The Degree of Master of Counselling – MCouns

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, a student must have completed the requirements for:

a (i) a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 90 points in the most advanced courses, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(ii) the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Counselling from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 90 points or equivalent in the most advanced courses, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

and

b at least three years’ relevant professional experience approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

2 An interview supported by referees’ statements and evidence of practical experience is required.

Note: Agencies where counsellors in training are placed wish to ensure that client safety is not compromised. For this reason, the application form for the Counselling programme asks applicants to indicate whether they have any criminal convictions. Before any candidate can be accepted into the degree, an official police statement concerning absence or otherwise of criminal convictions will be required.

3 No student on whom the Degree of Master of Education – Counselling specialisation has already been conferred by the University of Auckland may enrol for this degree unless specific approval is given by Senate or its representative.

Notes:

(i) Relevant Bachelors degrees may include education, counselling, nursing or social work.

(ii) Applicants will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions and safety checks as required by the Children’s Act 2014.

(iii) An interview supported by referees’ statements and evidence of practical experience is required.

4 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1a or 2 must:

a pass courses with a total value of 240 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 280 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Counselling Schedule.

7 A student who has to complete 240 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in PROFCOUN 730. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Counselling cannot continue.

8 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

9 a If the behaviour of a student in a learning or practice environment is found, after due and fair inquiry, to be offensive, disruptive or likely to give rise to a risk of harm to the welfare of any person, the enrolment of the student in the programme may be terminated by Senate or its representative and any application to re-enrol may likewise be declined.

b A student who is subject to any such inquiry may be suspended by Senate or its representative from lectures, classes and any practice placement pending the outcome of the inquiry.

c A student whose enrolment is terminated under Regulation 9a may appeal that decision to the Provost or the duly appointed delegate.

10 a The Research Portfolio is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative.

b The research portfolio or thesis topic must be approved by the Academic Head or nominee prior to enrolment.

c The research portfolio or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

11 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory.

12 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

13 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

14 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2024.