Duration
2 years full time / 3 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
February
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
Learn more
Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
Learn more
Learn more
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with a cognate genetics subject at second year level (or equivalent), AND
- Evidence of at least one first-year undergraduate biology subject AND at least one second-year subject (preferably human genetics), completed within the last 10 years with subject marks of at least 65% (or equivalent), AND
- At least six months of demonstrated relevant professional or volunteer experience.
In addition to meeting this entry criteria, you must also provide:
- A personal statement, AND
- Three written, signed references to attest to your work or volunteer experience and ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people who are in distress
- Please ensure each of your three referees individually complete the online Master of Genetic Counselling Referee Report.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.
Work or volunteer experience relevant to this course may include roles at organisations such as Very Special Kids, Life Line, The Genetic Support Network of Victoria, Down Syndrome Victoria, Cystic Fibrosis Victor or other organisations that provide support to people living with a disability/genetic condition. Relevant experience may include peer support helplines, patient support at hospitals, disability support work, support for people of refugee background or support for those experiencing homelessness.
The experience should be at least 6 months in duration, noting that the quality and duration of the experience is an important part of selection into the program. References from coordinators or supervisors will enhance your application.
Please note that administrative support or observing genetic counselling sessions is not considered as valuable as directly supporting people in times of need/illness/crisis.
Volunteer programs that provide education/training to volunteers are highly valued, for example Very Special Kids in Victoria or Lifeline/Aidsline nationally.
Human genetics knowledge
You will need to demonstrate that you have studied first year biology as well as relevant second year genetics subjects. Academic transcripts will be reviewed and applicants invited for interview will complete a short assessment to indicate your level of understanding of basic genetic/genomic concepts.
Indigenous Applicants
Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Melbourne.
Prospective Indigenous applicants are encouraged to:
- Complete the relevant section under the Graduate Access Melbourne requirement in the application form.
- Contact the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science Indigenous Student Support Office for application and admission support and to complete the Confirmation of Identity process.
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?
You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.IELTS
7.0
with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.5TOEFL
94+
with writing 27; speaking 20; reading 19; listening 20PEARSON
72+
with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 64CAMBRIDGE
185+
with no less than 185 in writing and no less than 176 in each other skillLANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC
-
MET
-
About selection
When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
In addition to your prior study, the Selection Committee will also consider your personal statement, work or volunteer experience, referee reports, and interview.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
Following successful completion of the first 100 credit points, you may choose to exit this course with a Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling. The graduate diploma is only available as an exit award and does not satisfy requirements to register as a practicing genetic counsellor.
Inherent requirements
This course has inherent requirements. Refer to the Master of Genetic Counselling Handbook for important information on these requirements.
Clinical placements
Clinical Placements are undertaken as part of this course. All students must undertake a Police Record Check, obtain a Working with Children Check and comply with immunisation requirements. Refer to the following pages for important information:
Indigenous pathway
Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Melbourne.
Prospective Indigenous applicants are encouraged to:
- Complete the relevant section under the Graduate Access Melbourne requirement in the application form.
- Contact the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science Indigenous Student Support Office for application and admission support and to complete the Confirmation of Identity process.
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.
GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.
Advanced Standing
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.