Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Counselling

Effective from 01-JUL-2026 : Code C56

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. Students can choose complementary areas of study in discussion with the Course Coordinator.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Course Learning Outcomes

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.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (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; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (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); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 6 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time
• Online: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Ms Maureen TAN

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 180 credit points of core units and 180 credit points from any other combination of major, minor, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University.