Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work

The Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work is a collaboration between Dulwich Centre and University of Melbourne (Department of Social Work).

After the success of the online Masters over the past 4 years, we’re happy to announce that the 2024 program will also be online!

We are very excited about what this program is meaning for narrative ideas. It’s a practice-based program, with a wide-range of national and international teachers. It’s also been specifically designed to spark continual innovation in the field. Participants have graduated from Singapore, Canada, Australia,  Japan, Spain, Hong Kong, Israel, China, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ireland, Chile, South Africa, Denmark, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico, India, New Zealand and the UK and their innovative work is stretching the field.

Tileah Drahm-Butler (of the Durrumbal/Kullilli and Yidinji nations) is a graduate of the Masters, and a member of the International Dulwich Centre Teaching Faculty. You can read about her work decolonising social work using narrative ideas here.

We have included below some formal information about the program, including an application guide and a frequently asked questions document. For any further questions, please email us.

The Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work has been specifically designed to develop participants’ practice-skills, encourage innovation, and enable a rigour in relation to practice-research-theory. It is a University of Melbourne postgraduate specialist qualification consisting of 3 subjects:

  • Advanced Narrative Skills Development
  • The Art of Narrative Practice
  • Narrative Practice and Research Synthesis

In 2024 this program will be delivered online. Hence, it is accessible to both local and international students.

The online learning adventure will include two intensive two-week teaching blocks in March and October/November.  And also regular asynchronous learning and synchronous online events, rituals, meetings and celebrations. 

The program provides participants with the flexibility to complete the degree either full-time and over two semesters as a twelve month program, or part-time and over four semesters as a two-year program.

The academic team will consist of leading national and international trainers. The faculty will be drawn from the Dulwich Centre International faculty and the University of Melbourne.

Those applying to undertake the degree would typically be professionals working with individuals, families or communities who are interested in enhancing their clinical and practice-research skills in narrative therapy and community work. The combination of intensive delivery supported by distance and on-line learning means it is accessible to students across Australia and internationally.

The entry requirements are:

  • An undergraduate degree in a related discipline; and
  • Evidence of two years of relevant work experience; and
  • Evidence of completion of prior narrative therapy studies at Dulwich Centre or equivalent; and
  • Completion of the personal statement document (maximum 500 words)
  • A professional referee report [completed on the attached template]

Please note, while not a formal entry requirement, in order to successfully complete the course, it is necessary to be working/volunteering in a context in which you are able to put narrative ideas into practice for at least 5 hours per week during the duration of the Masters.

There is an entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners without an undergraduate degree. If this is the case for you, write to us at masters@dulwichcentre.com.au. 28 Indigenous Australians have already graduated from this Master’s program. Some have not had undergraduate degrees … and some of these participants have graduated with First Class Honours.

Interviews, referee reports or employer references may also be a part of the application process.

Recognition of Prior Learning for those who have completed long-term training programs with Dulwich Centre (International Training Program or Graduate Certificate programs in Hong Kong, Greece or Singapore) means that they are only required to attend one of the intensive teaching blocks, and to pay reduced fees. This is also true for graduates of the Yearlong Narrative Therapy Program at Evanston Family Therapy Center (USA).

If you are unsure whether your previous experience or qualifications would be sufficient, please email us and we can provide further information.

  1. Advanced Narrative Skills Development

In this subject, students acquire skills in engaging with ten key practice maps of narrative therapy, including externalising, re-authoring, re-membering, definitional ceremony, documentation, absent but implicit, failure conversations map, responding to trauma, engagement with folk culture metaphors (tree of life/team of life/kite of life) and enabling contribution or social action. They also develop skills in analysing and evaluating the effects of their use of these maps of practice and in proposing alternative questions as well as lines of enquiry, in therapeutic and/or collective practice.

  1. The Art of Narrative Practice

Students acquire a working knowledge of the diversity of ways in which narrative practices are being engaged with children, young people and adults as well as with individuals, groups, organisations and communities, in a range of different cultural contexts across the globe. Students are required to analyse developments in the field in relation to their implications for their own practice in their own local cultural context.

  1. Narrative Practice and Research Synthesis

Students are challenged to innovate their own forms of narrative practice. Teaching focuses on some of the different methods of innovating that have contributed to new forms of narrative practice, such as co-research, partnerships, cross-cultural invention, folk cultural innovation, synthesis of practice with readings from outside the field, responding to challenges in relation to politics of experience and translations across languages. This involves revisiting some of the social and intellectual histories of narrative practice and drawing on recent international innovations as case studies of innovation. Drawing on these histories and practices of innovation, in the second half of the subject, students are then required to undertake an original piece of practice research, with findings presented in a standard required for publication.

Fees 

Fees for 2024 are AUD$24,064 for all students and are subject to an annual increase. Fees include tuition, course materials and access to online resources and the opportunity to attend a public graduation ceremony. As enrolled students of the University of Melbourne, students have access to a range of facilities and amenities provided by the University of Melbourne.

