Program Overview

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Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)

Overview

The Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills) program qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent knowledge of psychological science in diverse areas, including psychology, counselling, mental health, social services, and human resources. This program serves as a pathway for further learning, with opportunities for graduates to pursue Honours Psychology and post-graduate studies in Counselling, Mediation, Social Work, and Mental Health.

Program Structure

This program comprises 108 units, including:

• 54 units of psychology courses (40.5 units of core and 13.5 units of specialist psychology courses)
• A 4.5-unit Aboriginal content course
• 13.5 units of core professional/career development courses
• 27 units of core counselling and interpersonal skills courses
• A core 9-unit, 150-hour work experience placement

Courses

The program is structured over three years, with the following courses:

First Year

• First Semester:
  • Psychology 1A (BEHL 1003) - 4.5 units
  • Counselling Foundations (BEHL 1022) - 4.5 units
  • Personal and Professional Development (BEHL 1033) - 4.5 units
  • Students must choose one of the following:
    • Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services (WELF 1019) - 4.5 units
    • Effective Communication (PERF 1001) - 4.5 units
• Second Semester:
  • Psychology 1B (BEHL 1004) - 4.5 units
  • Introductory Research Methods (BEHL 2005) - 4.5 units
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology (BEHL 1032) - 4.5 units
  • Group Work (BEHL 2009) - 4.5 units

Second Year

• First Semester:
  • Developmental Psychology (BEHL 3011) - 4.5 units
  • Cognitive Psychology (BEHL 3002) - 4.5 units
  • Counselling Skills (BEHL 2013) - 4.5 units
  • Psychology Applications (BEHL 2024) - 4.5 units
• Second Semester:
  • Biological and Learning Psychology (BEHL 2012) - 4.5 units
  • Social and Community Psychology (BEHL 2006) - 4.5 units
  • Counselling Interventions (BEHL 3018) - 4.5 units
  • Career Development (BEHL 2021) - 4.5 units

Third Year

• First Semester:
  • Personality Psychology (BEHL 3024) - 4.5 units
  • Psychology Placement (BEHL 3027) - 9 units
  • Specialist Psychology Course - 4.5 units
• Second Semester:
  • Clinical and Abnormal Psychology (BEHL 3004) - 4.5 units
  • Specialist Psychology Course - 4.5 units
  • Specialist Psychology Course - 4.5 units
  • Working with Community (WELF 2010) - 4.5 units

Specialist Psychology Courses

Students can choose from the following specialist psychology courses:

• Health Psychology (BEHL 3012) - 4.5 units
• Advanced Research Methods (BEHL 3005) - 4.5 units
• Work and Organisational Psychology (BEHL 3008) - 4.5 units
• Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (HLTH 3014) - 4.5 units
• Cognitive Neuroscience (BEHL 3021) - 4.5 units
• Language, Context and Social Behaviour (BEHL 3023) - 4.5 units
• Conservation Psychology (BEHL 3022) - 4.5 units
• Psychology Research Experience (BEHL 3028) - 4.5 units
• Psychophysiology of Sleep (BEHL 3029) - 4.5 units
• Exploring the History and Foundations of Psychology (BEHL 3037) - 4.5 units

Admission Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

• Recent secondary education: Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent, and qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR).
• Higher education study: Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution.
• Vocational Education and Training (VET): Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above.
• Work and life experience: Qualify for Special Entry, complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.

English Language Entry Requirements

International students who speak English as a second or additional language must meet the University's English language entry requirements, which include:

• IELTS total: 6.0
• IELTS reading: 6.0
• IELTS writing: 6.0

Fees

The tuition fee for this program is AUD $34,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025.

CRICOS Code

The CRICOS code for this program is A.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Program Director

The Program Director is Dr Alex Agostini.

Related Degrees

Related degrees include the Bachelor of Psychology and the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience).