Bachelor of Counselling / Human Services
In everyday life, the challenges people face are shaped by the society around us, as well as the internal factors that influence individual behaviour and personality. Through integrated studies in the fields of human services and counselling, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge to understand the causes of personal and social problems, and to create positive change in people’s lives.
In this program you will:
- Learn about the nature of contemporary Australian society, including social welfare, community development, social justice, cultural diversity and mental health
- Gain an in-depth understanding of contemporary human services practice, including its grounding in critical, anti-oppressive and ethical approaches to practice with individuals, families, groups and communities
- Develop a thorough understanding of counselling theories and skills, and how to use them in diverse and multicultural workplaces and communities
- Build skills in cognitive behaviour therapy, personal and relational empathy, positive psychology, family counselling and responding to crisis, trauma and loss
- Complete two 250-hour professional placements in human services agencies, working with multidisciplinary teams across a range of counselling and other roles
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2023 fees (A$)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 32
- Total units
- 384
- Duration
- 4 years 4 years
- CRICOS code
- 096001E
- UniSC program code
- AR303
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (9) 108 units
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
COU101 Theories of Counselling: From Freud to Integrative Practice
COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK172 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
Developing and Graduate courses (18) 228 units
COU200 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications
COU265 Strengths Based Counselling: Collaborative Approaches
SCS225 Social Research
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SWK200 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings
SWK201 Human Services Placement 1
SWK202 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
SWK251 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
SWK277 Working With Children, Youth and Families
SWK278 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
COU300 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss
COU301 Positive Psychology for Counselling
COU362 Counselling Development and Supervision 2
COU364 Counselling Placement 2
COU381 Developmental and Family Counselling
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) (200, 300 or 400 coded) from the undergraduate elective course options.
As part of the 48 units (4 courses) Elective requirements students enrolled in AR303 Bachelor of Counselling/ Bachelor of Human Services are required to undertake COU361 and COU363, which are both 12-unit courses, in place of 24-units (2 courses) of electives. If the additional placement courses are not completed, upon graduation students will not meet the requirements to be registered with PACFA
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Moreton Bay | 50.00 |
Additional entry information
Proficiency in the English language is required for entry to all programs and courses and any international or domestic applicant from a non-English speaking background must satisfy the University's standard and program specific English language requirements.
- Recommended prior study
- Completion of Year 12 or equivalent; English (Units 3 and 4, C)
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- As part of the 48 units (4 courses) Elective requirements students enrolled in AR303 Bachelor of Counselling/ Bachelor of Human Services are required to undertake COU361 and COU363, which are both 12-unit courses, in place of 24-units (2 courses) of electives. If the additional placement courses are not completed, upon graduation students will not meet the requirements to be registered with PACFA
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
In order to commence field education placement you must:
-
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Travel to attend field education placements
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
WIL notes
- It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics. If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program, it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online. In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and UniSC is unable to waive this requirement.
- It is no longer a requirement that students in Bachelor of Human Services are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement. UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
- For more information on mandatory requirements refer to Human Services - Placement.
Career opportunities
- Administration of counselling services
- Aged services
- Child protection
- Community corrections and justice
- Community development
- Community health
- Corrections
- Disability support
- Government departments
- Mental health
- Telephone counselling
- Welfare work
- Working with individuals, families and groups
- Youth work
Accreditation
This program is designed to meet the national accreditation requirements for the Australian Counselling Association (ACA); and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Previous qualifications or experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
- CSP estimate
- A$11,716 - 2023 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2023)
- A$24,800
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2023)
- A$99,200
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.
Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to USC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Moreton Bay | 014371 |
Student story
"I am finding the communication skills I gained, combined with the relevant theory, has given me a significant advantage in the workplace. Working to support young people get back on track and access and engage with mental health support is now one of my major career goals."