Master of Genetic Counselling

at University of Technology Sydney

A typical course program is provided below.

Year 1

• 96104 Communication and Counselling     
• 96103 Medical Genetics and Genomics in Practice   
• 96102 Research Methods in Genetic Counselling     
• 96105 Clinical and Community Placement 1       
• 96110 Genetic Counselling         
• 96108 Research Project 1   
• 96109 Research Issues in Genetic Counselling   
• 96099 Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 2    

Year 2

• 96107 Advanced Communication and Counselling     
• 96106 Application of Genetics and Genomics       
• 96114 Research Project 2     
• 96100 Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 3     
• 96113 Advanced Genetic Counselling      
• 96111 Genetics and Genomics in Society     
• 96112 Advanced Professional Practice      
• 96101 Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 4      

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 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 two, and no more than three references as evidence of relevant voluntary/paid work experience in a caring role. Referees must complete a UTS Referee Report. 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:

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 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.

For International Students
$27885

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.