More information about fees and payment is available via the University of Melbourne.

FEE-HELP 

FEE-HELP provides interest-free loans to eligible students to help pay part or all of their tuition. FEE-HELP is only available to Australian citizens. For more information click here.

Scholarships

Scholarship for trans participants

In 2024, Dulwich Centre Foundation will offer a scholarship of AUD$3000 to a transgender participant of the Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work who has indicated they would like to receive the funds. In addition, alongside the funds, recipients of this scholarship will receive supervision sessions with a Dulwich Centre Faculty member who has significant experience in narrative practice through a trans lens. The funds will be awarded directly to the participant and can be spent on anything that will assist their education journey. For more information, click here or email masters@dulwichcentre.com.au

Anita Morawetz Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of the Anita Morawetz Trust, a number of scholarships covering part of the tuition fee for this course are available. 

Applications for this scholarship are submitted during the Masters application, and close on the 30th of November 2023. You can find more information about this scholarship and how to apply on the University of Melbourne’s website.

Adelaide-Hong Kong Friendship Scholarship

Dulwich Centre is delighted to continue offering this scholarship, which is available to practitioners from Hong Kong who wish to attend the Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work (University of Melbourne/Dulwich Centre). There is a long history of collaboration between Dulwich Centre and narrative practitioners in Hong Kong, in fact, more practitioners from Hong Kong have completed the Dulwich Centre International training program than from any other city or country! Hong Kong Baptist University and Dulwich Centre currently run a one-year advanced study programme in narrative practice. Graduates of this course receive recognition of prior learning towards the Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work.

If you are from Hong Kong you are eligible to apply for the Adelaide – Hong Kong Friendship Scholarship. You can find the scholarship application form and instructions here.

Robyn Moylan Scholarship

Robyn Moylan was an Arrernte Woman who worked and lived in Cairns.  Robyn was a well-respected professional and Elder in the Cairns and surrounding communities. She was well known amongst vulnerable families as someone they could trust and would respect them for who they were and would always listen to what they said they needed. Robyn always had positive regard for people she worked with and always saw their strengths and helped them to see them too. 

Narrative practice came easily to Robyn as it resonated with the way she already worked. Studying Narrative Practice gave her additional tools and deeper understanding of the practices and how to apply them to produce the most benefit for those with whom she worked. Robyn believed that Narrative Practice helps to elicit peoples hopes and dreams in their own life.  

Robyn encouraged many of her colleagues to study Narrative Practice and she would be thrilled to know her legacy in this area has been carried forward through this scholarship.

The objective of the Robyn Moylan Scholarship is to support an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to undertake studies in Narrative Therapy and Community Work. This scholarship specifically hopes to support a person/a group of people who work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families, including people who work with women and men in response to violence. The Committee hopes that this scholarship will support continued excellence in this area of practice. The Committee has particular intention to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who live in remote areas, rural areas and discreet Aboriginal communities. All Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

You can find more information about this scholarship and the application form and instructions here.

Applications are submitted through the University of Melbourne’s website.

We have also created an application guide to assist participants in applying for the Masters, in both a text-only version, and a version with images. Please note that the version with images may not be compatible with screen readers, as it contains complex images.

 

 

 

Class of 2014 Valedictory Address

Video from past students reflecting on their Masters journey

 

This Masters program has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)! For more information about what this means for graduates of the Masters, see the ACA website.ACA Rec Training

This Post Has 15 Comments

  1. Rochelle Johnson

    Hi I would like to enrol in the masters of narrative therapy, I enrolled 2 years ago but due to personal circumstances I had withdrawn. I have completed 5 day workshop in cairns. Is there a semester 2 intake?

  2. Ashleigh Husband

    Hi there,

    My name is Ashleigh Husband and I have previously attended the level 1 narrative therapy training at the Dulwich centre.

    I am interested in applying for the masters program however am unsure if I am eligible.I am an Australian citizen but presently live in Scotland. I had planned to return to Australia in December with my partner however due to border restrictions it is not possible for my partner to enter the country – it’s estimated that we will likely be waiting until July 2021 or longer.

    I am wondering if I would be able to begin the course from the UK but as a domestic rather than international student? I will not be able to afford fees without fee help so I’d also need to ensure my residency outside Australia does not impact my opportunity to access this.

    Finally, I am curious to know if the course is recognised with the counselling body in Scotland and the UK as well as in Australia. Do you have any information or knowledge about this from past students who have gone on to work in the UK as a registered counsellor? Or alternatively do you know how I might find out more about this?

    Thanks so much for your help and time. I’m crossing my fingers and toes I might still be able to apply!

    Warm regards,

    Ash

  3. Manju Jain

    For the online program, what reduction in course and fees would apply if I complete the Yearlong Narrative Therapy Program at Evanston Family Therapy Center (USA)? The description on the page has not been updated for the online program. Thanks!!

