In Australia, genetic counsellors are allied health professionals who work in partnership with clinical geneticists or other medical specialists, often as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include other allied health professionals and/or scientists.

Genetic counselling is a communication process that aims to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the implications of a genetic contribution to a health condition.

The role of a genetic counsellor includes

• provision of risk information to individuals/families,
• education about a genetic condition to individuals/families/health professionals
• counselling to individuals/families to promote informed health care decision making
• psychosocial support to individuals/families who have a history of a genetic condition

The Master of Genetic Counselling is a professionally accredited coursework degree, completed full time over two years.

Learn from leading industry experts

Teaching staff are primarily practicing genetic counsellors, scientists and clinicians within the field of clinical genetics health care and research. Community support groups and individuals/families with personal/family experience of genetics also provide expertise to the teaching and placements in the course.

Certification

Graduating with a Master of Genetic Counselling meets the requirements for entry level professional employment as an associate genetic counsellor, and for Board Eligible certification, awarded through the Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling (Human Genetics Society of Australasia). The attainment of Board Certification requires the submission of a portfolio of work, completed whilst employed as an associate genetic counsellor (www.hgsa.com.au).

International opportunities

With well-established links to overseas training programs there are international opportunities for students, through an active exchange program for clinical placements and research collaborations. Graduates of the Masters have the opportunity to undertake certification both in Australia and overseas in those countries with an established reciprocal training and certification agreement.

Prospective students can view the program flyer and contact MGC-MGH@unimelb.edu.au for all enquiries.

*The first year (100 credit points) of the Master of Genetic Counselling MUST be undertaken full-time.  The final year (100 credit points) may be undertaken part-time.

The 2-year Master of Genetic Counselling is designed to develop and strengthen skills in clinical genetics and genomics, counselling theory and practice, research theory and practice, and the societal implications of genetics and genomics as applied to health care.

Problem Based Learning

The program teaches counselling skills, research skills and clinical genetics knowledge using a blended learning approach, which includes face-to-face tutorials, online modules, and practical workshops.  Problem-based learning as the mode of teaching facilitates independent learning which equips the student to continue to develop professionally throughout their career.

Research Monograph

Students will complete a research monograph with supervision, and have extensive counselling skills practice in varied clinical genetics and community settings. The clinical placement assessment tasks mirror the skills needed in genetic counselling practice and for professional certification by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) (www.hgsa.com.au).

A Master of Genetic Counselling will provide you with the knowledge and acumen to become a professional genetic counsellor. This world-renowned program will elevate your prospects for employment both domestically and abroad. Graduates of this course are eligible to undertake professional certification by the Human Genetic Society of Australasia (HGSA).

Specialist opportunities

Offering in-roads to exclusive career specialisations, a Master of Genetic Counselling allows you to improve the lives of people experiencing challenges connected to genetic conditions. Many graduates work directly with patients in medical areas that include paediatrics, prenatal, infertility, neurology, cancer and cardiology. Others choose to continue along a research path in public or industry-focused laboratories.

With a Master of Genetic Counselling you can be employed as:

• An Associate Genetic Counsellor for individuals undergoing genetic/genomic testing in cancer, prenatal, adult or paediatric medicine settings
• A researcher or program officer in clinical research, public health or community support organisations.

The Melbourne Medical School’s existing relationship with associated institutes, such as the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Victorian Clinical Genetic Services (VCGS), provides close access to world-class clinical research and laboratory science facilities.

A world-class qualification

As a graduate of the Master of Genetic Counselling, you will be well equipped to pursue opportunities in this specialised field throughout worldwide institutions and organisations. Graduates of the program have successfully gained employment in clinical genetics services in Europe, Canada and Asia.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: an undergraduate degree with a cognate genetics subject at second year level, or equivalent; and evidence of at least one

IELTS (academic English Only): Overall 7.0 (with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 94 + ; Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 65 + written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 185 + no less than 185 in Writing and 169 in each other skill