Recommended Study Sequence

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Admission

Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on admission to postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website. International applicants should contact UWS International for details on admission.

Students must have

Undergraduate Degree in any discipline

Recognition of equivalent learning including extensive and sustained relevant clinical experience under supervision, and in-service training; and demonstration of ability to read, and write, at post-graduate level.

PLUS

Submission in writing of a 200 -250 word statement of intent that explains why the person is seeking entry to the course

Satisfactory performance at a small group entry interview process

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended sequence

Part-time

Year 1

First session

Counselling 1

This unit is a foundational unit for postgraduate counselling and therapeutic studies. It forms the first part of a 40 credit point sequence undertaken during the first year. Counselling 1 presents the foundational skills necessary for the successful inception of a productive counselling relationship. The sequenced, progressive presentation of these skills via experiential learning is framed by the simultaneous presentation of key theoretical concepts relevant to the skills in question. Students will be asked to consider how each of the major theoretical approaches to counselling and psychotherapy would conceptualise this stage of the relationship and the skills associated with it.

Second session

Counselling 2

This unit is a foundational unit for postgraduate counselling and therapeutic studies. It forms the second part of a 40 credit point sequence undertaken during the first year. Counselling 2 offers further practice in foundational counselling skills introduced in Counselling 1. In addition, students are introduced to skills appropriate to the unfolding counselling/therapy relationship, such as confrontation and immediacy (here-and-now intervention). Continued skills practice in triads is required, plus continuing membership in the 'Here and Now' group initiated in 101328. Group work in this unit will be more challenging, inviting deeper levels of vulnerability and greater openness to giving and receiving honest feedbacfk. Assessment tasks will require analysis of group process and of students' own counselling skills over 6-8 counselling sessions with an undergraduate volunteer client. Theoretical perspectives will include concepts of problem-formation and change facilitation across the major paradigms; the significance of the therapeutic relationship across the major paradigms ('here and now' intervention vs 'there and soon' intervention); stages and change-points in the adult life cycle with appropriateness of varying therapeutic models to each stage.

Year 2

First session

Clinical Studies

This unit aims to develop clinical practice skills: in Art Therapy for Master of Art Therapy students and in Counselling for Graduate Diploma in Counselling students. It will involve preparation for the field placements and group supervision of casework and issues arising from the placements. The unit involves a clinical placement working under the guidance of a clinical supervisor from the professional background of the students under supervision. Master of Art Therapy students will undertake 375 hours of placement ie 50% of the hours required for registration with the professional association. Counselling students will undertake 150 placement hours.

Second session

Further Clinical Studies

This unit aims to develop clinical practice skills to the level required for professional registration. The unit involves 375 hous of clinical placement (Art Therapy students) and 150 hours (Counselling students) working under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. It will involve group supervision of casework and in-depth discussion of issues arising from placements.

Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Counselling is a cross-disciplinary pathway into a career in helping human beings in distress. In counselling, clients learn and change within a dedicated helping relationship, in which high levels of skill, sensitivity, self knowledge and ethical conduct are required of the helper. The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is an entry-level training course for the counselling profession.

Sequenced training in basic skills and concomitant self awareness forms a major part of the first year of the program. In the second year, students work with real clients, under close supervision, in approved agency placements. Thus, our students ‘learn counselling by doing it’. At graduation, students are equipped to apply for a position as a counsellor in a range of government and non-government welfare and counselling organisations.

Therapeutic Studies and Counselling at UWS

Counselling is a relatively new area of university study. In contrast to some of the longer-established helping professions, counselling, as taught in this program, places more emphasis on the creation of a therapeutic environment for the client than on specific techniques or the application of particular theoretical models.

This course will train you in the fundamental skills that are common to all recognised approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, while challenging you to develop your self awareness so that you can work ethically and responsibly with your clients. Our permanent and casual academic staff are all experienced counsellors and therapists, from a range of different professional backgrounds and orientations. You will learn from people whose clinical experience directly informs their teaching.

It’s all about Career Opportunities

Our graduates work with a wide range of client groups and presenting problems, from addictions work to family support, from relationship counselling to sexual assault, from problem gambling to women’s health. Because our students are mature aged adults with life experience, they often impress potential employers, and the 300 hour agency placement in the second year gives them clinical credibility.

Professional Accreditation

There is no single national system of recognition or accreditation for counsellors at this time. However, our program meets the training standards recommended by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, a peak body representing a large number of professional organisations in the sector.

Study Mode

Two years part-time study

Location

Penrith

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points.

Admission Requirements

Candidates can enter this program by relevant undergraduate qualifications (Social Sciences with relevant majors, Social Work, Community Welfare, Psychology, Behavioural Sciences, Health Science, Nursing, Education) or equivalent prior learning recognition as assessed by portfolio. An on-campus interview will be required of all applicants. At the interview, applicants will need to provide a CV with evidence of related prior learning and/or experience related to counselling.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

Alternatively you are welcome to contact us.