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Department of Psychology

Entry Requirements

Are there any other fees?

What are the entry requirements?

There are two requirements for acceptance into these programs:

  1. An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing) OR qualifications and experience deemed to be equivalent to an undergraduate degree (see next question).
  2. Personal suitability for training as a counsellor. All prospective students undertake a selection interview to assess suitability and to determine the program that will best suit their needs. Referee reports may also be sought to assess suitability.

Will I be considered for these courses if I don't have an undergraduate degree?

Yes. Applications are considered from those who do not have a degree but have significant relevant experience and training. Examples of applicants who have been accepted are:

  • An AOD worker who has successfully completed Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs work through NSW TAFE.
  • A youth support worker who has been working in the field for 5 years and has considerable workplace training.

Applicants who are considered to be suitable to undertake the Social Health and Counselling programs but who do not have an undergraduate degree will be offered places in the PG Certificate of Social Health and Counselling. Articulation to the PG Diploma, with full credit for Certificate studies, will be available for students who have demonstrated satisfactory performance in the PG Certificate program.

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Can I apply for direct entry into the Master in Social Health and Counselling?

Direct entry into the Masters program requires:

  • a degree in a relevant discipline and
  • evidence of previous research training (e.g., completion of a research thesis or publication of a research paper).

Otherwise, entry to the Master of Social Health and Counselling is available only via completion of the PG Diploma of Social Health and Counselling. Students will be transferred to Masters candidature after satisfactory performance (Distinction level average) in the Postgraduate Diploma units.

How do I apply?

There is one application form, the Postgraduate Coursework Application Form. It is available on the University website  or Social Health Administrator (psychology.health@mq.edu.au)

Intending students are welcome to consult the Course Administrator on psychology.health@mq.edu.au  before making an application. Please apply to the highest award you hope to enrol in (i.e. don't apply for both Diploma and Certificate).

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When do applications close?

All programs have an intake of new students in first semester. The main closing date for applications for Semester 1 is 31st October, but applications will be accepted until the end of the year if places are available. There is sometimes a further intake in second semester, depending on availability of places. The main closing date for Semester 2 applications is in late May with a final closing date (if more places are available) in June.

Do I need a criminal record check?

Yes.  Diploma and Masters students must either have a job in their area of study or find a voluntary placement for a minimum of 5 days as part of the unit requirements for PSYS831 Advanced Counselling & Placement and PSYS803 Working with Groups & Placement. Many government and non-government organisations require that workers and volunteers have cleared a Criminal Record Check. Some also require a Working with Children Check. These checks are arranged by the University for all students who are not completing their "placement" requirements within their paid employment. Only major criminal offences are checked for, not parking fines. The University receives only a Cleared or Not Cleared report without details of offences. It is the student's responsibility to follow-up on their checks and obtain documentation from the University's Student Office.

Can I get credit for previous study and/or field experience?

Credit (advanced standing) means that you have completed the equivalent of a whole unit, and are therefore not required to complete or pay for that unit. Advanced standing is only approved on the basis of previous postgraduate study. Applications for credit should be made on Section 11 of the PG Coursework Application form (please attach all relevant documentation). Information concerning Academic Senate Rules for advanced standing can be found on page 4 of the application form. Do not assume that advanced standing will be granted.
For those applicants who are applying for entry to these programs on the grounds of significant field experience and training, this previous experience is deemed to be equivalent to the requirement of an undergraduate degree. Additional advanced standing based on field experience and other training is not available (note that the University only approves advanced standing on the basis of previous postgraduate study following an undergraduate degree).

How do I choose a strand?

The Narrative strand is designed for experienced counsellors who wish to develop skills in narrative theory and practice or for new counsellors who are/will be working in a narrative oriented context (e.g. women's' refuges). The Narrative strand is not suitable for new counsellors who want to be qualified to work in a broad range of settings.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Child and Family strands are identical except for two focused units (Drugs and Social Health I and II or Working with Children & Families and Child Abuse and Neglect). Both strands include aspects of the other strand in some units (e.g. AOD is included in the Social Health Perspectives unit and Child and Family counselling is included in the Advanced Counselling unit) so that all graduates of these strands will have some basic theory and skills to work in a wide range of positions. It is recommended that you choose the strand the parallels your placement or employment (or the area in which you hope to gain employment). For example, if you work in the AOD field or work primarily with adult clients, then choose the AOD strand. If you work in the child protection field or work primarily with children or families, then choose the Child and Family strand.

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 What are the course fees?

This is a Commonwealth Supported Program.

At the time of enrolment it is important that you either pay the fee up-front or submit the form applying for HECS-HELP (Social Health).

Social Health Program Fees – Australian Students

The units of study in the Social Health program are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). This means that the Commonwealth makes a contribution towards the cost of a student's education resulting in reduced costs to the student.

Instead of paying the fees up-front, you can apply for HECS-HELP. This is a loan available to eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth Supported Places that covers all or part of the fee. If you receive a HECS-HELP loan, the Australian Government pays the loan amount directly to the University on your behalf. Go to HECS-HELP further information on application procedures and cut-off dates.

International Student Fees

To be eligible for study as an international student at Macquarie University, you must be enrolled as a full time student for a course that is a minimum of one year (but it is likely that enrolments will only be approved for Masters degree). For further information on eligibility for degrees in the Social Health Program, applicants are advised to contact the International Student Office for information on fees and the conditions.

 

 

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