Student sitting across from someone and smiling

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BCouns

  • Course code

    3007321

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February

  • Duration

    3 years full-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

There is strong demand for mental health professionals. If you enjoy working with people and creating positive change, counselling offers both a meaningful career and excellent employment prospects.

The Bachelor of Counselling provides a foundation in psychology, assessment and interventions, counselling theory and practice and building relationships.

Students will build skills in counselling practice with extensive placement experiences.

The University is home to an active community of researchers and thought leaders in social work and policy, psychology and community welfare.

Ebi holding book

“Learning to be a counsellor is very exciting. It’s a learning process because it’s not just about helping other people; you will learn more about yourself.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Knowledge of theory and practice relevant to professional counselling and clinical populations for a range of mental health and lifestyle issues

GA2: Creativity

Identify, select and creatively apply relevant counselling practices and techniques to diverse clinical populations to foster wellness and recovery

GA3: Ethical practice

Comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations while keeping abreast of changes in the legislation and practice applicable to counselling

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Participate and deliver counselling services

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate reflective practice and autonomy for lifelong personal and professional learning

GA6: Communication and social skills

Apply academic literacy skills, communication, and technical presentation skills relevant to professional counselling in a range of settings including digital mode

GA7: Cultural competence

Apply cultural and indigenous awareness and sensitivity in dealings with clients and stakeholders in a range of settings

This course includes 200 hours of compulsory professional placement experiences. 

The Bachelor of Counselling provides a foundation in psychology, assessment and interventions, counselling theory and practice and building relationships. Students will build skills in counselling practice with extensive placement experiences.

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Coffs HarbourTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)114108G
Gold CoastTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)114108G
LismoreTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)114108G

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Careers available to graduates include but are not limited to youth workers, trauma counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, private practice and family counsellors.

The Bachelor of Counselling is accredited with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). 

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must:

  1. meet the University’s standard minimum admission requirements for undergraduate courses, including:
    1. for High School Students, completed secondary education;
    2. for non-school leavers:
      1. previous secondary, tertiary or TAFE studies
      2. SCU College studies
      3. work experience
      4. personal competency statements
      5. special tertiary admissions test (STAT)
      6. SCU Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme
  2. demonstrate a suitable degree of life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour which are assessed through:
    1. two confidential references addressing the applicant’s suitability for the course; and
    2. the applicant’s responses to the SCU Counselling Readiness Questionnaire.

Applicants will not be admitted solely on the basis of completion of a Certificate III qualification.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Counselling, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points) comprising:

  • 20 core units (264 credit points); and
  • 2 option units (24 credit points).

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the award

First Year
COUN1001Counselling Skills 1
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet compulsory participation requirements to pass the unit. Online students must attend a 3 day on-campus residential.
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
COUN1002Ethical Issues in Practice
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2
Term2
PSYC1002Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
Term2,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,5
Term2,5
COUN1003Case Conceptualisation
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
Term3
PSYC2004Lifespan Psychology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet compulsory participation requirements to pass the unit. Gold Coast students must attend weekly on-campus tutorials. Online students must attend a 3 day on-campus residential (8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday to Sunday inclusive) at either the Coffs Harbour (week 2), Gold Coast (week 3) or Lismore (week 4) campus. A record of attendance will be kept at all tutorials and residentials.
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term3,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3,4
Term3,4
Gold Coast
Term3,4
Term3,4
Lismore
Term3,4
Term3,4
Online
Term3,4
Term3,4
Enrolment informationThis unit contains content on mental health and psychological trauma which may be triggering for some students. Please consider this when enrolling in the unit.
Second Year
COUN2001Counselling Skills 2

Not currently available

12
COUN2002Group Therapy: Theory and Practice

Not currently available

12
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
COUN2003Addictions Counselling

Not currently available

12
COUN2004Counselling Children and Young People

Not currently available

12
WELF2003Trauma Informed Practice
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
COUN2005Counselling Skills 3

Not currently available

12
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites36 credit points
Third Year
COUN2006Counselling Families and Couples

Not currently available

12
Select an Option Unit from the Schedule of Units
COUN3001Counselling Placement and Supervision 1

Not currently available

24 Note 1
Select an Option Unit from the Schedule of Units
COUN3002Counselling Placement and Supervision 2

Not currently available

24 Note 1
PSYC3005Culture and Psychology
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesPSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
COUN1001Counselling Skills 1
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
COUN1002Ethical Issues in Practice
PSYC1002Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
COUN1003Case Conceptualisation
PSYC2004Lifespan Psychology
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
COUN2001Counselling Skills 2
COUN2002Group Therapy: Theory and Practice
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
COUN2003Addictions Counselling
COUN2004Counselling Children and Young People
WELF2003Trauma Informed Practice
COUN2005Counselling Skills 3
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
COUN2006Counselling Families and Couples
COUN3001Counselling Placement and Supervision 1 Note 1
PSYC3005Culture and Psychology
COUN3002Counselling Placement and Supervision 2 Note 1

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH3001Independent Study - Health Science
TCHR2002Children, Families and Communities
EDUC3008Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Young People
INDG1010Trauma and Resilience I
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples

Why Social Work and Community Welfare at SCU

No.1 in QLD for Skills Development

We're ranked No.1 in QLD for skills development in Humanities and Social Sciences

(GUG 2023)

Global top 5% in Social Sciences

We're in the global top 5% in Social Sciences

(THE World University Rankings 2020)

Student Support

We're also ranked No.1 in Australia for student support and learning resources in Social Work

(GUG 2020)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to delivering a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Coffs Harbour

Gold Coast

Lismore

Online

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International students studying in Australia

Coffs Harbour

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Gold Coast

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Lismore

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway