The Degree of Master of Counselling – MCouns

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 240 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II

or

c passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for 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, or have equivalent prior study.

3 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have at least three years’ relevant professional experience.

4 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant will be required to consent to a disclosure of criminal convictions and safety checks required to ensure that they meet the requirements for the Children’s Act 2014.

5 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant will be required to demonstrate the qualities necessary for a person seeking to become registered as a Counsellor. This will normally require an interview, submission of academic transcripts and appropriate letters of reference.

6 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

7 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

8 No student on whom the 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 Associate Dean Academic or its nominee.

Note: Relevant Bachelors degrees may include education, counselling, nursing or social work.

9 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1, 3 or 7a 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.

10 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2, 3 or 7b 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.

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

12 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. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Counselling cannot continue.

13 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

14 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 14a may appeal that decision to the Provost or the duly appointed delegate.

15 a The Research Portfolio is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head.

b The research portfolio or thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director 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.

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

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

18 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

19 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.