Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling

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

1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and technical psychology and counselling situations.
2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise/synthesise complex psychology and counselling knowledge and problems.
3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate psychology and counselling relevant solutions and responses.
4. Use digital technologies and psychology and counselling related literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
5. Communicate psychology and counselling knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values through appropriate psychology and counselling methods.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and scholarship.

Employment opportunities include counselling, human resources management, criminal justice, education, rehabilitation, business, mental health, and the administration and provision of social services, and performing in any job or role that involves understanding and guiding human behaviour, showing empathy and compassion, and displaying skills such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, write formal reports, and keep accurate and organised records; in particular, this double major of psychology and counselling prepares students for work in a counselling role, or for further postgraduate studies in psychology and counselling.

Possible future job titles: Counsellor, Public Sector Worker, Government Agency Worker, Market Researcher, Children and Family Service Provider, Marketer, Human Resource Worker, Statistician, Mental Health Services Worker, Financial Service Worker

Professional recognition

This course is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited 3-year sequence in Psychology, suitable for students intending on undertaking further study and training to become a practicing Psychologist.

Higher education

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

Secondary education

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

Work and Life

Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility.Our Experience Based Entry Scheme allows you to be considered for entry to an undergraduate course through an assessment of your ability to succeed in higher education. This is based on a portfolio of evidence you provide to us.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:

• Results of Year 12 English ATAR or English Literature ATAR with a grade C or better or equivalent.

• Results of a Special Tertiary Admissions Test to ECU’s standards.

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0).

• Completion of 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada.

• Completion of an ECU University Preparation Course, Indigenous University Orientation Course, or Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.

• Completion of a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree as described by the Australia Qualifications Framework.

• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or

• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options:

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE.

• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)

This course provides students with introductory counselling skills to complement their knowledge of the discipline of psychology.

It prepares students for working in a counselling role, or for further postgraduate studies in psychology and counselling. The course equips students with skills in analysing, researching behaviour and explaining interactions between people and their environment.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• Introduction to Psychology

• Psychology of Motivation and Emotion

• Dynamic Models of Counselling

• Therapeutic Practice with Families and Couples

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.