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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
65
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BCouns
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Course code
3007321
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
3 years full-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
65
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BCouns
-
Course code
3007321
-
Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
There is strong demand for mental health professionals. If you enjoy working with people and creating positive change, counselling offers both a meaningful career and excellent employment prospects.
The Bachelor of Counselling provides a foundation in psychology, assessment and interventions, counselling theory and practice and building relationships.
Students will build skills in counselling practice with extensive placement experiences.
The University is home to an active community of researchers and thought leaders in social work and policy, psychology and community welfare.
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“Learning to be a counsellor is very exciting. It’s a learning process because it’s not just about helping other people; you will learn more about yourself.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Knowledge of theory and practice relevant to professional counselling and clinical populations for a range of mental health and lifestyle issues |
GA2: Creativity Identify, select and creatively apply relevant counselling practices and techniques to diverse clinical populations to foster wellness and recovery |
GA3: Ethical practice Comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations while keeping abreast of changes in the legislation and practice applicable to counselling |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Participate and deliver counselling services |
GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate reflective practice and autonomy for lifelong personal and professional learning |
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply academic literacy skills, communication, and technical presentation skills relevant to professional counselling in a range of settings including digital mode |
GA7: Cultural competence Apply cultural and indigenous awareness and sensitivity in dealings with clients and stakeholders in a range of settings |
This course includes 200 hours of compulsory professional placement experiences.
The Bachelor of Counselling provides a foundation in psychology, assessment and interventions, counselling theory and practice and building relationships. Students will build skills in counselling practice with extensive placement experiences.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 114108G |
| Gold Coast | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 114108G |
| Lismore | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 114108G |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Careers available to graduates include but are not limited to youth workers, trauma counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, private practice and family counsellors.
The Bachelor of Counselling is accredited with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must:
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meet the University’s standard minimum admission requirements for undergraduate courses, including:
- for High School Students, completed secondary education;
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for non-school leavers:
- previous secondary, tertiary or TAFE studies
- SCU College studies
- work experience
- personal competency statements
- special tertiary admissions test (STAT)
- SCU Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme
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demonstrate a suitable degree of life experience, including self-awareness, a capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour which are assessed through:
- two confidential references addressing the applicant’s suitability for the course; and
- the applicant’s responses to the SCU Counselling Readiness Questionnaire.
Applicants will not be admitted solely on the basis of completion of a Certificate III qualification.
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 such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Counselling, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points) comprising:
- 20 core units (264 credit points); and
- 2 option units (24 credit points).
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Social Work and Community Welfare at SCU
No.1 in QLD for Skills Development
We're ranked No.1 in QLD for skills development in Humanities and Social Sciences
(GUG 2023)Global top 5% in Social Sciences
We're in the global top 5% in Social Sciences
(THE World University Rankings 2020)Student Support
We're also ranked No.1 in Australia for student support and learning resources in Social Work
(GUG 2020)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Early offer
If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.
Apply now for your early offerDates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway