  To enable students to assess the level of psychological functioning of individuals, groups, organisations, couples and families experiencing difficulties connected with relationships, education, careers, work, crisis and life changes and to formulate appropriate interventions strategies.
*  To become competent in the administration and interpretation of a range of psychological assessment tools and techniques and to develop a capacity to diagnose psychological disorders and formulate appropriate interventions.
*  To apply more specialised psychological skills and knowledge to normal and/or clinical populations.
*  To maintain high standards of professional practice in order to protect the public by training in: 
a)
- ethical, legal and professional matters; 
- self‐evaluation skills – developing awareness of professional limitations.
- therapeutic interventions, the ability to assess client behaviour, cognitions and to affect and identify presenting problems. To determine whether the practitioner has the skills base to apply appropriate therapeutic intervention, or whether to make a referral to a more qualified practitioner; 
b)  professional competencies in professional work settings;
c)  assessment of students’ level of proficiency in the specified competencies.


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The program consists of 200 credit points. Students undertake a total of 16 units of study, each of 12.5 credit points, consisting of eight coursework units of study (100 points in total), four placement units of study units of study (50 points in total), and four research units of study (50 points in total). All units are core units and are valued at 12.5 credit points.

Coursework units of study (totalling 100 credit points)
HAY528 Contemporary Practice in Counselling Psychology (formerly HAY524 Program Evaluation for Psychologists)
HAY526 Cognitive Behavioural Interventions (formerly HAY537 Counselling Applications)
HAY527 Advanced Psychological Assessment (formerly HAY539 Psychological Assessment) 
HAY525 Systemic Family Counselling (formerly HAY547 Psychology of the Family)
 
Placement units of study (totalling 50 credit points)
 
Research units of study (totalling 50 credit points)

Four of the coursework units of study comprise advanced study in areas central to the practice of counselling psychology:
  • Aspects of Professional Practice
  • Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral
  • Systemic Family Counselling
  • Cognitive Behavioural Interventions
Four of the coursework units of study comprise professional skill development training:
  • Contemporary Practice in Counselling Psychology
  • Advanced Psychological Assessment
  • Counselling Theory and Skills
  • Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues
Students also participate in supervised work placements in at least three separate practice settings. Initially students are placed at the Swinburne Psychology Clinic and following this, choose two separate placements suitable in terms of their clientele and mode of service delivery.


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Program structure for students commencing in 2009 onwards
 
Year 1
Semester 2
 
Year 3
Semester 1
Semester 2
 
Year 4
Semester 1
Semester 2
 
(International students are required to study full-time.)


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Psychology practice and related fields (human resources, helping professionals, research).  


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This program meets the requirements of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists for academic training. It also provides a direct means of professional registration by the Psychology Board of Australia. It is the most desirable qualification sought by prospective employers of counselling psychologists.

The program has been granted full accreditation as a fifth- and sixth-year course in psychology by the Australian Psychological Society. Graduates of the master program will be eligible for:
  • membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS);
  • registration as a psychologist;
  • membership of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists, after two years of an internship approved by the Psychology Board of Australia.


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Graduates are:
  • capable in their chosen professional area;
  • adaptable and ethical at work;
  • able to conduct professional counselling with individuals and groups;
  • competent to conduct personality and intellectual assessments;
  • able to conduct applied research and evaluate programs.
Graduates will be able to:
  • assess the current level of psychosocial functioning of individuals, groups, couples and families and formulate appropriate helping interventions;
  • provide counselling help to individuals, groups, couples and families experiencing difficulties connected with relationships, education, careers, work, parenting, crises, and life transitions;
  • evaluate and monitor the quality of helping services provided by a counselling services unit;
  • provide consulting help to individuals, organisations and community groups in relation to counselling matters.


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In order to apply for the program, an applicant must:
 
(a)  be qualified for the award of a degree from an Australian university, and
(b)  have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology in a course, or courses, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council or hold overseas qualifications recognised as equivalent for the purpose of Associate Membership by the Australian Psychological Society.
 
Applicants with good results in their fourth year studies in an approved APAC accredited Psychology course and relevant human services work experience will be interviewed by a selection panel and an order-of-merit for entry will be prepared taking into account (a) academic record, (b) previous work experience and training, and (c) academic and professional referees' reports.
 
Note:

This program is normally available on a part-time basis. Successful international applicants planning to study on a student visa should note that  they will be required to undertake the program on a full-time basis.

Following Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course.

 

Applicants  who have obtained qualifications from overseas should ensure that their qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).


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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of previous experience. Credit or partial credit towards a qualification cannot be granted in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience and/or life experience.
 
Following Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course.
 
Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm 


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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 the Fees website.


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Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) program must lodge the following forms and associated documents by the closing date:
Closing Date: 31 October 2012 (for Semester 1, 2013 intake).


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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 


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