Program Overview

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Bachelor of Counselling

The Bachelor of Counselling is a three-year full-time program that equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to register and practice as professional counsellors.

Program Overview

This program is designed to meet the demand for caring professionals who support the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. Students learn through collaborative teaching environments and master current healthcare and mental health practice standards to help create a healthier future for all.

Highlights of Studying the Bachelor of Counselling

• Build a solid foundation in counselling, learning both the theory and practical skills needed to support people in different settings.
• Gain hands-on experience through placements to boost skills and confidence.
• Graduate ready for registration with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP), with opportunities to join other professional organisations.
• Learn alongside students from other health disciplines, preparing for work in collaborative, interprofessional environments.
• Learn from practising experts who are part of major Australian research projects at the world-renowned Griffith Centre for Mental Health.

Professional Placements

Apply skills through clinical placements at on-campus clinics or partner healthcare providers. This degree includes an internship and culminates in two counselling placements, allowing students to work directly with clients in professional counselling organisations.

Build the Skills to Guide and Support Others

Counselling is about guiding and empowering people to achieve their goals. Students gain expertise through courses in therapeutic interventions, group facilitation, career counselling, positive psychology, lifespan development, professional ethics, and case management.

Program Accreditation

The Bachelor of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Graduates can also register as counsellors with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

Attendance Information

The Bachelor of Counselling is offered full-time and part-time on campus. Students may choose to study courses at other campuses if the program structure allows. As a full-time student, one will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week.

Fees

International Students

An international student is one who is not an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, a Pacific Engagement visa holder, or the holder of a permanent resident/humanitarian visa.

Indicative Annual Tuition Fee

The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load, which is usually 80 credit points or 40 credit points for certificate programs (two full-time trimesters).

Additional Fee Information

Throughout the program, students may be required to pay for items such as a first aid certificate, immunisations, National Police check, and expenses associated with placements like travel.

Admission Requirements

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 entry to this program are:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

Degree Details

Degree Requirements

For the award of Bachelor of Counselling (BCouns), students must successfully complete 240 credit points comprising:

• 160 credit points for all Core Modules
• 80 credit points from Flexible Modules

Students must also ensure that:

• Selected courses must include at most 100 credit points at level 1.
• Selected courses must include at least 60 credit points at level 3 or higher.

Degree Structure

The degree structure includes a combination of core and flexible modules. Core modules cover foundational knowledge in psychology and counselling, while flexible modules allow students to explore areas of interest or specialization.

Career Opportunities

Griffith University is recognised for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates across the health and community services sectors. As a graduate, one will be prepared to work in general counselling, as well as in specialised areas such as alcohol and other drugs counselling, youth and family counselling, relationship counselling, grief support, correctional services, and telephone or crisis support.

Similar Degrees

Other degrees offered by Griffith University that may be of interest include:

• Bachelor of Psychological Science
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
• Diploma of Psychological Science
• Bachelor of/Master of Psychological Science/Mental Health Practice