In line with the saying “Religion is advice giving”, the counselling program was introduced with the aim to help society in combating mental health issues in accordance to Islamic principles and teachings. Specifically, it refers to the collaborative effort between a counsellor and client in seeking cognitive and behavioral change.

The masters program first began its enrolment for the 2017/2018 academic year. Family counselling is a specialized program designed to help family members in conflict to improve familial interaction and communication. The program also focuses on marriage counselling as students would learn the specific therapeutic approaches to improve relationship between couples and reduce marital conflict. 

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

The Master of Counselling (Family Counselling) program is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. To produce well-versed graduate students in counselling who are also able to carry out marriage and family counselling, developmental counselling, child and adolescence counselling, parental skills, family consultation, and others.
2. To provide an in-depth understanding to graduate students on the philosophy, theories and concepts related to marriage and family counselling which can be applied in their professional practice and daily life.
3. To upgrade their skills in marriage and family counselling and management through rigorous practicum and internship experience.
4. To produce capable individuals and researchers in applying the knowledge, theories and concepts in marriage and family counselling practice when carrying out tasks in various work environments.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. A relevant bachelor’s degree with honours with a minimum CGPA of 2.50/4.00 or equivalent from the University or any other institutions of higher learning recognised by the Senate; or
2. In case the CGPA does not meet the requirement of 2.50/4.00, the selection will subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in relevant field.
3. The number of credit hours for the relevant bachelor’s degree and advanced diploma shall be as follows: (a) bachelor’s degree ≥ 120 credit hours (b) advanced diploma ≥ 90 credit hours

Note: 1-year work experience is equivalent to 0.05 CGPA

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

An applicant shall show evidence of proficiency in the English language based on the following criteria: 

1. TOEFL minimum score of 180 (computer-based) or 64 (internet-based); or
2. IELTS minimum score of Band 5; or
3. MUET minimum score of Band 3; or
4. graduated from institutions that use English as the main medium of instruction, AND will be required to seat for University English Proficiency Test (UEPT) with minimum score of Band 3; or
5. graduated in the field of Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL), English Language Studies (ELS) and equivalent from a university recognised by the Senate; or
6. a native speaker of English.

(2)  Research-mode applicant who intends to write his/her thesis in Arabic will be required to fulfil the criteria as follows:

1. TOEFL minimum score of 150 (computer-based) or 52 (internet-based); or
2. IELTS minimum score of Band 4; or
3. MUET minimum score of Band 2; or
4. UEPT minimum score of Band 2.

(3)  An applicant who does not fulfil any of the criteria under (1) & (2) will be allowed to register conditionally and is required to fulfil any of the criteria under (1) or (2), within 12 months (for Master’s students) and 24 months (for Ph.D. students).