Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information

Graduate Certificate in Loss,
Grief and Trauma Counselling

(GradCertLoss,Grief,TraumaCouns)

INTRODUCTION

The Graduate Certificate in Loss, Grief and Trauma Counselling is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences on a fee-paying basis in internal and external mode. The course is normally completed in one semester full-time, or three semesters part-time.

Students accepted into the Master of Social Work program would normally receive 12 units of credit for topics successfully completed within the Graduate Certificate upon application.

COURSE AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is designed to provide a knowledge base for the particular counselling concerns and issues related to helping people who have experienced loss, grief or trauma. Cross-cultural counselling is highlighted and practical experience in a relevant practice setting is an integral part of the program.

The latest research in the area is emphasised and a range of approaches to counselling is included. Students will gain a knowledge of relevant theories related to loss, grief and trauma experiences and the ability to counsel people in a culturally effective manner.

Learning outcomes

It is expected that students who complete this course will be able to:

• recognise the general indicators of grief and trauma responses, as well as the responses of specific client populations;
• describe how grief experiences and trauma experiences have both distinctive and common elements;
• assist clients in identifying loss and trauma experiences and expressing the feelings and issues related to these experiences;
• implement various interventions to help clients work on grief and trauma-related concerns;
• practice in a way that is sensitive to cultural differences around grief and trauma.

COURSE RULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions such as work experience, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]

A student's program of study must be approved by the Program Approver.

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Loss, Grief and Trauma Counselling, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

• the program must be completed full-time in one semester or part-time within three consecutive semesters;
• no topic may be attempted more than twice;
• a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken.