What is a Bachelor of Counselling?
The Bachelor of Counselling course meets the challenge of developing counsellors with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce and diverse client groups. Graduates need to be able to find and analyse content from secondary source material, apply their knowledge in a range of contexts, operate effectively in an allied health professional environment, and have the capacity to productively engage with people.Learning outcomes
- Apply specific counselling modalities and interventions to meet the needs of clients.
- Explain mental health and the impact of mental ill health on individuals and families.
- Apply effective counselling interventions with people presenting with alcohol, drug abuse and addiction.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling.
ACA accredited
This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association.
This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

Career opportunities
As a graduate you’ll have a wealth of career opportunities available to you as a counsellor in a number of areas.
Potential career paths
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Counsellor
Average salary: $84,444 - $115,420 -
Case Manager
Average salary: $78,610 - $114,408 -
Family and Marriage Counsellor
Average salary: $83,528 - $101,587 -
Intake Counsellor
Average salary: $72,000 - $93,000

Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study. Three subjects include a compulsory attendance requirement and two subjects include compulsory attendance at work integrated learning placements.
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Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Electives
Requirements
Core subjects
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Social and Emotional Wellbeing | HWEL2006
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Professional Communication and Collaboration | HSC101
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Case Management and Understanding Community Services | HCCSSD101
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Person-Centred Practice | HCCSSD102
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Mental Health | HCCSSD103
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Lifespan Development | HCCSSD104
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Theories of Counselling | HCCSSD105
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Professional Practice and Industry Placement | HCCSSD106
Requirements
Core subjects
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Evidence-based Practice | EBP107A
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Advanced Counselling Skills | HCCSSD208
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Diversity and Inclusion | HCCSSD202
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First Peoples Cultures, History and Health | FPH201
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Trauma Informed Practice | COU311
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Social Justice | HCCSSD205
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Mediation and Conflict | COU201
Requirements
Core subjects
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Understanding Addictions | HCCSSD301
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Supervision and Industry Placement | HCCSSD311
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Empowerment and Advocacy | HCCSSD309
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Grief, Loss and Death | HCCSSD310
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Working with Complex Clients | COU202
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Critical Literature Review | CLR308A
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Entrepreneurship Professionalism and Business Skills in Health | EBR307
Requirements
Choose one elective subject for year two and one elective for year three from the subjects below.
Year 2 - one 200 level
Year 3 - one 300 level
Elective subjects
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Positive Ageing | POA104
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Chronic Illness and Disability | HCCSSD206
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Health Promotion | HPR200A
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Environmental Change and Resilience | HCCSSD207
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Healthcare in the Digital World | HDW204
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Child Protection | HCCSSD308
Industry partners and work placements
Work placement hours
As part of your course, you’ll have the chance to undertake 400 hours of work placement across two approved external organisations including 40hrs of individual face‐to face counselling with clients. These placements occur within two subjects. If you are completing your course online you will be required to complete at least 120 hours of experiential practical skills training at our Surry Hills campus Practical Intensive Workshops that are spread over three subjects.
Entry details
Fees
Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.
FEE-HELP
Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
Scholarships
If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:Admission criteria
Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.
Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above
OR
Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification
Work and life experience that demonstrates skills and knowledge gained through paid or unpaid employment, formal learning and/or non-formal learning (presented on a current resume with attached cover letter).
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
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Want to find out more?
Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.