Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Counselling

Effective from 01-JAN-2027 : 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 multidisciplinary knowledge and theory across the life span to respond to a range of real-world counselling issues that encompasses diverse population.
2. Investigate and analyse humanistic, existential, systemic and psychodynamic counselling paradigms independently and collaboratively to critically understand the challenges and solutions relevant to therapeutic practice.
3. Design ethical and innovative formulations, solutions and approaches , independently and collaboratively, to address a range of complex therapeutic issues.
4. Use established and emerging digital technologies ethically, fluently and productively to investigate and respond to contemporary therapeutic challenges.
5. Communicate clearly and respectfully, demonstrating awareness of self and other, academic integrity and awareness across diverse contexts.
6. 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.
7. Demonstrate self-reflection integrity, autonomy, initiative, feedback literacy and responsibility in professional and academic contexts.

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

Secondary Location

Three years’ study at ECU and one at the University of Portsmouth, UK.

Course Coordinator

Ms Maureen TAN

Course Structure

This is a Programmatic Learning course. This Course uses a mix of Learning Units and Assessment Units which all connect together.

• Learning Units are where students develop their knowledge, skills, and capabilities through regular activities and feedback.
• Assessment Units are where students integrate, apply and demonstrate that learning.

Students will collect evidence of learning in a digital portfolio that charts their course journey, and can be used as a showcase to employers.

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

Students studying parttime should enrol in COU1811 and COU1803 first, then electives and COU1850.

Students studying parttime should enrol in COU1821 and COU1801 first, then electives and COU1860.

Students studying parttime should enrol in SAH2805 and CHS2808 first, then electives and COU2850.

Students studying parttime should enrol in COU2801 and COU2802 first, then electives and COU2860.

Students studying parttime should enrol in COU3806 amd COU3801 first, then electives and COU3850.

Students studying parttime should enrol in COU3805 and COU3802 first, then electives and COU3860.

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 Unit