Program Overview

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Bachelor of Counselling

Overview

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Bachelor of Counselling is a three-year program that equips students with both the theoretical background and the hands-on skills needed to work effectively in a challenging and often demanding environment.

Why Study This Degree?

Our unique Bachelor of Counselling degree offers a fully-integrated program of instruction that focuses on the individual's psychosocial, personal, and spiritual development throughout their lifespan.

Program Summary

Year One

• COUN1001 Formation of the Professional Counsellor 1
• COUN1002 Formation of the Professional Counsellor 2
• COUN1003 Theories & Approaches to Counselling
• COUN1004 Counselling Skills Training 1
• ARTS1000 Academic Writing, Communication & Research
• BESC1000 Developmental Psychology
• ABOR1000 Aboriginal People

Year Two

• COUN2000 Formation of the Professional Counsellor 3
• COUN2001 Formation of the Professional Counsellor 4
• COUN2002 Counselling Skills Training 2
• COUN2003 Counselling Skills Training 3
• COUN2004 Counselling and Children
• COUN2006 Counselling Adolescents
• COUN2005 Grief and Loss Counselling
• COUN2007 Trauma and Addiction Counselling

Year Three

• COUN3000 Formation of the Professional Counsellor 5
• COUN3001 Formation of the Professional Counsellor 6
• COUN3002 Placement and Supervision A
• COUN3003 Placement and Supervision B
• COUN3004 Counselling Couples and Families
• COUN3005 Counselling Older People

Core Curriculum

• CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
• CORE II: Elective
  • Electives in philosophy and/or theology
  • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and/or theology
  • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
  • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
  • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

Entry Requirements

WA

• Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.
• Applicants with recent Secondary Education:
  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70
  • OR International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25
• Applicants with Higher Education:
  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
  • OR Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study:
  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Applicants with Work and Life Experience:
  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
  • OR Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.
  • OR Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

NSW

• Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.
• Applicants with recent Secondary Education:
  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*
  • OR Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score
• Applicants with Higher Education:
  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
  • OR Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study:
  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Applicants with Work and Life Experience:
  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
  • OR Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.
  • OR Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

Discipline Specific Requirements

• Admission into the Bachelor of Counselling requires submission of a personal statement outlining applicant’s motivations and demonstrating suitability to study counselling as per accreditation requirements (including self-awareness, capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Counselling graduates will be able to:

1. Evaluate theoretical perspectives of counselling and associated peer-reviewed literature to determine case-appropriate counselling practices
2. Differentiate the various stages of human development to determine their implications for counselling
3. Assess presenting issues and their causes, develop therapeutic alliances and implement appropriate interventions by using effective counselling skills
4. Communicate effectively, in a range of contexts
5. Apply standards of the profession when working with clients and colleagues; and
6. Demonstrate professional skills, operating individually and collaboratively as required.

Practical Component

Students will complete 200 hours of placement including 40 of direct face to face counselling.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Careers available to graduates include Youth workers, trauma counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, and family counsellors.

Real-World Experience

You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

Opportunities and Experiences

At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities.

Professional Accreditation

External accreditation requirements are applicable to this Program (*pending approval in Sydney). The accrediting body is the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

• Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
• International Full-Fee Paying

Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

Student Profile Data

• ATAR and selection rank profile
• The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

More Information

• Considering your uni options?
• Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.
• If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on .

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