Bachelor of Counselling

Course Overview

Begin a transformative journey with the Bachelor of Counselling, which provides a solid foundation in ethical practice, cultural diversity, and key counselling skills. This course covers reflective practice, mental health, trauma-informed approaches, and various counselling theories.

Prepare for a career in counselling by learning to support individuals, couples, families, and groups. The program addresses cultural and socio-political contexts, offering theoretical and experiential learning in small-group settings. Flexible delivery options include on-campus, online, and blended formats across nine specialised units.

Accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), and taught by experienced professionals, this globally recognised course ensures high-quality education and career readiness.

What you'll learn:

The Bachelor of Counselling program offers a comprehensive exploration into various key areas, providing expertise in human behavior as the foundation for professional practice. Throughout this program, students delve into applied focuses essential for contemporary counselling:

• Professional Reflection and Self-Care
• Mental Health and Wellness
• Trauma Informed Counselling Practices
• Counselling Skills Training
• Counselling Theory
• Grief and Loss Counselling
• Lifespan Development
• Counselling and Neuroscience
• Family and Relationship Counselling
• Counselling Children and Youth

What you need to know

Experience the transformative realm of the Bachelor of Counselling, where compassion meets expertise and empowerment finds its voice. This dynamic program invites passionate individuals to immerse themselves in a comprehensive exploration of the art and practice of counselling. Beyond its fundamental role in guiding individuals, families, and communities, counselling shapes perspectives and breaks barriers. This meticulously designed program aims to equip you with the skills to become a compassionate advocate and storyteller in the ever-evolving field of counselling.

At Upskilled, we recognise the unique aspirations of future counsellors like you. This dynamic course provides an engaging environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and hands-on application of counselling principles. Join today in this transformative course and become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of others.

Course Duration:

Full Time Duration - 3 Years
Get in touch with an education consultant for more information.

Part-time option available - up to 8 Years
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.

Assessment:
Assessment methods vary for each unit and may encompass a range of formats such as reports, formal essays, critical reflections, group work, practical sessions, and supervised work placements.

Volunteering and Placement:

Volunteering:

• Students are required to complete 90 hours of volunteering before undertaking placement in the final year.
• Additionally, a 50-hour service learning project in a community group is a core unit requirement.

Placement:

• In the final year, students must undertake a 200-hour student placement, involving 40 hours of face-to-face client counselling.
• The placement occurs one to two days per week across two trimesters.

Further Study:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Counselling are eligible for direct entry into advanced programs such as the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy or Master of Social Work (Qualifying). Aspiring coaches can also choose to focus their studies on coaching by undertaking International Coach Federation (ICF) accredited units available within the course curriculum.

Recognition of Prior Learning/Credit

This course acknowledges the potential for students to receive credit for their prior studies or work experience, which could result in exemptions from specific units within the Bachelor of Counselling program. This recognition allows eligible students to expedite their qualification, completing the course in a shorter duration. It's important to note that applicants must be enrolled students before applying for Credit for Prior Learning. For more detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning and the application process, please refer to policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.

Entry Requirements

Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required); and
• Be 21 years or above at the date of commencement; or
• Completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent); or
• Completion of a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent); or
• Admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian University (or equivalent)
• It is a condition of progression in this course that students complete a national police record check in their first trimester of enrolment.

*Please note that this course is not accredited or recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework. However, it is a university-accredited and globally recognised course.

About ACAP: The Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) is a nationally registered training organisation and institute of higher education with over 40 years in experience in delivering accredited vocational education and training and higher education courses. We build knowledge that’s useful, usable and applicable to real-life solutions and real-world change. Our deep understanding of people and our human-centred teaching philosophy helps develop the enterprise skills that students require in the real world to ensure a healthy career and ongoing career success.