Bachelor
The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling at ACAP University College offers a double major in psychological science and counselling, providing insights into human behavior and practical skills through 200 hours of industry placement. Accredited by PACFA and APAC, it serves as a pathway to postgraduate psychology studies and professional counselling practice.
What to expect when studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling with ACAP University College
With one in five Australians experiencing a mental disorder within the past 12 months*, we're in need of more psychologists, counsellors and mental health advocates than ever before.
If you're passionate about the wellbeing of others and want to make a degree of difference in the world, our double major in psychological science and counselling could be your perfect fit.
This degree combines the best of both worlds. It covers fascinating and highly applicable units such as psychological processes, cognition, trauma-informed practice, lifespan development and counselling skills. It provides deep insight into why we think and act the way we do, what impact society has on our actions and how to empower people to act differently. This course includes 200 hours of industry placement, ensuring you graduate with the practical, real-world experience for which ACAP is renowned.
This degree of difference is just one of the accredited psychology courses that acts as the first step towards becoming a registered psychologist in Australia. It provides a clear pathway to study psychology at a postgraduate level.
As such, it's accredited by both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). It is also accredited by ACAP under its self-accrediting authority.
*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024.
Domestic students must meet one of the following requirements:
Domestic students must also:
Please note: It is a condition of progression in this course that students complete a national police record check prior to enrolment into the second unit of study.
International students must meet one of the following requirements:
International students must also:
Minimum English Language Requirements International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic IELTS minimum overall band of 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 (completed in the past two years); or Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic PTE score of 52 (completed in the past two years).
If an alternative to IELTS or PTE is being supplied as part of the application, please read more information on English Language Test Equivalency.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by ACAP as equivalent to Australian qualifications.
The accrediting body may have additional requirements, including minimum English language, to meet professional accreditation standards. For more information on meeting those requirements visit pacfa.org.au.
Covering fascinating and highly applicable units such as psychological processes, cognition, trauma-informed practice, lifespan development and counselling skills, this degree equips you with a strong foundation in psychology and practical counselling knowledge.
Discover fundamental psychological processes, including principles of human learning, personality, motivation and emotion. Strengthen your critical thinking and research communication skills, essential for progressing through advanced studies in psychology.
Over multiple units of study, you'll build critical counselling skills, developing and practising techniques appropriate for clients facing complex challenges. Learn to establish strong client relationships and support clients in achieving positive outcomes.
Examine how behaviour is categorised as abnormal and examine how mental health problems are diagnosed and managed across the lifespan. Explore cultural perspectives, history, classification, causes and treatment of psychological disorders.
Explore key elements of group structures, processes and dynamics, as well as adult learning principles, communication skills and group work techniques. Examine group dynamics, probable causes of dysfunction, stages of group development and power dynamics.
Uncover principles and effective processes for developing personal and professional self-awareness in counselling. Develop a knowledge base to assist in planning for sustainable mental health and wellness in the counselling profession.
Through 200 hours of professional placement, including 40 hours of face-to-face client counselling, you'll put your skills and knowledge into practice in real counselling contexts.
Once you graduate from the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling, you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling course is comprised of 24 units, which are level 100, 200 and 300 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.
The course duration is 3 years full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.