Counselling and Psychotherapy

The Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in mental health support and therapy. This course provides students with a strong foundation in the core principles of counselling and psychotherapy, integrating theory and practical skills to enable effective client engagement and intervention. Throughout the program, students will explore a diverse range of topics including human development,心理健康, ethical practice, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, offering opportunities for supervised practical placements that develop hands-on skills essential for professional success. Students will learn how to apply counselling techniques to diverse populations and a variety of mental health issues, fostering cultural competence and ethical responsibility. The program is delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals who ensure a contemporary and applied learning experience. Graduates of this program will be equipped to work as counsellors or psychotherapists in a range of settings, including community agencies, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and private practice. The Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University also provides a pathway for further postgraduate studies in related mental health fields, supporting lifelong learning and professional development. The university is committed to producing graduates who are empathetic, ethical, and skilled in supporting individuals through their mental health journeys, ultimately contributing to improved wellbeing in the community.

Programme Content:

The Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University is designed to prepare students for a professional career in mental health support, counselling, and psychotherapy. The course provides a comprehensive foundation in human psychology, counselling theories, and practical skills essential for effective client engagement. Throughout the programme, students will explore a variety of counselling approaches, including person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic techniques, enabling them to adapt to diverse client needs and contexts. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, ensuring that graduates are equipped with current knowledge and ethical standards relevant to the counselling profession.

Students will engage in both theoretical learning and practical training through supervised placements, where they will develop core competencies such as active listening, rapport building, crisis intervention, and case management. The programme also covers important areas such as mental health diagnosis, ethical considerations in counselling, and multicultural competence, preparing students to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Emphasis is placed on the development of self-awareness and reflection, fostering personal growth and resilience necessary for a sustainable counselling career.

The course aims to foster professional identity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning skills. Graduates will be prepared to work in various settings, including mental health clinics, community organizations, schools, and private practice. Additionally, pathways for further study, such as postgraduate qualifications in counselling, psychotherapy, or related fields, are available to students seeking to deepen their expertise. Overall, the programme is committed to producing skilled, ethical, and compassionate counsellors and psychotherapists ready to meet the mental health needs of society.

Program requirements for the Master of Counseling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University include completion of 180 advanced coursework units comprising core subjects, elective courses, and practical placements. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as psychology, social work, or related fields from an accredited institution. Additionally, relevant work or voluntary experience in counseling, mental health, or related areas is highly recommended. Candidates may also be required to submit a personal statement outlining their motivation and suitability for the program, along with referees’ reports. All international students must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing IELTS results with a minimum score of 7.0 overall and no band less than 7.0, or equivalent scores in other recognized English language tests. The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical practice, preparing students to work as professional counselors and psychotherapists. Students will engage in supervised clinical placements to develop hands-on experience in real-world settings, which are a mandatory component of the program. The curriculum covers key areas such as human development, counseling theories, mental health assessment, and intervention strategies. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates to seek registration with relevant professional bodies in Australia and enhances employment opportunities in mental health services, private practice, and community organizations. Enrolment is contingent upon meeting all admission criteria, including academic prerequisites, English language requirements, and background checks where applicable. The university may also require applicants to participate in an interview process to assess their interpersonal skills and suitability for counseling professions.

Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University vary depending on the student's residency status and the number of units undertaken per academic year. For international students, the estimated annual tuition fee is approximately AUD 32,200, while domestic students pay around AUD 8,160 per year. These fees are indicative and subject to change each academic year; students are advised to consult the university's official fee schedule for the most accurate and current information.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for Student Services and Amenities Fees, which support campus facilities and student activities, typically amounting to around AUD 312 per year for full-time students. Textbooks and study materials are also an important part of the costs, with estimated expenses of AUD 1,000 to AUD 1,500 annually, depending on the courses selected and the resources required.

Financial assistance options include Commonwealth supported place (CSP) for eligible domestic students, which significantly reduces the tuition fees, and FEE-HELP, a government loan scheme that assists with paying tuition fees for eligible students. International students are generally not eligible for government loans but can explore scholarships offered by the university, including the ECU International Scholarships, which provide partial tuition fee waivers to outstanding applicants.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, or financial need, among other criteria. Some students may also consider external funding sources or part-time employment to support their studies. The university's dedicated Student Financial Support Office can provide detailed guidance and assistance regarding eligibility, application procedures, and planning financial arrangements.

Overall, the cost of studying counselling and psychotherapy at ECU involves tuition fees, living expenses, study materials, and incidental costs. A comprehensive financial plan should consider all these factors, and students are encouraged to explore various funding opportunities to mitigate the financial burden of their higher education.

The Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University is designed to prepare students for a professional career in counselling and psychotherapy within a variety of settings, including community services, mental health organizations, private practice, educational institutions, and health care facilities. The program emphasizes the development of foundational counselling skills, theoretical knowledge, ethical practice, and practical experience necessary for effective therapeutic intervention. Throughout the coursework, students engage with a range of psychological theories and models, including person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and systems approaches, enabling them to understand diverse client issues and tailor interventions accordingly.

The program integrates academic learning with practical training, providing opportunities for supervised placements that build hands-on experience in real-world settings. These placements are structured to ensure students apply their theoretical knowledge under supervision, allowing for the development of competencies such as active listening, crisis intervention, ethical decision-making, and cultural sensitivity. Moreover, the curriculum is designed to foster the development of critical thinking, reflective practice, and professional identity, preparing graduates to meet the ethical and professional standards required in counselling roles.

Students will also explore specialized topics such as mental health disorders, developmental psychology, trauma and resilience, addictions, and diversity and inclusion. The program promotes a biopsychosocial understanding of client issues, encouraging a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. Ethical considerations and confidentiality are central themes throughout the course, ensuring students are well-versed in the responsibilities and boundaries of their profession.

In addition to coursework, students participate in workshops, seminars, and peer learning activities that enhance their interpersonal and communication skills. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic, ethical, and competent practitioners capable of making a positive difference in their clients' lives. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to pursue registration as a counsellor or psychotherapist, or to continue with further postgraduate studies in related fields such as psychology, social work, or mental health counseling. The program aligns with national standards and regulations governing counselling practice in Australia, ensuring graduates meet industry requirements.