Master of Health Sciences (Genetic Counselling)

Page content : 1. Overview | 2. Past projects | 3. Course requirements | 4. Fees | 5. Link | 6. Key contact

Overview

The Master of Health Sciences (Genetic Counselling) is offered by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) and Genetic Health Services Victoria (GHSV), through the Department of Paediatrics. It is administered through the Bruce Lefroy Centre. The 1year 100 point Master of Health Sciences (Genetic Counselling) is not to be confused with the 2 year 200 point Master of Genetic Counselling .The MHSc (GC) is a supervised research degree primarily for those students or practitioners who are interested to extend their research skills. ( Masters and Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling) The Master of Genetic Counselling is a 2 year professional coursework Masters which constitutes the professional qualification for entry to the genetic counselling profession. ( www.hgsa.com.au) This is the first 2 year professional Masters in Australia.

The course involves extended study in the field of genetic counselling by research, with some coursework. Students may complete the course over one year full-time or two years part-time. Qualitative research is encouraged in areas of clinical relevance to genetic counselling practice and theory. Supervisors are provided by the MCRI or GHSV. Collaborative Master of Health Sciences research projects between clinical genetics centres can be undertaken, with joint supervision.

Applicants may be one of the following:

• Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling
• Certified genetic counsellors (Human Genetics Society of Australasia)
• International and interstate candidates with suitable qualifications

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Past projects

• Narrative styles of people living with an intersex condition
• The experience, at the time of diagnosis, of parents with a child who has been diagnosed with a bone dysplasia (See reference: Hill V, Sahhar M, Aitken MA, Savarirayan R and Metcalfe S American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A; 122A(2) 2003)
• An exploration of community perspectives regarding the need for genetic information
• A needs assessment of men with a family history of prostate cancer
• Evaluation of prenatal screening services in Victoria

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Course requirements

• A thesis of 27,000 - 30,000 words, including a literature review
• Presentation at seminars and conferences
• Attendance at relevant seminars

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Fees

• Australian and New Zealand students may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place. RTS places provide research higher degree students with an exemption from course fees. For more information, please see the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) website
• International students - $36,400 (AUD) in 2006

Please contact the School of Medicine on +61 3 8344 7767 for further information about fees.

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Link

AIRport (Academic Interactive Resources portal) is an interactive website with exercises specifically designed to help students acquire and develop academic skills.

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Key contact

Margaret Sahhar
Course coordinator
tel: +61 3 8341 6256
fax: +61 3 8341 6390
email: margaret.sahhar@ghsv.org.au

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