Master of Counselling
The Master of Counselling is an internationally-renowned counselling degree. Recognised widely as the first degree to introduce a programme entirely in narrative therapy, this is your opportunity to develop professional skills well-grounded in constructionist theories.
The Master of Counselling (MCouns) is established as a flagship degree that has seen 92% of graduates over the past six years gain successful employment.
The degree has specifically been designed for professional counsellors or supervisors interested in leadership roles within the New Zealand counselling profession.
The programme has a key teaching focus on providing experiences in which you can further develop your professional attitudes, knowledge and competencies in the areas of counselling, group leadership, mediation and practitioner research. You'll graduate with a high level of knowledge and understanding through the narrative practice this programme is known for.
For the past 20 years, our teaching staff have been active in promoting narrative therapy, beginning with a book staff produced called Narrative Therapy in Practice. Today Waikato is considered a leader in this field with several local and international publications produced each year.
This notable reputation extends also into our thriving doctoral counselling programme.
Key information
| Years: | 2 2.5 |
|---|---|
| Study Locations: | Hamilton |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$7,416 - $8,888 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $34,190 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Master of Counselling - Option 1 - Professional emphasis
Including 8 taught papers.
- Coursework
Degree planner — Master of Counselling - Option 2 - Research emphasis
Six taught papers and two-paper research.
- Coursework
Subjects and Specialisations
Study in adult learning provides opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching processes, practices and structures in this area. It equips graduates with the knowledge to work alongside adults in New Zealand tertiary institutions such as adult and community education agencies, polytechnics, private training establishments, wānanga and universities.
At least 60 points from:
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Study in arts education provides opportunities to specialise in the disciplines of visual art, music, dance and drama. It explores creative frameworks and encourages students to reflect on self, community and culture. Postgraduate study in arts education will be of interest to teachers, community arts practitioners, art therapists, artists and anyone interested in exploring the potential of the arts.
At least 60 points including:
- EDART501 Contemporary Issues in Arts Education
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Counselling Studies provides opportunities to study counselling as a subject with an education orientation. It is not a professional counselling qualification but offers an introduction to practice skills within specific contexts. For example, qualified teachers who see their future in the pastoral network of a school can use these papers to develop their skills in and understanding of guidance and pastoral care.
At least 60 points from:
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS546 Conflict Resolution: Restorative Practices
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information, please contact [email protected].
Students may choose papers from across the lists for the subjects or specialisations offered for the Master of Education, or choose one of the programmes of study within the subject Education.
- EDUCA506 Educational Assessment
Early Years Education
This programme of study focuses on aspects of early years from birth to the middle primary school period of life and learning. These papers are especially relevant for those with a background in early childhood education who wish to further develop their understanding of pedagogy and curriculum with young children. There are opportunities to examine issues, policies and philosophies that impact on infants, toddlers and young children, as well as teachers, parents and communities.
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- DINST513 Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs
- EDSOC533 Engaging Families and Communities in Early Years Programmes: Collaborative and Cultural Inquiry Approaches
- EDSOC513 Educational Thought *not offered in 2021
- HMDEV503 Educational and Life Transitions: Changing Roles and Changing Contexts
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
eEducation
This programme of study is targeted at students, teachers and others involved at all levels of education and training who wish to develop their knowledge and practice using digital technologies for teaching and learning purposes. It encompasses both online teaching and learning, and emerging classroom and institution-based eEducation practice.
- DLRNG522 Teaching and Learning Using the Internet
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Study in education and society provides opportunities for critical inquiry into the social, political, cultural, economic and personal theories and practices of lifelong education. Whilst its origins are in the humanities and social sciences, it has close affinities with contemporary interdisciplinary fields exploring issues of social policy, culture, gender, critical pedagogy, globalisation and curriculum.
