Program Overview
The Master of Counselling at Murdoch University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become professional counsellors. Emphasizing the importance of building counselling relationships, the program combines theoretical foundations with extensive supervised placements to prepare students for careers in various counselling settings, including work with adults, children, families, and couples. Graduates are eligible for professional accreditation with PACFA and ACA and may pursue clinical registration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Counselling at Murdoch University is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become professional counsellors. The program emphasizes building counselling relationships with clients, which is crucial for effective practice. The program combines theoretical foundations of counselling with extensive practical training. Students first engage with selected counselling literature and research, followed by supervised placements where they develop skills in assessment, individual and group treatment, working with children and adult clients, collaborating with other professionals, and navigating the supervisory relationship.
Key Objectives:
- Develop a strong understanding of counselling theories and practices.
- Enhance personal and professional skills relevant to counselling.
- Gain practical experience through supervised placements.
- Prepare for a career in counselling by building essential skills for effective practice.
Outline:
Total Credit Points:
48
Required Units (39 Credit Points):
- CSL582 Principles of Counselling 1: (16 Credit Points)
- CSL684 Principles of Counselling 2: (3 Credit Points)
- CSL578 Counselling Children and Adolescents: (3 Credit Points)
- CSL583 Counselling Adults: (3 Credit Points)
- CSL581 Experiential Learning in Group Counselling: (3 Credit Points)
- CSL679 Counselling Placement and Supervision Group 1: (6 Credit Points)
- CSL566 Case Conceptualisation and Assessment in Counselling: (3 Credit Points)
- CSL621 Counselling Placement and Supervision Group 2: (6 Credit Points)
- SHP632 Applied Health Research Methods: From Research to Practice: (3 Credit Points)
- CSL576 Introduction to Creative Arts Therapies in Counselling: (3 Credit Points)
Specified Electives (9 Credit Points):
- CSL620 Counselling Research Project: (9 Credit Points)
- OR CSL674 Trauma Counselling: (3 Credit Points)
- OR CSL677 Counselling Research Project: (6 Credit Points)
Careers:
Upon graduation, students are prepared for employment in various settings, including:
- Government and non-government counselling organisations
- Work with adults, children, families, and couples
- Settings requiring individual and group therapy competence
Potential Career Paths:
- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Caseworker
- Support Worker
- Mental health professional
Professional Accreditation:
- Graduates are also eligible to apply for Level 2 membership with the ACA and work towards Level 3/4 Clinical membership.
Other:
- Students complete two supervised placements, providing opportunities to work with real clients in different settings.
- The program is taught by highly experienced staff with industry and practical experience in counselling.
- Students can choose to complete a substantial research project addressing counselling theory or practice in their second year, or opt for coursework and case studies.
- Students undertaking clinical placements must obtain a current police clearance, working with children check, and be up to date on certain immunisations per Murdoch University's policy.
