Counselling

Program Overview The Bachelor of Counselling at Edith Cowan University is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary for a successful career in counselling across diverse settings. This comprehensive program explores the theoretical foundations of counselling, including communication techniques, psychological theories, and ethical practice, preparing graduates to support individuals facing various mental health and life challenges. Students will engage in practical training through supervised placements, allowing them to apply their learned skills in real-world environments such as community agencies, schools, and healthcare facilities. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches, cultural competence, and professional development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the dynamic needs of clients and communities. Throughout the course, students will develop strong interpersonal skills, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, essential for effective counselling practice. The program also offers pathways for further education, including postgraduate study options in counselling, psychology, or related fields. Graduates of the Bachelor of Counselling will be eligible for registration with relevant professional bodies, enabling them to pursue varied career opportunities including mental health counselling, community services, educational support, and private practice. With its focus on practical experience, contemporary theory, and ethical standards, this program aims to produce competent and compassionate professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and society.

The Bachelor of Counselling at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in counselling and related helping professions. The program provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theories, counselling techniques, and ethical practices essential for supporting individuals facing various mental health, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Throughout their studies, students will engage in both theoretical coursework and practical training, enabling them to develop effective communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum covers core areas such as human development, cultural competency, assessment methods, and intervention strategies, ensuring graduates are equipped to work ethically and effectively with diverse populations.

In addition to foundational courses, students will undertake experiential learning components, including supervised placements in community or clinical settings, where they can apply their skills in real-world environments under professional supervision. These placements are integral to the program, fostering hands-on experience and confidence needed for professional practice. The program also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reflective practice, encouraging students to understand their own values, biases, and emotional responses as part of their development as competent counsellors.

The Bachelor of Counselling prepares graduates for employment in various settings, such as schools, mental health clinics, community health centres, and private practice. Graduates will be eligible to pursue further study, including postgraduate qualifications in counselling, psychology, or social work, expanding their career opportunities. The university’s dedicated faculty members are experienced practitioners and researchers committed to providing a high-quality educational experience. With a focus on contemporary issues and ongoing professional development, this program aims to produce competent, ethical, and empathetic counselling professionals who can make a meaningful difference in individuals’ lives and contribute positively to community wellbeing.

University admission requirements apply. More than one of the majors in this class contains further entry requirements. Refer to the major to learn more.

The Edith Cowan University offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in its Counselling programs, designed to support domestic and international students throughout their studies. For domestic students, there are government-funded schemes such as the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which significantly reduces the tuition fees, making higher education more accessible. Eligible students can also apply for various scholarships, grants, and bursaries aimed at supporting students in the health and social sciences fields, including counseling. These financial aid options are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's background or intended specialization.

International students enrolled in the Counselling programs are typically required to pay full tuition fees; however, Edith Cowan University offers various scholarship schemes to attract high-achieving students from around the world. International scholarships may include merit-based awards, country-specific scholarships, or scholarships focused on supporting students in mental health and counselling disciplines. These scholarships can range from partial tuition fee waivers to full coverage, depending on the award and the student's eligibility.

In addition to scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as private grants and sponsorships, which are sometimes available from professional associations and organizations related to mental health and counselling. The university also provides options for payment plans that allow students to spread their tuition fees over multiple installments, easing the financial burden during their studies.

Students also have access to student loans through government loan schemes, such as HELP (Higher Education Loan Program), which allows students to defer repayment until they are earning above a certain income level. These loans can cover the full cost of tuition fees for eligible students, providing a pathway to manage financial commitments more flexibly.

Part-time work opportunities are available on campus and within the local community, enabling students to gain practical experience and supplement their income while studying. The university's Career Centre offers guidance on job opportunities, resume building, and interview preparation, helping students secure employment in the health and counselling sectors.

In summary, Edith Cowan University offers a comprehensive set of funding options for students undertaking their Counselling studies, including government-supported schemes, scholarships, external grants, payment plans, and part-time employment opportunities. All these options aim to make counselling education more affordable and accessible, ensuring that students can focus on their academic and practical training to become qualified professionals in the field of mental health and counselling.

The Bachelor of Counselling at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for professional practice in counselling and related fields. This program emphasizes the development of essential skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for effective counselling, including communication techniques, ethical considerations, and cultural competence. Students are provided with a solid foundation in psychology, human development, and interpersonal skills, enabling them to support individuals experiencing a range of personal, social, and mental health issues.

The curriculum incorporates both theoretical coursework and practical training components, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings through supervised placements. These placements are integral to the program, offering students hands-on experience with diverse populations in community, healthcare, and social service organizations. The program also covers specialized areas such as mental health counselling, family and relationship counselling, and career counselling, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the varied needs of clients in contemporary society.

In addition to core counselling modules, students may have opportunities to engage in research projects, allowing them to explore specific interests within the field and develop critical thinking skills. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, social work, and healthcare to provide a holistic understanding of client needs and intervention strategies.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Counselling at Edith Cowan University are prepared for employment in a range of settings, including community health agencies, private practice, educational institutions, and government services. The program also provides a pathway for further study, such as postgraduate qualifications in counselling, psychology, or social work. The university’s strong industry links, experienced faculty, and focus on practical skills ensure that graduates are well-positioned for a successful career in counselling.

The program adheres to national accreditation standards and prepares students to meet professional registration requirements for counselling practitioners in Australia. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, making them competent and compassionate professionals dedicated to improving mental health and well-being in their communities.