At least 60 points from:
- ADLNG500 Issues in Adult and Tertiary Education
- EDSOC511 Curriculum Policy and Possibilities
- EDSOC533 Engaging Families and Communities in Early Years Programmes: Collaborative and Cultural Inquiry Approaches
- GLOBE507 Global Citizenship and International Development Education
- GLOBE587 Globalisation, Cultures, Identities and Education
- MAOED523 Maori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation builds upon the traditions of comparative and international education programmes to explore the global dimensions of education. It provides opportunities to address themes such as globalisation, internationalisation, bicultural, multicultural and intercultural education, policy, popular cultures, inequalities and global citizenship.
Our courses are suitable for educators in all sectors of the community.
Required paper
- GLOBE587 Globalisation, Cultures, Identities and Education
- And 30 points from:
- GLOBE507 International Educational Development
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
The subject human development is concerned with patterns of human growth and development in individuals and groups across the lifespan. Study in this field explores how and why stories about development change over time, and considers stories of development from the Aotearoa New Zealand context that coexist with traditional theories about development.
At least 60 points from:
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
- DINST521 Contemporary Issues in Disability and Inclusion Studies
- HMDEV503 Educational and Life Transitions: Changing roles, and changing contexts
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- HMDEV524 Intelligence, Creativity and the Development of Talent *not offered in 2022
- HMDEV502 Contemporary Issues in Adulthood
- DINST522 Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Study in language and literacy education provides opportunities to explore a variety of theoretical perspectives, approaches and topics. It aims to deepen knowledge and and develop understanding about language and literacy pedagogies, and the many language and literacy practices of young people in diverse contexts.
At least 60 points from:
- LLTED501 Literacy Education: Approaches and Perspectives *not offered in 2022
- LLTED504 Reading Difficulties
- LLTED522 Best Practice in the Writing Classroom
- LLTED523 Using Children's Literature in the Classroom
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
The subject mathematics education caters for educators who wish to strengthen their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in mathematics and/or become curriculum leaders in mathematics/numeracy. It provides opportunities to develop areas of particular interest such as collaborative problem solving, statistical thinking, learning through digital technologies, catering for diverse learners, and culturally responsive teaching.
A Ministry of Education fees subsidy may be available for some papers in this subject. Check maths.co.nz for updated Tertiary Fees Funding Support information.
At least 60 points from:
- MTHED501 Issues in Mathematics and Statistics Education
- MTHED502 Mathematics Education: Enhancing Thinking and Practice
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation is offered for educators and professional learning facilitators who work or aspire to work as leaders of professional learning with colleagues in schools and other communities of practice, where professional learning is an on-going expectation. It aims to support the development of practice of these professionals so that they are recognised as excellent practitioners of in-service professional learning.
Required papers
- EDUCA541 Using Evidence for Effective Practice
- EDUCA540 *not offered in 2022
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation is offered to educators involved or wishing to be involved in Māori medium teaching contexts. It provides a critical examination of theories of first and second language acquisition, learning, teaching and assessment, indigenous theory and practice, indigenous language revival as well as leadership in the context of Māori medium education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This specialisation introduces potential researchers to kaupapa Māori research methodology and is delivered through the medium of te reo Māori.
This specialisation has three required content papers and a required research methods paper.
Required papers
- MAOED501 Mātauranga Reo Māori
- MAOED502 Tirohanga Whakahaere
- MAOED503 Te Whakaora Reo: Mātauranga Rumaki
- MAOED500 Kaupapa Māori Research
The research paper will be determined in consultation with the Adviser.
A TeachNZ Study Award is available for this programme.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information, please contact the Advisor.
Advisor
Karaitiana Tamatea
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 838 4466 extn 7814
This subject offers professional learning for educators interested in these curriculum areas. There are specific papers in each of these but there is also an opportunity to study an integrated approach to education across science, technology, and environmental education.
