Bachelor of Counselling

At the end of the program, students of the Bachelor of Counselling can:

1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical foundational counselling issues.
2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate psychodynamic, humanistic and systemic counselling theoretical frameworks.
3. Think creatively to anticipate complexities and generate counselling solutions to work with individuals, groups, couples and families, older adults, children and adolescents at an entry level professional role.
4. Use digital technologies and counselling theoretical frameworks to access and evaluate relevant information from multiple sources.
5. Communicate professional counselling knowledge and contemporary ideas of therapeutic practice clearly, coherently and with independence.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural and human diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values through professional self-conduct and use of appropriate counselling and psychotherapy methods.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, and judgement for own learning and scholarship and/or professional practice.

This course provides students with theoretical foundations, beginning therapeutic skills and first self-reflective clinical practice proficiency in counselling. It affords students the opportunity to learn a range of interpersonal competencies, including communication, interpersonal skills, teamwork, self reflection, negotiation and conflict resolution skills. The course is preparatory for those wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy. Students can choose complementary areas of study in discussion with the Course Coordinator.

You have the option of studying this program online or on-campus.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Dynamic Models of Counselling
• Therapeutic Practice with Families and Couples
• Self Development 1
• Culture and Diversity in Therapeutic Practice.

Plus there’s a selection of majors, minors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

Students are required to complete 360 credit points.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students are required to complete 12 Core units. In addition to the core units, students should complete any 12 unit major in the School of Arts and Humanities from discipline areas such as Social Science, Youth Work, Design, Psychology, Arts, Contemporary Arts and Media & Communications; or any other combination of majors, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $51,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

Explore ECU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. 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;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• University Preparation Course;*
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
• Experience Based Entry Scheme*.

*For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

Alternatively, applicants can apply with the indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published.

Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility.

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;*
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
• 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); or
• Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 3.

If you have completed units of study at University, undertaken a Diploma qualification or higher, or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal.