Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling

Page content : 1. Proposed Masters of Genetic Counselling | 2. Course overview | 3. International accreditation | 4. Course structure | 5. Subject information | 6. Teaching staff | 7. How to apply

Proposed Masters of Genetic Counselling

The Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling is currently being developed to a 2 year clinical Masters, with the aim of implementing the program in 2008. The existing Graduate Diploma, established in 1996, is a successful 1 year program and will be part of the proposed Masters and will provide an exit point. The Masters will continue to provide professional training for genetic counsellors (Part 1 accreditation) and will continue to be taught within the clinical genetics service, Genetic Health Services Victoria, in small interactive groups. The Masters is designed to build and increase skills and breadth in clinical practice and research, utilizing the expertise of tutors who are clinicians, genetic counsellors, scientists and community members.

Internationally, genetic counselling is taught within a 2 year clinical Masters. The proposed Masters program aims to increase research and employment opportunities for graduates through developing reciprocity with other countries. With well established links to overseas training programs, the Graduate Diploma already offers international opportunities to students, through an active exchange program for clinical placements and research collaborations. It is anticipated that these opportunities will increase in the new model. Further, the program will continue to provide students with the knowledge and skills in both genetics and counselling which can enhance their existing career or be applied in careers other than genetic counselling.

Interested in the proposed Masters?

• Keep an eye on this website! Further details will be posted here once they are available.
• In the meantime, to register your interest in the proposed Masters of Genetic Counselling, send an email to the course administrator at: deborah.dalton@ghsv.org.au

Got a question about the proposed Masters?

Questions about the proposed Masters of Genetic Counselling should be directed to the Course coordinator on +61 3 8341 6256 or at: margaret.sahhar@ghsv.org.au

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Please note: The information below relates to the existing Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling and should be used as a guide only (see information above regarding the proposed Masters of Genetic Counselling).

Course overview

Genetic counsellors work in a team, providing information about genetic conditions, to enable people to make informed decisions. A clear understanding of genetic information, skilled communication and listening, awareness of the factors in decision-making and self-awareness are part of this process.

Teaching is by a problem-orientated tutorial approach, using case examples. Learning is achieved through group discussion, individual research, group presentations and discussion with resource people (from Genetic Health Services Victoria, the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the Royal Children's Hospital). Tutorials are in small groups of approximately ten people.

The Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling is part one of a two part process to become a certified genetic counsellor. Students who complete this course can be employed as associate genetic counsellors in Australia and New Zealand. Part two involves working as an associate genetic counsellor and submitting case work to the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA). Further details of certification are available on the HGSA website. To gain further understanding of the field of genetic counselling, applicants may ask the course coordinator to put them in contact with a genetic counsellor who can talk to them about working in this field. It is not possible for applicants to observe a genetic counselling session.

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International accreditation

The course is not currently accredited in the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA). However, the Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling has established links with the University of Manchester (UK) and the University of South Carolina (USA) and there are opportunities for student exchanges between programs.

Genetic Counseling Education: Connecting the Global Community

This meeting aims to explore training, accreditation and certification criteria between countries and to create avenues for collaboration among international programs in education and student exchange. Read more about this initiative.

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Course structure

• One year full-time or two years part-time
• There are two streams - genetics and counselling. Part-time students enrol in one stream only
• Classes start in February and there is a mid-year break in June/July
• Distance education is not available
• There is no mid-year intake

Contact hours

Genetics
• 2-5pm Mondays and Wednesdays

Counselling
• 9.30am-12.30pm Thursdays
• Some additional Thursday afternoons
• Clinical observations
• Four week full time clinical placement

Students are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the following institute seminars each week:
• 12.30-1.30pm Wednesdays
• 8.30-9.30am Fridays
• 11am-12pm alternate Fridays

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Subject information

Exemptions from components of the course are not granted. The course teaches skills applied to genetic counselling, so even highly qualified students gain new skills and knowledge. Assessment includes written examinations, assignments, class presentations and a four week full time clinical placement.

Topics covered in Genetics include:
• Gene structure and inheritance patterns
• Molecular genetics and genetic tests
• Embryology and teratology
• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Human cytogenetics
• Prenatal diagnosis
• Genetics registers and health care systems

Topics covered in Counselling include:
• Counselling theories and their application
• Counselling for predictive tests
• Interviewing skills
• Systems theory
• Developing self-awareness
• Disability issues
• Grief issues
• Multi-disciplinary team work
• Community resources

Read generic skills statements for the course, and individual subjects in the course.

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Teaching staff

• Margaret Sahhar - Course coordinator and Counselling coordinator
• Samantha Wake - Genetics coordinator
• Lisette Curnow - Genetics coordinator

Other tutors are clinicians, scientists and genetic counsellors, parents of children with disabilities, people with genetic conditions and representatives from support groups.

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How to apply

Pre-requisites

• A degree from a recognised tertiary institution, preferably in science, humanities, nursing or psychology
• Consideration may be given to applicants who have appropriate work or volunteer experience

Australian and New Zealand applicants

Applications must be received by the last Friday in October.

Application form for Australian and New Zealand applicants [PDF 49K]

International applicants

Please visit the University of Melbourne Future students website.

• Some applicants will be asked to attend a selection interview in November
• Telephone interviews may be possible for interstate or international applicants
• Applicants are assessed according to set criteria, including their understanding of genetic counselling and relevant work experience (paid and volunteer work)
• All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of December

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