At least 60 points from:
- SCTED508 Science Education
- SCTED511 Technology Education
- SCTED512 Innovations in Science, Technology or Environmental Education
- SCTED513 Environmental and Sustainability Education
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation offers professional learning for educators interested in Science, Technology, Environmental Education and Mathematics (STEM) education. There are specific papers in each learning area but there is also an opportunity to study an integrated approach to education across all the STEM subjects.
Required papers
At least 60 points from:
- MTHED501 Issues in Mathematics and Statistics Education
- MTHED502 Mathematics Education: Enhancing Thinking and Practice
- SCTED508 Science Education
- SCTED511 Technology Education
- SCTED512 Innovations in Science, Technology or Environmental Education
- SCTED513 Environmental and Sustainability Education
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Career opportunities
- NGO Social Service practices
- Hospice
- Private practice
- Family and relationship counselling
- Corrections and Probation
- Youth services
- Career support
- Pastoral care
- School counselling
Entry requirements
Please note there is a selection process for the MCouns. Admission normally requires a bachelors degree with at least a B average in the third year.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Practical experience
Professional papers offer students the opportunity to have supported professional experience in community and or education settings.
Professional papers offer students the opportunity to have supported professional experience in community and or education settings. Efforts are made to cater for and respond to the individual student’s particular background and professional education goals.
Practicum placements
In order to gain a place in the programme, students must be able to demonstrate a relationship with a community-based counselling service or school or mental health service which will give them access to an appropriate practicum placement.
Students must have a commitment to ongoing appropriate professional supervision. However, students will not establish any formal contract with an agency until they have been selected into the Counsellor Education Programme and have received all the necessary information on practicum placements.
In general, students in the first year of a full-time programme complete 200 hours in a professional counselling setting and complete 80 hours of counselling. They will engage in professional supervision.* The supervisor must be a member of a professional helping body such as NZAC, NZASW, NZPsS, or NZAP. Students must engage in a minimum of 16 supervision sessions, in each of the practicum papers. Students should note that NZAC membership now requires supervision with an experienced NZAC Member.
In the second year of the full-time programme the practicum involves 450 hours in counselling settings. Up to three placements may be arranged.
Note: Successful applicants will be completely responsible for setting up an appropriate placement to meet the requirements of the counselling practicum for the various papers.
*There may be a cost involved.
Practical skills
Expand to read practical skills
As a graduate of the MCouns programme, you will have developed competence in the practices of counselling, and established a firm understanding in philosophical and ethical issues relating to professional counselling practice.
You'll learn how to engage critically with the theoretical concepts and research which underpins counselling practice and the knowledge of the professional context within which you work.
Not only will your studies set you up with a well-articulated theoretical position and reflective professional stance in your counselling work, you'll also gain a recognised qualification for membership of New Zealand Association of Counsellors.
Cultural experience
Expand to read about cultural experience
Manākitanga (hospitality and care) is offered by Tāngata whenua, people of the land, who open the space for collaboration, with the intention of weaving cultural knowledge and practice into the shaping of our counsellor education programme. The significant contributions include interchanges, connections, noho marae and visits to the following marae:
- Te Kohinga Marama Marae at the University of Waikato (over night noho)
- Maniaroa Marae at Mokau (week long stay with workshops and presentations)
- Parihaka (visit to learn about Māori passive resistance to land confiscation).
Qualifications links
Research - guidelines & application forms
Expand to read Research - guidelines & application forms
For those wishing to undertake a research component within the qualification the forms and guidelines are listed below:
- EDUCA590 Directed Study - see the Directed Study Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA592 Dissertation - see the Dissertation Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA593 Masters Thesis - see the Masters Thesis Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA594 Masters Thesis - see the Masters Thesis Guidelines and application form
Research is to governed by the Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application please email [email protected].
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Contacts
Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education
Programme Administrator
Phone: (+64) 7 838 4466
Email: [email protected]
Programme Advisor
Dr Paul Flanagan
Phone:(+64) 7 838 4466 ext 7728
Room: TL.2.01
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 838 4610
Email: [email protected]