Course Structure

The course structure is based on four semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:

• 12 subjects (120 credit points) of core subjects
• 3 subjects (30 credit points) of specialisation subjects
• 1 subject (10 credit points) research capstone subject

To qualify for award of the Master of Counselling, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 160 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Subjects

Core Subjects

• SSC400 Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods
• ACA401 Faith and Purpose
• SSC410 Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing
• SSC413 Interpersonal Communication Skills
• SSC510 Human Lifespan Development
• SSC521 Foundations of Professional Practice
• SSC516 Mental Health
• SSC517 Applied Counselling Theories
• SSC519 Professional Accountability
• SSC522 Ethical and Professional Issues
• SSC535 Culturally and Socially Diverse Practice

Professional Experience

• SSC500 Professional Practice

Professional Practice Specialisation

10 credit points of Counselling Theory and Therapy subjects, such as:

• SSC531 Solution Focussed Therapy and Positive Psychology
• SSC532 Narrative Therapy
• SSC533 Creative Therapies
• SSC536 Cognitive Behaviour Theories and Therapies

20 credit points of SSC-coded subjects at 400 level or above

This specialisation is recommended for students seeking professional registration as Counsellors in Australia.

Capstone

• RES500 Independent Guided Research

Admission Criteria

Academic

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with recent high school education only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline by an authorised institution, as determined by the Program Director, for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with no higher education study are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Essential Entry Requirements

All applicants must submit a Statement of Intention as part of their application for admission into this course. This should include the email and phone contact details for at least two professional referees.

The Program Director or delegated representative may conduct a pre-admission interview for applicants as part of their application for admission into this course. As part of this interview, applicants will be assessed on:

• aptitude for tertiary study and personal suitability with use of references, including technological competence and computer literacy
• capacity to develop effective interpersonal skills with input from academic staff
• capacity to understand ethical behaviour and willingness to follow the PACFA Code of Ethics
• openness to self-reflection and feedback
• awareness of need to participate in a planned and structured client contact setting
• career Goals and objectives and their relevance to the program
• openness to personal and professional development

All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects. Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’.

Language

Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.0 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

Fees & Timetable

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, MCU and Professional development dates please see our Timetables.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

Demonstrated:

• advanced and integrated understanding of key issues, practices, scholarship and recent developments within the specialisation of counselling;
• knowledge of general research principles and methods, and advanced knowledge of specific research approaches used in counselling;
• advanced and integrated understanding regarding the planning, implementation, assessment and reporting of counselling activities consistent with a Christian worldview and appropriate to the demands of the counselling context;  

Skills:

Demonstrated ability to:

• evaluate, synthesise and critically engage the theoretical knowledge in the counselling contexts;
  
• analyse and synthesise counselling approaches and develop skills and strategies (including technologies) in counselling practices;
  
• design and implement an action research project which examines a complex problem or issue using appropriate counselling methodologies and theories;
  
• communicate effectively complex ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences;
  
• identify and critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in counselling;
  

Application of Knowledge and Skills:

Demonstrated ability to:

• articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed in the counselling field to develop appropriate solutions;
  
• work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in the counselling field;
  
• design and implement a major research project to advance personal and professional development;
  
• comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations which impact on the ability to work in counselling contexts and keep abreast of changes in the legislation and practice applicable to the specific counselling context.