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Masters of Counselling (Clinical Mental Health)

  • Non-Award

The Masters of Counselling (Clinical Mental Health) programme at Sunway University prepares students to become certified counsellors with a focus on mental health issues, offering a comprehensive curriculum and practical training opportunities. Graduates gain theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical standards essential for effective counselling, supported by partnerships with Sunway Medical Centre.

Key details

Degree Type
Non-Award
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Course Code
N/0923/7/0006(08/29)
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Sep
Domestic Fees
$61,490 total
International Fees
$14,664 total

About this course

Overview

The Masters of Counselling (Clinical Mental Health) programme at Sunway University is designed to cultivate highly knowledgeable and skilled counselling professionals ready to address mental health issues within the community. Graduates will be prepared to pursue professional certification as registered counsellors with the Board of Counsellors (Malaysia) - Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia. By completing the required supervised practice hours and meeting the Board's requirements, they will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective counselling.

As the first private institution in Southeast Asia to offer this programme, Sunway University provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of behavioural assessment and intervention techniques. The programme includes core areas such as developmental psychology, counselling theories, multicultural competence, career development, and group counselling. It emphasizes the application of scientific, statistical, and digital methods while upholding a strong focus on ethical practices. Additionally, students can choose from electives like marital and family counselling, tele-mental health, and counselling entrepreneurship, which further enrich their learning experience.

Upon graduation, students will possess key attributes to excel in the counselling profession. They will have a deep understanding of fundamental counselling principles and the ability to apply critical and creative thinking to solve mental health issues using scientific approaches. Graduates will adeptly manage mental health challenges with advanced research methods and practical counselling skills, demonstrating effective community interaction and support. They will excel in clear communication with both experts and laypersons and will be proficient in leveraging digital tools in their practice. Furthermore, they will possess strong numeracy skills for data interpretation, show leadership in addressing community mental health needs, and commit to lifelong learning and professional development. Our graduates will also bring entrepreneurial skills to advance the field of counselling and adhere to the highest ethical standards in their professional conduct.

The Masters of Counselling (Clinical Mental Health) programme at Sunway University stands out due to its unique association with the Sunway Group and its strong linkage to Sunway Medical Centre. As part of the prestigious Sunway Group, which is renowned for its excellence in education, healthcare, and integrated facilities, our programme benefits from an extensive network and a commitment to holistic, high-quality education. The partnership with Sunway Medical Centre provides students with valuable opportunities for internships, practical training, and collaborative research projects, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges in the mental health field.

Apply now to be part of a programme that blends academic excellence with practical, industry-leading resources.

Approved and adhering to the standard of the Board of Counsellors, Malaysia (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia)

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or equivalent as accepted by the HEP Senate
  • Candidates without a qualification in the field/related fields/relevant working experience are encouraged to attend personal and/or professional development courses, but prerequisite courses are not needed.
  • All candidates must attend and pass the internal interview.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS 6.0
  • TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 200 (computer-based), 75 (internet-based)
  • PTE Academic 50 overall
  • MUET Band 4
  • Cambridge English: First/CEFR 170 (Grade B)/B2
  • Cambridge English: Advanced/CEFR 170 (Grade B)/B2

Note: Candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent in English would have met the language requirement; hence, the above does not apply to you.

Specific Requirements

  • Provide a personal statement (500 words) of why they would like to join this programme
  • Pass an interview

What you will learn

Overview

The Masters of Counselling (Clinical Mental Health) programme at Sunway University is designed to cultivate highly knowledgeable and skilled counselling professionals ready to address mental health issues within the community. Graduates will be prepared to pursue professional certification as registered counsellors with the Board of Counsellors (Malaysia) - Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia. By completing the required supervised practice hours and meeting the Board's requirements, they will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective counselling.

As the first private institution in Southeast Asia to offer this programme, Sunway University provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of behavioural assessment and intervention techniques. The programme includes core areas such as developmental psychology, counselling theories, multicultural competence, career development, and group counselling. It emphasizes the application of scientific, statistical, and digital methods while upholding a strong focus on ethical practices. Additionally, students can choose from electives like marital and family counselling, tele-mental health, and counselling entrepreneurship, which further enrich their learning experience.

