MASTER OF COUNSELLING

Welcome to the Master of Counselling programme, tailored for individuals dedicated to delivering top-quality mental health care to individuals with milder challenges. Our aim is to nurture skilled and compassionate counsellors who can pursue registration and licensing in Malaysia under the esteemed Board of Counsellors (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia).

This programme serves as a vital stepping stone for those passionate about engaging in the field of mental health. With a focus on upholding ethical standards and fostering competence, our programme equips you with the expertise to become a globally competitive practitioner and researcher. Given the rising demand for professional counsellors, admission to the programme is increasingly selective to maintain our high standards.

Our programme structure is carefully designed to align with the standards and guidelines set by Malaysia's Board of Counsellors (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia, LKM). We are committed to providing a curriculum that meets the requirements of professional counselling practice. Our goal is to prepare graduates who are not only qualified and competent but also well-equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to make a positive impact as counsellors.

Throughout the programme, we focus on developing your abilities in client assessment and management. You will learn effective strategies and techniques to understand and assess clients' needs, providing them with appropriate support and guidance.

Primary Modules

The comprehensive syllabus of the programme aims to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, attitude, and mindset necessary to become passionate, professional counselors dedicated to providing mental healthcare to individuals with milder mental health issues.

Year 1

• Counselling Interventions: Skills and Techniques
• Theories and Applications of Psychotherapy
•  Professional Issues, Ethics and Law in Counselling
• Testing and Measurement in Counselling
• Group Dynamics and Therapy
• Multicultural Counselling
• Human Development Across Life Span
• Theories of Career Development
• Research Methodology and Statistics
• Career Counselling: Assessments and Applications

Year 2

• Case Management and Assessment
• Counselling Practicum
• Research Project
• Counselling Internship
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PROGRAMME SYNOPSIS

Core Modules

COUNSELLING INTERVENTIONS: SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

This module looks at developing basic skills in managing a therapeutic relationship. The counselling process will be addressed generically, on a humanistic theoretical base. An emphasis will be placed on learning, practising, and developing basic counselling and influencing skills to facilitate constructive counselling.

THEORIES AND APPLICATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

This module is about understanding the main theories that guide therapy. It addresses models of psychotherapy that are recognised as effective practices. The emphasis is on understanding and applying the theories, and assisting students to explore the process of selecting a personal counselling theory.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

This module is designed to offer an in-depth focus on the relevant knowledge, awareness and skills necessary to practice safely and responsibly in counselling. It then looks at the practical and entrepreneurial issues related to the setting and running of a clinical practice.

TESTING AND MEASUREMENT IN COUNSELLING

This module offers a practical introduction to the field of psychological testing and assessment. The general purpose of this module is to familiarise students with a variety of assessment procedures, giving emphasis on standardised psychological tests commonly used in counselling settings. This is essential because data from testing and assessment are used frequently in the process of therapy to assist in decision-making, to help formulate intervention plans, and to document client change.

GROUP AND FAMILY DYNAMICS

This is a theoretical and practical-based module, focused around the application and management of multicultural groups and interactions. The module will have an added component of family theory and dynamics. It also covers psychoeducational group management and practice.

THEMATIC MULTICULTURAL COUNSELLING

This is a case-based practical module that will apply group counselling protocols to address themes that arise in counselling as related to multi-cultural issues in counselling. Focus is on learning interactions and addressing controversial issues that may be impacting clients.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGICAL ISSUES

This module is designed to examine and analyse the milestones of human development as related to counselling and the psychopathological issues based on the developmental stage of an individual.

CAREER THEORIES AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The module introduces students to career development theories, career counselling procedures and techniques, career assessment tools, career development programme planning, and sources of occupational information. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theoretical framework of career counselling and introduce the basic counselling tools used in the career counselling process. Personal development techniques will be applied to ensure that the theories are absorbed and applied by the student on themselves.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICS

Throughout this module, students will develop skills to critically evaluate counselling research. In addition, they will accumulate an understanding of empirical methods employed in scientific research, including both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. 

CAREER COUNSELLING: ASSESSMENTS AND APPLICATIONS

This is a practical-based module, focused around the application and management of career issues. Emphasis is on assisting individuals in exploring their career paths and career decision-making. Assessments used to plan and implement career development programmes at all levels of a person’s career development will be examined. In addition, the impact of life roles and multicultural issues on career decision-making, including those applicable to diverse populations is considered.

CASE MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT

This is a practical-based module, focused around the application and management of client cases. Emphasis is on students developing the skills of client assessment and case management, as well as conceptualisation and application of complex cases, synthesising human development, research and human personality to understand complex cases, and the assessment and management of such cases

Practicum

COUNSELLING PRACTICUM

This module is designed to provide opportunities for students to synthesise theoretical information from their coursework and apply it directly with clients. It takes place under close training and monitoring of the Practicum Supervisor as well as individual supervision of counselling lecturers in the department.

Internship

COUNSELLING INTERNSHIP

This module is designed to provide the students with a culminating field experience to engage in counselling activities in various settings under supervision.

Research Project

RESEARCH PROJECT

This module is designed to support research and scientific inquiry. Throughout this module, students will develop a research proposal with appropriate methodologies, conduct the research, and communicate the findings in oral and written forms.

When you've successfully completed this Master of Counselling programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Counsellor
• Academician
• Private Practitioner
• Entrepreneur
• Researcher

Note: Graduates can work in the government sector (hospitals, universities, and clinics), private sector (hospitals, universities, corporate companies, clinics, and centres), and Non-Governmental Organisations.

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Fulfilling one of the requirements listed below:

1. Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or equivalent preferably but not necessarily with relevant industry experience;
2. Those with CGPA between 2.00 to 2.49 but with a minimum of 5 years' relevant working experience are also admissible.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENT

1. For International students: IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL 40 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score) The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.
   
    
2. For Malaysian students (if their undergraduate or postgraduate degree qualifications [whichever more recent] were done outside of Malaysia, and were not undertaken in the English language): IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL 500 paper-based or 213 for computer-based (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score). The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination. 

Note

1. Terms and conditions apply.
2. All candidates who fulfil the above requirements must pass Candidate Selection Interview to ensure comprehension of English language and the basic psychological wellbeing suitability of the candidate for the role as a Counsellor.
3. All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university