Master of Counselling

Program Overview

Deakin University's Master of Counselling program equips students with the skills to support individuals facing mental health and life challenges. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates develop proficiency in various counselling therapies and are prepared for roles in diverse settings, including mental health services, social support, and trauma counselling.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Counselling program at Deakin University is a two-year course that equips students with the analytical and communication skills needed to effectively support individuals facing mental health and life challenges. The program aims to develop students' proficiency in applying complex counselling theories to identify and address emotional issues using cognitive behavior therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and other talking therapies. Graduates will have 200 hours of practical experience, preparing them to provide personalized support tailored to clients' unique circumstances.

Outline:

The program consists of 16 credit points and includes the following modules:

• Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)
• Principles of Counselling and Telehealth
• Professional Counselling Roles
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselling
• Counselling Diverse Populations
• Mental Health Counselling
• Lifespan and Developmental Counselling
• Contemporary Counselling Therapies
• Counselling Placement 1
• Trauma Informed Counselling
• Sex and Sexuality
• Counselling Placement 2
• Counselling and Family Violence
• Group Counselling
• Grief and Bereavement Counselling
• Research in Counselling
• Relationship Counselling

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program include:

• Essays
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Practical assessments
• Portfolio

Teaching:

The program is delivered by experienced faculty in the School of Psychology, whose research is rated as well-above world standard. The program utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops. Students will also engage in supervised placement hours to gain hands-on experience in a variety of counselling settings.

Careers:

Graduates of the Master of Counselling program are qualified for roles in a range of settings, including:

• Mental health services
• Disability support services
• Allied health services
• Social support services
• Youth work and school counselling
• Career and professional guidance
• Telephone/online counselling services
• Trauma counselling
• Drug and alcohol counselling
• Grief support
• Relationship and family counselling
• Sex and sexuality support services
• Specialist family violence practitioner roles