Course Overview

About This Course

If you have an interest in the science of psychology and in counselling, this course will introduce you to the professional art of counselling with the added bonus of preparing you for advanced psychology training. You'll acquire skills to analyse and research behaviour and to be able to explain interactions between people and their environment. The course is also a great springboard to postgraduate studies in psychology and counselling. When you graduate, you'll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Joondalup Campus, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Indicative ATAR: 70
ECU admission and English language requirements apply
Academic Admission requirements (Band 3): All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course
The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
- Undergraduate Certificate
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test
- University Preparation Course
- Indigenous University Orientation Course
- Experience Based Entry Scheme
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results
English Language requirements (Band 3): English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada
- University Preparation Course
- Indigenous University Orientation Course
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities include counselling, human resources management, criminal justice, education, rehabilitation, business, mental health, and the administration and provision of social services. That means jobs or roles that involve understanding and guiding human behaviour, showing empathy and compassion, and displaying skills such as the ability to evaluate.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

PSY1101

Introduction to Psychology

PSY1115

Psychology of Motivation and Emotion

COU1101

Dynamic Models of Counselling

COU1201

Therapeutic Practice with Families and Couples

PSY1210

Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception

PSY1204

Social Determinants of Behaviour

COU1102

Self Development 1

COU1212

Culture and Diversity in Therapeutic Practice

PSY2102

Fundamentals of Psychological Inquiry

PSY2105

Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences

COU2102

Therapeutic Practice with Children and Adolescents

COU3101

Humanistic Models of Counselling

PSY2231

Developmental Psychology

PSY2204

Learning, Memory and Cognition

COU2101

Therapeutic Practice with Older Adults

COU3106

Skills Training in Humanistic Counselling

PSY3105

Advanced Methods of Psychological Inquiry

PSY3456

Mental Health and Psychological Interventions

COU3102

Self Development 2

COU3201

Contemporary Challenges in Therapeutic Practice

PSY3217

Cultural Issues in Psychology

PSY3225

Applications of Psychological Literacy

COU3105

Psychodynamic Concepts into Practice

COU3202

Sexuality and Therapeutic Practice

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course accredited by a professional body?

Yes, the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

What are the indicative fees for this course?

For domestic students, the estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $11,550 (Commonwealth supported). For international students, the estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $40,850. Note that ECU fees are adjusted annually and the indicative fee is a guide only.

Can I study this course part-time or online?

Yes, the course is available both full-time and part-time, and can be studied on-campus at Joondalup or online. Both Semester 1 and Semester 2 intakes are available for full-time and part-time study.

Does graduating from this course lead to registration as a psychologist?

When you graduate, you'll have a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies, leading to registration as a psychologist. The course is also described as a great springboard to postgraduate studies in psychology and counselling.

What ATAR do I need to get into this course?

The indicative ATAR for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is 70. However, academic admission requirements may also be satisfied through alternative pathways such as AQF Cert IV, completion of 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher, a University Preparation Course, or the Experience Based Entry Scheme, among others.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Mental Health CounsellorYouth Counsellor / School CounsellorFamily and Relationship CounsellorDrug and Alcohol Counsellor (AOD Counsellor)Trauma Counsellor

Key Skills

Active listening and reflective communicationBuilding therapeutic rapport and trust with clientsApplying counselling theories and frameworks (CBT, person-centred, psychodynamic, narrative)Crisis intervention and risk assessmentTrauma-informed and culturally safe practice

Full Course Overview

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