Master of Social Work ( Qualifying) at Excelsia College

The Master of Counselling provides advanced training in counselling theory and practice, with an introduction to a range of counselling specialisations. The postgraduate degree integrates mental health and wellness/strength-based models within a Christian worldview*, encouraging and equipping counsellors to work with the whole person. The course aims to: Produce self-reflexive counsellors who can: (i) develop and maintain respectful, caring and collaborative therapeutic relationships and (ii) effectively function both independently and within multi-disciplinary settings; Prepare counsellors to work in a variety of settings with clients of diverse ages, backgrounds and life issues; Highlight the importance of lifelong learning that is informed by counselling-focused research, set within ongoing professional development. Professional Placement Course includes assisting students with locating placements, 100 direct client contact hours and 25 hours of clinical supervision, along with free personal counselling. This combination meets the highest training standards as specified by PACFA 2014 Training Standards.

The Graduate Diploma of Counselling is ideal for anyone in a helping, educational, ministry and/or community support and engagement profession who desires to integrate counselling skills and mental health knowledge into their current vocation. Students are exposed to a range of theoretical, therapeutic and clinical models and techniques, acquiring an understanding of: (i) appropriate and professional approaches to supporting those in need and; (ii) contemporary mental health issues and related life challenges. Whether you are a nurse, paramedic, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, social, community or welfare worker, or involved in another helping profession; teacher/educator; minister, pastor, priest or other church worker; member of the police force; engaged in community development etc., become equipped and confident to provide quality relational care and support to those encountering life difficulties (e.g., crisis and trauma, grief and loss, relational difficulties, illness or disability, employment issues, mental health issues etc). Students who satisfactorily complete the Graduate Diploma of Counselling can advance to the Master of Counselling. The Graduate Diploma of Counselling is designed to equip individuals whose profession/employment calls for some mental health and wellness/strengths-based counselling (e.g. incidental counselling). Students are exposed to contemporary counselling theory, with an emphasis on the development of practical skills relevant to a variety of counselling situations and challenging life issues. Student Workload: 10 hours per unit per week (includes provision for personal study) Austudy approved