Understand people and help improve their wellbeing
Explore the human mind and learn the skills to promote mental and emotional wellbeing with a dual degree in psychology and counselling. This program gives you in-depth knowledge on the science and applications of psychology, along with a strong foundation in counselling theory and skills.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2024 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Subject to final PACFA accreditation approval
- Subject to final PACFA accreditation approval
Explore the human mind and learn the skills to promote mental and emotional wellbeing with a dual degree in psychology and counselling. This program gives you in-depth knowledge on the science and applications of psychology, along with a strong foundation in counselling theory and skills.
In this program you will:
- Study the core areas of psychological science, including human development, cognitive perception, personality, learning, and abnormal psychology
- Learn about the range of scientific methods, analyses and ethical standards used in psychological research
- Gain a thorough understanding of counselling theories and skills, and how to use them in diverse and multicultural workplaces and communities
- Develop skills in cognitive behaviour therapy, personal and relational empathy, positive psychology, family counselling and responding to crisis, trauma and loss
- Work in the community through two counselling placements, working with multidisciplinary teams across a range of human services agencies
Career opportunities
Disability support, community health, research, telephone counselling, working with individuals, families and groups, non-government organisations, government departments, in youth work, welfare work, child protection, corrections, aged services, community development, education, mental health, and administration of counselling services.
Graduates can also complete further study to become a registered psychologist, a registered counsellor, a clinical psychologist or pursue an academic career.
Accreditation
This program is designed to meet the national accreditation requirements for The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), The Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COR109 Introductory Counselling Skills
PSY100 Foundations of Human Behaviour
PSY101 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
PSY102 Group Processes and Practice
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
PSY201 Social Research
PSY202 Understanding Cultural Diversity
PSY203 Gender and Culture
PSY204 Health & Mental Health in Australia
PSY205 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
PSY300 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
PSY301 Human Services Placement 1
PSY302 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
PSY303 Indigenous Australia and the State
PSY304 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
PSY305 Community Development and Social Action
PSY306 Complexity and Social Work: Group-Based Approaches
PSY307 International Community Development and Global Justice
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COU101 Communication and Thought
COU176 Foundations of Australian Law A
COU180 Criminal Law and Procedure A
SCS130 Chemistry
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
COU200 Foundations of Australian Law B
COU265 Criminal Law and Procedure B
COU300 Science Research Methods
COU301 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
COU361 Torts A
COU362 Cell Biology
COU363 Foundations of Sustainability
COU364 Measuring Sustainability
COU381 Torts B
SWK278 Communicating Sustainability
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
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 USC 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.