Master of Guidance and Counselling (James Cook University)

Entry Requirements

• Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a cognate discipline. Cognate disciplines include education, psychology, social work, law, health or career development.
• In exceptional cases, applicants may be admitted to the course if they submit other evidence of academic and/or professional attainments relevant to the field of Counselling - and their candidature is approved.

English Requirements

• Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0) / TOEFL (Internet Based) 86 (no component less than 21) / Pearson PTE Academic 58 (no component less than 54); or
• Satisfactory completion of James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP); or
• Successful completion of other qualifications completed in English Language deemed comparable to Australian standards on a case-by-case basis in accordance to JCU admissions guidelines

Attendance Requirements

Domestic students must attend at least 75% of the scheduled lecture and tutorial activities to be eligible for assessment.

The Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC) degree equips graduates with the requisite skills, knowledge, understanding and personal awareness to become professionally equipped counsellors in a variety of locations and settings.

Equally, for those not wishing to pursue the professional counselling route, the MGC Course will advance graduates professionally via enrichment of their people skills, knowledge, understanding and self-awareness to become more empowered personally and professionally within their contexts of choice.

Course Structure

3 trimesters per year | take 1-2 subjects per trimester

Study Program

Students are required to complete 12 subjects (36 credit points) based on availability and scheduling.

8 Core Subjects (24 credit points)

• Foundations of Counselling Theory
• Foundations of Counselling Practice
• Advanced Counselling
• Assessment in Counselling
• Atypical Development
• Career and Leisure Guidance & Counselling
• Reflective Practice Research in Guidance & Counselling
• Practicum in Guidance and Counselling

+

4 subjects (12 credit points) from the following

• Introduction to Educational Research
• Educational Leadership
• Individual Researched Action Project
• Community Development
• Working with Children and Families

Course Requirements

• Each 3 credit point subject requires a minimum of 130 hours of study time per trimester.
• Practicum consists of 130 hours of practice (100 hours minimum face-to-face counselling) over a period of two trimesters.
• Students are supported in sourcing and making arrangements for practicum placements. The University meets the cost of 10 hours of professional Supervisory support in keeping with ethical codes and requirements.
• This 100 hours of direct Counselling needs to be ethically supported by a minimum of 10 hours of individual Supervision provided by a SAC Registered Counsellor or a practitioner of equivalent standing. Along with this, there is a further 20 hours requirement representing Counselling ‘related’ activity such as Practicum report writing or involvement in formal team or training meetings etc.

Advanced Standing

Students may be granted advanced standing if, in addition to meeting the entry requirements, they can provide evidence of relevant work experience.