Master of Counselling

The Master of Counselling (MCOU) programme is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their counselling competencies through rigorous academic and clinical training. Students are encouraged to specialise in different areas of counselling and receive training in supervisory skills, empowering them to assume leadership roles and become domain experts.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 

1. Who is required to complete the prerequisite (PRCOU) Courses, and are exceptions allowed? 
   
   Students without relevant counselling training will need to complete PRCOU courses before entering the MCOU programme. 
   
   There are three courses for PRCOU:
   COU493 https://www.suss.edu.sg/courses/detail/cou493 
   COU495 https://www.suss.edu.sg/courses/detail/cou495 
   COU498 https://www.suss.edu.sg/courses/detail/cou498 
   
   
2. What is the duration of study for each of the PRCOU course? Are students required to complete all PRCOU courses within one semester? 
   
   The PRCOU courses begin every January and must be completed within one semester. Applicants admitted to the Master of Counselling (MCOU) programme may seek exemption from PRCOU courses.  They are required to submit documentary proof (e.g., transcripts) showing the completion of the respective PRCOU courses at either undergraduate or postgraduate levels. Please attach the relevant transcripts and certificates when submitting your application.
   
   
3. How long are the prerequisite courses valid for before a student can use them to meet the entry requirements for MCOU? 
   
   We do not impose a time limit, reflecting our commitment to lifelong learning.  
   
   
4. How many intakes are there per year for MCOU? 
   
   We offer only one intake per year, in July.
   
   
5. How long does it take to complete MCOU? 
   
   The programme takes at least two years for those with relevant qualifications and training in counselling. The maximum candidature period is four years.
   
   
6. How many courses do students take per semester? 
   
   Students may complete up to twenty credit units per semester. However, we advise against rushing as scholarship and clinical competency require time to develop. Do make full use of the maximum candidature period. 
   
   
7. What is the assessment structure? 
   
   There may be an ongoing assessment and an examination for every course.  Students will need to achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 to be awarded the Master of Counselling. Students whose CGPA falls below 3.0 during the programme will have their enrolment terminated.
   
   
8. What is the lesson schedule? 
   
   Each course generally consists of classroom teaching over four Saturdays, scheduled from 8:30am to 5:30pm, with a one-hour lunch break.

PROGRAMME POLICY

1. What happens if a student does not complete MCOU within the candidature period? Can they take the remaining courses via the CET pathway? 
   
   If students do not complete MCOU within the stipulated candidature period, they will not be eligible for the award of the qualification. Students may apply, via the CET pathway, to take the remaining courses from MCOU as part of their personal learning and development. These applications will be subject to the CET admission requirements. However, those who have exceeded the candidature period will not be awarded the qualification, even after completing the remaining courses via the CET pathway. 
   
   
2. Will the MCOU graduation certificate indicate a specialisation? 
   
   Yes, the graduation scroll will typically read as follows (e.g., for MCOU specialisation in Couple and Family Therapy): “This is to certify that [STUDENT NAME] has completed the requirements of the programme of study in Counselling (Couple and Family Therapy) and was admitted to the degree of Master of Counselling on [DATE].” 
   
   
3. Can the Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches (GDPA) or Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy (GDST) be used towards the prerequisite for the Master of Counselling programme? 
   
   Both GDPA and GDST can stack toward MCOU. However, they do not provide direct entry into MCOU. GDPA and GDST graduates who have not completed the required PRCOU courses will still have to take them.  
   
   
4. Are there materials to help students catch up if they miss a class?
   
   Students can find all teaching materials on our online platform, CANVAS. In addition, they are encouraged to consult and collaborate with their peers to make up for the missed class.
   

FEES AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1. Does the Master of Counselling (Generic Track) and Specialisation Tracks have the same tuition fees? 
   
   Tuition fees depend on the specialisation chosen. Please refer to the average course fees listed on our website.  Please note that due to the intensive clinical training involved, the MCOU (Psychodynamic Approaches) will have higher fees than other specialisations. 
   
   
2. Are tuition fees charged annually based on the number of courses a student takes? 
   
   Students will pay tuition fees according to the number of courses enrolled in.

1. When do students need to start the supervised practicum?
   
   All MCOU students may begin their practicum after completing the prerequisite courses (where applicable) and at least six MCOU courses (either compulsory or elective courses).
   
   
2. If a student is holding a full-time job, how can they complete the supervised practicum sessions?
   
   Students are expected to commit the necessary time to fulfil the practicum requirements. Some practicum sites operate after regular office hours and/or over the weekends.
   
   
3. Can students choose their practicum sites?
   
   Students are invited to indicate their preferences. Whilst these preferences are taken into consideration, please note that due to the dynamic matching processes, placement matching cannot be guaranteed. Practicum sites may interview or select students based on their requirements too. 
   
   
4. Will MCOU help source for practicum sites, or must the student arrange their own placements?
   
   Yes. MCOU has a strong network of carefully curated practicum sites. Students are welcome to indicate their preferences or suggest additional practicum sites, which will be carefully assessed to grow our practicum network.
   
   Please note that students may not conduct their practicum at their current place of work or agency, as this can create conflicts of interest and dual role situations. Exceptions may be made if the practicum takes place in a different department or unit, with supervision provided by someone who is not the student’s reporting officer.
   
   
5. From January 2024 onwards, MCOU incorporates live supervision and reflecting team format for practicum. Will all students be allocated to a group of two to three students per agency?
   
   It depends on respective supervisors and agencies preferences. Students may be placed in one or multiple agencies with the support of their assigned practicum supervisor.
   
   
6. Some practicum sites do not allow video or audio recording. Will this be mandatory, and will students be penalised if the site disallows it?
   
   We respect the policies of practicum agencies and the rights of clients. It is unethical and illegal to record without consent. With the new live supervision format, the need for recording is flexible. However, audio or visual recording is strongly encouraged for student’s learning, provided they have obtained informed consent from the client.
   
   
7. Is Zoom supervision still accepted or is face-to-face and on-site supervision preferred?
   
   We adhere strictly to the Singapore Association for Counselling policies and procedures regarding the use of Zoom and other online platforms for counselling practicums.  At present, online counselling is not permitted.
   
   
8. What happens if a student fails their practicum?
   
   If students fail their supervised practicum, they will need to repeat their supervised practicum, in line with other MCOU and SUSS courses, to meet graduation requirements.
   
   
9. What is the difference between the Supervised Practicum courses: COU608 and COU691?
   
   COU608 Supervised Practicum I is a compulsory course, while COU691 Supervised Practicum II is an elective. Students may choose to take COU691 in place of two elective courses, and they are allowed to withdraw from it. However, students cannot withdraw from COU608 as it is a compulsory course.
   
   COU691 encourages students to complete an additional practicum as MCOU emphasises clinical training. When students opt for COU691, they will be allocated to a practicum site that will help them to develop their specialised focus and/or advanced counselling skills.
   
   
10. What are the requirements for mandatory Personal Development?
    
    To support student’s personal and professional growth, especially during practicum, they must complete at least three personal development sessions at our in-house C-three (Counselling & Life Coaching). Students will not be allowed to graduate until they have completed these sessions.