306361 v.2 Master of Human Services Counselling


MHumServCouns(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 044073G
Registered Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Introduction

This course is an advanced practice-oriented and experimental professional course intended for people who wish to enhance or commence a counselling practice in their present or future employment. It aims to give students an appreciation of diverse, contemporary approaches to counselling by exposing them to a range of theories and practices. Specialised knowledge in working with individuals, couples, families, groups and communities is offered. Personal awareness and supervision contribute to a criticallyreflective practice. Students will be required to attend two weekend workshops to explore individual beliefs and attitudes that may contribute to, or take away from. effective practice. Accountability practices, quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, and theorising as evaluation will be addressed. Two counselling placements are a feature of the course, providing students with the opportunity to specialise in specific practice settings. An option unit is offered allowing students to concentrate on a particular area of interest.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A four-year bachelor degree or honours in Behavioural or Social Science, and a minimum of 12 months documented relevant work experience, or a three-year bachelor degree as well as a graduate diploma in a Behavioural or Social Science area with a course weighted average of at least 70 per cent and a minimum of 12 months documented relevant work experience, or a three-year bachelor degree in behavioural or social sciences or equivalent with a course weighted average of at least 70 per cent and a minimum oftwo years documented relevant work experience. All applicants will need to do - complete Curtin application for admission and enrolment form, provide curriculum vitae including relevant work experience, ask two referees to complete the Department's referee's report form, provide a certified copy of previous tertiary or other relevant qualifications (if applicable), write a statement regarding why you wish to enrol in the course (not more than 500 words) and attend an interview.

Specific Requirements

None.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Not more than two units in total will be exempted and no exemptions will be allowed for work experience alone.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is eighteen months full-time or equivalent part-time study. Some optional units may be available externally.

Intermediate Awards

In exceptional circumstances a student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling (Human Services) may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval by the Head of Department. If a student doesnot complete the Master of Human Services Counselling and has attained all requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (Human Services), they may apply to graduate with that award. For further definition refer to the Statement and Awards section under the General Information section in the Curtin Courses Handbook.

Course Organisation

This course consists of 10 units and two field placements. Delivery of the units includes late afternoon and early evening on-campus lectures, weekend workshops and optional week intensives. The Department endeavours to alternate times of on-campus lectures for the convenience of students. Videos, discussions, lectures, practical exercises, role-plays and client stories contribute to a varied and engaging learning atmosphere.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment within government and non-government agencies specialising in counselling services. Some may commence a private counselling practice.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials.

Course Structure

Hrs/Wk

Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

307447 v.1   Working with Groups as Communities 513 2.0 25.0
  OR  
7522 v.8   Research Methods 602 2.0 25.0
307448 v.1   Counselling Applications and Ethics 521 2.0 25.0
307449 v.1   Counselling Theory and Practice (1) 512 2.0 25.0
307450 v.1   Communication Skills and Self Awareness 511 2.0 25.0
  100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

13297 v.2   Couple and Family Counselling 514 3.0 25.0
  OR  
300722 v.3   Professional Evaluation 602 2.0 25.0
  OR  
304385 v.3   SW 697 - Independent Study Research Proposal Preparation 2.0 25.0
13299 v.2   Counselling Theory and Practice (2) 522 3.0 25.0
308143 v.1   Supervision and Self-Awareness 524 3.0 25.0
  OR  
7819 v.4   Professional Supervision 501 3.0 25.0
  SELECT 1 OPTION   25.0
  100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

11462 v.2   SW 534 - Advanced Practice - Reflexivity in Practice 2.0 25.0
308295 v.2   Counselling Professional Practice 601 16.0 25.0
308296 v.2   Counselling Professional Practice 602 16.0 25.0
  OR  
306347 v.1   Social Work 695 - Project (Counselling) 1.0 50.0
  SELECT 1 OPTION   25.0
  100.0
 
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credits
12669 v.2   The Arts in Counselling 521 3.0 25.0
300722 v.3   Professional Evaluation 602 2.0 25.0
304392 v.2   SW 698 - Independent Study 1.0 25.0
306357 v.1   Social Work 664 - Narrative in Practice 3.0 25.0
309026 v.1   SW 581 - Introduction to Interpersonal Violence and Abuse 2.0 25.0
309049 v.1   SW 580 - Child Protection 2.0 25.0
 
N1 As an alternative to Counselling Professional Practice 602 and the optional unit, students may undertake SW 695 Project (Counselling) worth 50 credits.
 

Availability

Year Location   All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2005 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2005 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.