C04374v2 Master of Genetic Counselling
Award(s): Master of Genetic Counselling (MGenCouns)UAC code: 940926 (Autumn B session)
CRICOS code: 098052M
Commonwealth supported place?: No
Load credit points: 96
Course EFTSL: 2
Location: City campus
Notes
It is recommended that domestic and international students apply before 31 October. Applications will close once all places have been filled. It is recommended to apply early, as applications and eligibility for interview will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Selected competitive applicants will be invited to interview throughout October and November.
Indigenous applicants should apply via UTS Student Portal and will be contacted by the Indigenous Student Liaison Officer with further information. Indigenous applicants are welcome to submit cultural and/or community referees to accompany their application.
Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Applications
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Rules and regulations
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
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 a week-long block each session. Expert guest lecturers participate throughout the course, ensuring relevance and real-world application of coursework. Block learning takes place in the Graduate School of Health's education and research facility at UTS City campus or online.
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.
Course aims
The course prepares graduates to work as culturally safe, competent, evidence-based client-centred genetic counsellors. Graduates are prepared to work in both the public and private system, and in positions in laboratories, biotech companies, research, policy and education.
Career options
Genetic counsellors have specialist knowledge in human genetics and genomics, counselling and health communication. With rapid developments in genetics and genomics, there is a growing number of newer opportunities for genetic counsellors in the coming years. Career options include clinical roles in public and private settings, research, education, policy, and laboratory and biotech company genetic counselling roles.
Course intended learning outcomes
| 1.1 | Apply evidence-based genetic and genomic health care to practice across a variety of settings. |
| 1.2 | Apply professional self-awareness through self-reflection to enhance their practice in genetic and genomic counselling to improve client outcomes. |
| 2.1 | Integrate a critical awareness of cultural and societal diversity and disparity in health care into clinical practice. |
| 2.2 | Demonstrate respect and value for diverse ways of knowing, being and doing, in particular recognising the diversity of Indigenous Australians while critically reflecting upon the impact of ongoing colonisation and its pervasive discourse on their health and wellbeing, and integrating this knowledge into practice. |
| 3.1 | Engage and build relationships with people from all walks of life and across diverse communities. |
| 4.1 | Use well-developed research skills to enhance clinical practice through an ability to critically appraise literature and to answer clinical questions. |
| 5.1 | Provide education about genetics and genomics to a wide variety of audiences. |
| 5.2 | Embody the core tenets of the genetic counselling profession, demonstrating professional and ethical behaviour and positively responding to the changing technological environment. |
Admission requirements
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.
Applicants must have completed either:
a. an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline such as Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences. Other Natural and Physical Sciences, Human Welfare Studies and Services, Behavioural Science, Medical Studies, Nursing, Public Health or Teacher Education.
OR
b. an undergraduate degree in any discipline and documented relevant work experience outlined in a CV including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines
In addition to a completed Bachelor degree, applicants must have also completed the following subject at a tertiary level within the last 10 years and must provide a relevant subject outline with their application:
- one human genetics subject (to second or third year undergraduate level, or equivalent)
For prerequisite checking, students must submit a Prerequisite Assessment Table with their application. Prerequisite subject approvals are subject to change as they undergo an annual academic review. This means a new assessment is required for each new intake.
Prior to applications opening, the Prerequisite Assessment Table may be submitted to GSH.Future@uts.edu.au for pre-assessment. A pre-assessment is not required in order to apply and will not be conducted once applications open.
Applicants must also provide the following.
- At least one, and no more than two references as evidence of relevant voluntary/paid work experience in a caring role. Referees must complete a UTS Reference (available once applications are opened). Referee reports that are not submitted via this link will not be accepted. Referees are asked to comment on the applicant's character, ability, and suitability to be a genetic counsellor. Referees may include: teacher/lecturer/academic, employer/supervisor of paid work, supervisor of peer counselling/volunteer work/placement.
- A personal statement of up to 1000 words. The personal statement should describe the skills and qualities applicants bring to a career in genetic counselling and explain how they meet the selection criteria. Applicants should also include a statement confirming that this is their 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:
- acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
- complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
- 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 overall with a writing score of 65; or C1A/C2P: 185-190 overall with a writing score of 185.
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.
Applications
Local students
Domestic applicants can apply directly.
International students
International applicants apply via UTS: International.
International applicants, in addition to the above requirements, are required to obtain a police certificate/criminal clearance from every country they have resided in. If a country does not issue police certificates/criminal clearances, applicants are required to complete a Statutory Declaration for Overseas Students.
Course duration and attendance
The course is offered as a two-year, full-time degree. Students are not permitted to enrol part time. In addition to coursework and clinical placements during sessions, students may be required to undertake clinical placements during mid-session breaks.
Course structure
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
| STM91274 Core subjects (Genetic Counselling) | 96cp | |
| Total | 96cp |
Course program
A typical course program is provided below.
| Autumn B commencing, full time | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn B Session | ||
| 96104 Communication and Counselling | 6cp | |
| 96103 Medical Genetics and Genomics in Practice | 6cp | |
| 96102 Research Methods in Genetic Counselling | 6cp | |
| 96105 Clinical and Community Placement 1 | 6cp | |
| Spring B Session | ||
| 96110 Genetic Counselling | 6cp | |
| 96108 Research Project 1 | 6cp | |
| 96109 Research Issues in Genetic Counselling | 6cp | |
| 96099 Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 2 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn B Session | ||
| 96107 Advanced Communication and Counselling | 6cp | |
| 96106 Application of Genetics and Genomics | 6cp | |
| 96114 Research Project 2 | 6cp | |
| 96100 Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 3 | 6cp | |
| Spring B Session | ||
| 96113 Advanced Genetic Counselling | 6cp | |
| 96111 Genetics and Genomics in Society | 6cp | |
| 96112 Advanced Professional Practice | 6cp | |
| 96101 Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 4 | 6cp | |
Rules and regulations
Inherent Requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are inherent in or essential to the successful completion of a course. The inherent requirements framework for the Master of Genetic Counselling is based on the following six themes:
- Legal and Behavioural Requirements;
- Communication Tasks – verbal; written; non-verbal;
- Cognitive/Intellectual Tasks – literacy; numeracy; knowledge and information;
- Sensory Tasks – visual; auditory; tactile;
- Physical Tasks – gross and fine motor requirements; and
- Sustainable Performance.
It is a requirement of this course to complete a number of clinical placements. Clinical placements involve a genetic counselling student going into a clinical setting to undertake the practical components of the course required for registration. If a student has a condition or disability that prevents them from completing a placement, completion of the degree may be hindered. Students should consult the full inherent requirements.
Professional recognition
A two-year Master of Genetic Counselling from a program accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) is required in order to apply for active status (MHGSA) on the genetic counselling register through the HGSA. Active registered candidates can then complete a portfolio of work in order to complete certification as a genetic counsellor and become a Fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (FHGSA).
The UTS Master of Genetic Counselling is accredited by the HGSA.
Other information
Register to attend an information session and/or contact:
UTS: Genetic Counselling
email gsh.future@uts.edu.au
telephone +61 2 9514 1448