Bachelor of Counselling
Course code C56
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About this Course
If you’re drawn to the helping professions, this is your gateway to a meaningful career.
This long-standing program is designed to equip aspiring counsellors with a theoretical foundation in the allied health and counselling field.
The course is underpinned by a focus on ideas about the human condition, and the ways childhood experiences shape who we are. You’ll learn from experienced clinicians, gaining expertise while exploring the issues faced by individuals, couples, and families across the developmental life cycle.
You’ll develop empathy, congruence, and professional integrity essential to becoming a trusted and ethical practitioner, equipped to support others with genuine compassion and real skill.
The clinical knowledge, diverse expertise and experience of our academic staff will help you develop the foundational skills, to use this knowledge in the future should you pursue postgraduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
C56Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $18,050
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | ||
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| South West | ||
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Location
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.
About this Course
If you’re drawn to the helping professions, this is your gateway to a meaningful career.
This long-standing program is designed to equip aspiring counsellors with a theoretical foundation in the allied health and counselling field.
The course is underpinned by a focus on ideas about the human condition, and the ways childhood experiences shape who we are. You’ll learn from experienced clinicians, gaining expertise while exploring the issues faced by individuals, couples, and families across the developmental life cycle.
You’ll develop empathy, congruence, and professional integrity essential to becoming a trusted and ethical practitioner, equipped to support others with genuine compassion and real skill.
The clinical knowledge, diverse expertise and experience of our academic staff will help you develop the foundational skills, to use this knowledge in the future should you pursue postgraduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
C56CRICOS code
083640CEntry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,000
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | ||
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| South West | ||
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Online |
Location
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
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.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results
-
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 defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
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.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results
-
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 defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete:
- Learning Units: 360 credit points of comprising 180 credit points core units and 180 credit points of electives from any other combination of minor or other elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete at least one recommended minor to complement their studies in Counselling.
- Assessment Units: 6x0-credit point core units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU1811 | Humanistic Models of Counselling | 15 |
| COU1803 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU1850 * | C56 Assessment 1A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU1821 | Therapeutic Practice with Families and Couples | 15 |
| COU1801 | Dynamic Models of Counselling | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU1860 * | C56 Assessment 1B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SAH2805 | Decolonising Perspectives: Understanding Self and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 15 |
| CHS2808 | Culture, Equity and Diversity | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU2850 * | C56 Assessment 2A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU2801 | Therapeutic Practice with Older Adults | 15 |
| COU2802 | Self Development | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU2860 * | C56 Assessment 2B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU3806 | Skills Training in Humanistic Counselling | 15 |
| COU3801 | Contemporary Challenges in Therapeutic Practice | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU3850 * | C56 Assessment 3A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU3805 | Psychodynamic Concepts into Practice | 15 |
| COU3802 | Sexuality and Therapeutic Practice | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU3860 * | C56 Assessment 3B |
Recommended Minors
English (MIAAJZ)
Media and Cultural Studies (MIAAJU)
Politics and International Relations (MIAALA)
Sociology (MIAAKZ)
Creative Writing (MIAAJY)
Youth Work (MIYOU)
Addiction Studies (MIAADT)
Human Resource Management (MIAAAG)
Indigenous Studies (MIAAHM)
* Assessment UnitC56|7
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Three years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply multidisciplinary knowledge and theory across the life span to respond to a range of real-world counselling issues that encompasses diverse population.
- Investigate and analyse humanistic, existential, systemic and psychodynamic counselling paradigms independently and collaboratively to critically understand the challenges and solutions relevant to therapeutic practice.
- Design ethical and innovative formulations, solutions and approaches , independently and collaboratively, to address a range of complex therapeutic issues.
- Use established and emerging digital technologies ethically, fluently and productively to investigate and respond to contemporary therapeutic challenges.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully, demonstrating awareness of self and other, academic integrity and awareness across diverse contexts.
- Engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and worldviews, recognising their perspectives, knowledge systems, and cultures as central to justice in Australia, and cultivating cultural humility, social responsibility, and personal growth that can inform ethical engagement in diverse intercultural contexts.
- Demonstrate self-reflection integrity, autonomy, initiative, feedback literacy and responsibility in professional and academic contexts.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Students are required to complete:
- Learning Units: 360 credit points of comprising 180 credit points core units and 180 credit points of electives from any other combination of minor or other elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete at least one recommended minor to complement their studies in Counselling.
- Assessment Units: 6x0-credit point core units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU1811 | Humanistic Models of Counselling | 15 |
| COU1803 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU1850 * | C56 Assessment 1A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU1821 | Therapeutic Practice with Families and Couples | 15 |
| COU1801 | Dynamic Models of Counselling | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU1860 * | C56 Assessment 1B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SAH2805 | Decolonising Perspectives: Understanding Self and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 15 |
| CHS2808 | Culture, Equity and Diversity | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU2850 * | C56 Assessment 2A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU2801 | Therapeutic Practice with Older Adults | 15 |
| COU2802 | Self Development | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU2860 * | C56 Assessment 2B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU3806 | Skills Training in Humanistic Counselling | 15 |
| COU3801 | Contemporary Challenges in Therapeutic Practice | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU3850 * | C56 Assessment 3A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| COU3805 | Psychodynamic Concepts into Practice | 15 |
| COU3802 | Sexuality and Therapeutic Practice | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| COU3860 * | C56 Assessment 3B |
Recommended Minors
English (MIAAJZ)
Media and Cultural Studies (MIAAJU)
Politics and International Relations (MIAALA)
Sociology (MIAAKZ)
Creative Writing (MIAAJY)
Youth Work (MIYOU)
Addiction Studies (MIAADT)
Human Resource Management (MIAAAG)
Indigenous Studies (MIAAHM)
* Assessment UnitC56|7
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Three years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply multidisciplinary knowledge and theory across the life span to respond to a range of real-world counselling issues that encompasses diverse population.
- Investigate and analyse humanistic, existential, systemic and psychodynamic counselling paradigms independently and collaboratively to critically understand the challenges and solutions relevant to therapeutic practice.
- Design ethical and innovative formulations, solutions and approaches , independently and collaboratively, to address a range of complex therapeutic issues.
- Use established and emerging digital technologies ethically, fluently and productively to investigate and respond to contemporary therapeutic challenges.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully, demonstrating awareness of self and other, academic integrity and awareness across diverse contexts.
- Engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and worldviews, recognising their perspectives, knowledge systems, and cultures as central to justice in Australia, and cultivating cultural humility, social responsibility, and personal growth that can inform ethical engagement in diverse intercultural contexts.
- Demonstrate self-reflection integrity, autonomy, initiative, feedback literacy and responsibility in professional and academic contexts.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $18,050 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates will join a growing allied health sector, working in community and nonprofit settings, with mental wellness integral to professional development.
Possible future job titles
Entry-Level Counsellor, Client Liaison, Community Worker, Family Welfare Officer, Human Service Worker, Mental Health Worker, Pastoral Roles
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Master of Counselling
Post graduate continuation in the counselling discipline.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $41,000 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates will join a growing allied health sector, working in community and nonprofit settings, with mental wellness integral to professional development.
Possible future job titles
Entry-Level Counsellor, Client Liaison, Community Worker, Family Welfare Officer, Human Service Worker, Mental Health Worker, Pastoral Roles
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Master of Counselling
Post graduate continuation in the counselling discipline.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Explore your options through the following media
Discover what it's like to study at ECU
Hear from students, graduates, academics and industry professionals as they share their experiences and insights.
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Counselling?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.