  4. Trevor

    Kia ora, I am interested in the Masters of Narrative Therapy. In a COVID19 environment, with an an employer and a recognized clinical supervisor here, is completing this qualification by distance permissible. I am sure I can do it, holding four Masters Degrees already, three of these pure research degrees, and the other coursework. I have discussed this with the New Zealand Psychotherapy Board and and Association and have their qualified, tacit support. I want to the course, but (a) high fees could be barriers. What financial support might be available? As I say, I have a very understanding employer and they want me to pursue this qualification as it is in a Māori health setting and my thesis component could look at implications of institutional and supervisory cultural competency for the training of indigenous aspirant psychotherapists such as myself. I am about the art of the possible and personal transformation—I am hoping that funding can be acquired to enable my enrolment in 2021. I can give assurance that opportunities for clinical practice and clinical supervision have been given a lot of thought. I am sure the Dulwich Centre recognizes the pressing need for indigenous psychotherapists both in New Zealand as well as Australia too, and that story-telling is a powerful transformative skill in many indigenous cultures where oralcy was predominant. I am excited about the potential opportunities and pathways, particularly what this will mean for my clients. Ma te wa, Trevor.

  5. Hansa Kinkini Dev Roy

    I am interested for the Masters Course but not sure if I am eligible or not. How to check? Can I send my curriculum vitae? Thanking you in anticipation.

  6. Kristin Pedemonti

    Deeply grateful 2021 Masters in Narrative Therapy and Community Work will be offered online! Does the 5 day Foundations course at Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy count towards the Masters? I took the course February 2020, amazing experience! Thanks! Looking forward to applying to your Masters 2020!

  7. Margaret Hamley

    Hi,
    I am very interested in the Masters of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, particularly interested that this may be offered as an online degree in 2021.
    My undergraduate degree is in Education (Physical Education) my career journey has winded along many different paths in teaching, coaching and leadership.
    The common thread in each has been my desire to ignite passion and to help people reach their potential. Biggest learning over the 30+ years is just how simple and rewarding it is to change lives by genuinely caring.
    I was introduced to Narrative Therapy Counselling whilst doing a Masters degree in career counselling through RMIT. As part of the course we had a weekend in Melbourne for the narrative therapy subject – I was hooked!
    As can happen, plans changed and I only did one semester of the course, before being offered a job as General Manager of Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW. Great job & the need to have a job won out – but – I have quite literally never stopped thinking about the narrative therapy.
    I am hoping there may be a way I can continue to work in Sydney & study for the masters of narrative therapy and community work.
    My work lends itself beautifully to practicing and developing my skills of narrative therapy with young people.
    I’m interested in your thoughts of my fit for this course & would welcome the opportunity to chat with someone.
    Warm Regards
    Margaret

  8. Mariana Casale

    Just to let you know that I would be really interested in applying for an online version of the Masters Program in Narrative Therapy. I am a Bibliotherapist and I have completed Levels 1 and 2 in the UK.
    Many thanks
    Mariana

  9. Sue Huff

    I’m interested in the online Masters in Narrative Therapy. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and have a sister-in-law who lives in Adelaide.

  10. Erin MacLachlan

    I am interested in the online masters program. Please let me know if this will happen.

    Thank you,
    Erin

  11. Swee Logie

    Hello
    I have planned to do the Masters Program in Narrative Therapy and Community Work for many years. But work and home commitment I haven’t been able to enroll.
    I am very interested and excited if this course offer online to WA Perth residents as well.
    Regards
    Swee Logie
    Lecturer at TAFE and Counsellor

  12. Jane Connor McMahon

    Am interested in more information about program duration and requirements

  13. Nelle

    Dear Dulwich Centre,

    Hope you are well! I would love to complete the Narrative Masters you offer but I’m based in the UK and I wouldn’t be able to afford the airfare to Australia, let alone the tuition fees. I wondered given the Covid-19 situation whether there would be the possibility that you would offer a totally online version of the course? It strikes me that many of the people who are interested in working narratively (for example community workers) would really struggle to afford to pay this amount for the learning. I saw that there is a scholarship you can apply for, but is there anything to help with airfare as well?

    Best wishes,
    Nelle

  14. Lucinda Gidlow

    Hi, I am interested studying narrative therapy so after reading about the Masters course, I am wondering if you could please provide some advice and guidance about this particular entry requirement: “Evidence of completion of prior narrative therapy studies at Dulwich Centre or equivalent”. I have not previously studied narrative therapy.

    Thank you,
    Lucinda

  15. rayhaneh

    if the Bam earthquake did not happen,and if I had not lost all of my family in this incident, maybe I did not send this email to you
    Hi
    I am Rayhaneh Jafarizadeh a master student in clinical psychology in university of tehran with became interested in psychology with regard to what happened to me at age 14 , and now I want to share this with the whole world.
    I am interested in continuing my education in the field of therapeutic narratives but I need to scholarsip.
    I am waiting for the result.
    yours sincerely

Comments are closed.