Upon graduation, students will possess key attributes to excel in the counselling profession. They will have a deep understanding of fundamental counselling principles and the ability to apply critical and creative thinking to solve mental health issues using scientific approaches. Graduates will adeptly manage mental health challenges with advanced research methods and practical counselling skills, demonstrating effective community interaction and support. They will excel in clear communication with both experts and laypersons and will be proficient in leveraging digital tools in their practice. Furthermore, they will possess strong numeracy skills for data interpretation, show leadership in addressing community mental health needs, and commit to lifelong learning and professional development. Our graduates will also bring entrepreneurial skills to advance the field of counselling and adhere to the highest ethical standards in their professional conduct.

The Masters of Counselling (Clinical Mental Health) programme at Sunway University stands out due to its unique association with the Sunway Group and its strong linkage to Sunway Medical Centre. As part of the prestigious Sunway Group, which is renowned for its excellence in education, healthcare, and integrated facilities, our programme benefits from an extensive network and a commitment to holistic, high-quality education. The partnership with Sunway Medical Centre provides students with valuable opportunities for internships, practical training, and collaborative research projects, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges in the mental health field.

Career pathways

  • Clinical Mental Health Counsellor
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School Counsellor
  • University Counsellor
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction Counsellor
  • Juvenile Counsellor
  • Forensic Counsellor
  • Career Counsellor
  • Community Health Counsellor
  • Geriatric Counsellor
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Rehabilitation Counsellor
  • Researcher in Counselling
  • Sports and Athletic Counsellor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Educator

Course structure

Programme StructureCore Subjects
  • Development across Lifespan
  • Theories and Process of Counselling
  • Foundation of Counselling Skills
  • Theories of Career Development
  • Career Counselling in Practice
  • Theories and Techniques of Group Counselling
  • Multicultural Counselling
  • Counselling Research Design & Statistics
  • Psychological Testing
  • Assessment in Counselling
  • Legal and Ethics in Counselling
  • Research Project
Electives

Pick 1 elective

  • Marital and Family Counselling
  • Tele-Mental Health Counselling
  • Entrepreneurship in Counselling
Practicum (In House)

The practicum is crucial in providing students with hands-on experience in real-world counselling settings. Typically, it involves 252 hours, including 96 client contact hours of on-site supervised practice. During this period, students conduct counselling sessions with clients while receiving guidance and feedback from experienced supervisors. This practical experience helps them develop and refine essential counselling skills, including assessment, intervention, and case management.

By Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia's requirements, students must complete 252 supervised practice hours to qualify for certification as registered counsellors. The practicum supports the development of practical skills and ensures adherence to ethical standards and professional conduct. Through reflective practice and detailed case documentation, students gain valuable insights and competence, preparing them for successful careers in the counselling profession.

Internship (External Placement)

An internship is a key component that offers students hands-on experience in real-world counselling environments. Typically spanning several months, the internship involves completing a specified number of supervised practice hours in settings such as mental health clinics, schools, and community centers. This structured experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, conduct counselling sessions, and engage in client assessments while adhering to ethical standards.

Under the guidance of licensed professionals, students receive regular supervision and feedback to refine their skills and address challenges. The internship is designed to meet Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia's requirements of 504 hours for practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for certification as registered counsellors. The 504 hours will cover individual and group counselling sessions, case management, psychoeducational programs, and intervention initiatives. This practical exposure enhances students' counselling abilities and supports their professional development and readiness for their future careers. While the University will assist in making internship placement arrangements, students could also find placement opportunities within Malaysia.

Core: Specialisation Subjects
  • Crisis Intervention in Counselling
  • Children & Adolescent Mental Health
  • Clinical Mental Health Counselling
  • Psychopathology in Counselling

How to apply

  1. Kindly email the following documents to info@sunway.edu.my for an eligibility check:
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Bachelor's/Master's degree transcript (if applicable)
    • Completion certificates
    • Mental health declaration form
    • A 500-word Personal Statement - Why do you want to join the programme?
  2. After passing the above eligibility check, you and two panel members will hold an online interview (45 mins).
  3. This assessment aims to evaluate the applicant's preparedness for counsellor training, including their understanding of and expectations regarding the counselling field. It also aims to gauge their psychological readiness for the profession's demands. Additionally, the assessment allows applicants to familiarize themselves with the program's expectations and requirements.
  4. The interview decision will be made known to the applicant within five working days.