C04374v2 Master of Genetic Counselling

The two-year, graduate entry coursework Master of Genetic Counselling is the entry-level qualification for work as a genetic counsellor.

This program is developed and delivered by experienced genetic counsellors, supported by expert learning designers, broad consultation with the genetic counselling profession and a skilled Curriculum Advisory Committee.The program is delivered in a way that actively supports students to study from their home areas by utilising a combination of asynchronous interactive online learning and synchronous weekly, timetabled ‘live and online’ classes, supported with an on campus block each session.

Expert guest lecturers participate throughout the course, ensuring relevance and real-world application of coursework.

On-campus learning takes place in the Graduate School of Health's education and research facility at UTS City campus.Alongside the coursework, students participate in clinical placements, sourced by UTS, throughout the two-year program.

Placements are offered in a variety of settings in Australasia and may include the option of an approved international placement for interested students.

Placements are supported by weekly reflective practice supervision.

Students undertake research training to equip them with the skills to provide evidence-based care, talk with clients about research participation and findings and seek opportunities for higher degree research in the future.

This course comprises a total of 96 credit points. Students must complete a total of eight 6-credit-point coursework subjects, four 6-credit-point research subjects and four 6-credit-point clinical placement subjects.

Course completion requirements

Course program

A typical course program is provided below.

Autumn B commencing, full time

Year 1

Autumn B Session

Spring B Session

Year 2

Autumn B Session

Spring B Session

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

In addition to a completed Bachelor degree, applicants must have also completed the following subjects at a tertiary level within the last 10 years and must provide relevant subject outlines with their application:

• one biology subject (to first year undergraduate level)
• one human genetics subject (to second or third year undergraduate level, or equivalent)

For prerequisite checking, students must provide a copy of the subject or unit descriptions from the university handbook (or equivalent) of the university where they completed the subjects. If students are unsure whether the previous study meets prerequisite requirements, they can submit the subject outlines for pre-assessment via email.

Applicants must also provide evidence of relevant voluntary and/or paid work in a caring role, demonstrating their ability to work alongside people who are experiencing distress or crisis.

All applicants must write a personal statement of up to 1,000 words. The statement should explain how the applicant meets the selection criteria, identify individual skills and qualities relevant to a career in genetic counselling, demonstrate understanding of the work genetic counsellors do, and attest that it is the students own work.

Selected applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel and final offers are dependent upon interview rank. Applicants are assessed in the areas of communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in genetic counselling, and commitment to genetic counselling as a career.

Professional and clinical requirements

All successful applicants are required to:

1. acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
2. complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
3. demonstrate evidence of protection against a number of specified infectious diseases.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 7.0 overall with a writing score of 7.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 584-609 overall with TWE of 5.0, internet based: 94-101 overall with a writing score of 27; or AE6: Pass; or PTE: 65-72; or CAE: 185-190.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.