306361 v.2 Master of Human Services Counselling

MHumServCouns(Curtin)

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's degree or honours in a related discipline, and a minimum of twelve months documented relevant work experience, OR a three-year Bachelor's degree as well as a Graduate Diploma in a related area with a course weighted average of at least 70 per cent and a minimum of twelve months documented relevant work experience, OR a three-year Bachelor's degree in behavioural or social sciences or equivalent with a course weighted average of at least 70 per cent and a minimum of two 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 School'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). 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 al 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 does not 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 ten 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
A full list of fees is available upon request or at enrolment. In addition, students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials and may, if required, also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables (which varies depending on area of study). For a full list of explanation of consumable fees please refer to the Fees, Expenses and Allowances heading under the General Information section in the Curtin Courses Handbook at http://www.curtin.edu.au/curtin/handbook.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

307447 v.1 Working with Groups as Communities 513 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

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

308343 v.1 Counselling Option (1) 591 3.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

11462 v.2 SW 534 - Advanced Practice - Reflexivity in Practice 3.0 25.0

300722 v.2 Professional Evaluation 602 3.0 25.0

308295 v.1 Counselling Professional Practice 601 16.0 25.0

308296 v.1 Counselling Professional Practice 602 16.0 25.0

100.0

# Subsequent to course change approval, this unit will be replaced with more specific options prior to 2004.

NB Students must select electives in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Availability

Year Location Period Internal External
2004 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y Y
2004 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations that students are eligible to be offe red and admitted to this course for the first time only.