• demonstrate a capacity for autonomous, life-long learning informed by Christian belief, critical thinking, ethical practice and awareness of current research
• demonstrate an awareness of cultural diversities necessary for respectful engagement with local, national, international and professional communities
• demonstrate a philosophy of service in both professional and personal spheres
• demonstrate professional counselling skills matched to client need, with due attention to developmental stages and relevant cultural and spiritual issues
• articulate a current body of theoretical knowledge upon which to build competent clinical practice
• apply principles of ethical practice in complex client presentations and show awareness of relevant legal issues in professional counselling practice
• apply spiritual and psychotherapeutic perspectives to particular client presentations
• reflect on their interpersonal and intrapersonal process as a professional counsellor utilising regular supervision and peer support
• demonstrate an ability to integrate systemic and relationship perspectives into their counselling practice.
• engage professionally and competently in the workplace

There are many options for satisfying the entry requirements for our courses. An applicant needs to meet at least one of the following entry requirements to be given an offer to study at Avondale.

I have completed my secondary education in Australia or New Zealand and achieved:

• a selection rank of at least 60. A selection rank is calculated as the ATAR plus any adjustment factors that may be applicable; or
• a minimum of 24 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; or
• New Zealand Year 13 NCEA Level 3 results, identifying university entrance attainment; or
• an appropriate score in the uniTEST and the Tertiary Online Written Assessment; or
• an appropriate score in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)*; or
• the International Big Picture Learning Credential.

*Applicants must not be a current year 12 (or equivalent) student and must be 18 years or older at the time of commencing their course.

I have completed a Vocational education and training (VET) course in Australia or New Zealand and achieved:

• an Australian Certificate III, or
• an equivalent New Zealand certificate, as approved by the Director, Student Administration Services.

I have already attended university in Australia or New Zealand and:

• successfully completed at least 2 units of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• completed a bridging or enabling course, or another recognised tertiary preparation course; or
• successfully completed at least three units of Avondale’s Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation.

I have completed my secondary education or higher education qualification overseas:

• refer to the Admission Policy (HE) for specific information regarding both the minimum academic entry standards (Appendix 1) and the English language proficiency requirements (Appendix 2).

I have other work and life experience:

If a Senior Secondary Certificate has not been completed, an eligible applicant may sit an admission test (uniTEST and TOWA or the Skills for Tertiary Admission Test).

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be admitted based on equivalent qualifications or work and life experience as assessed by the Course Convenor or delegate and/or the DVC Academic.

International Students

This course is not available to international students.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

• achieving an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no sub-band less than 6.0, or
• one of the other ways outlined in Appendix 2 of the Admission Policy (HE).

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed prior study may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Applicants should discuss their eligibility for advanced standing with the Admissions Team or the Course Convenor.

The Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) consists of 24 units and requires 144 credit points for completion. Every unit has a 6 credit-point value unless otherwise stated.

Students complete 4 units in each of 6 semesters in a full-time load or part-time equivalent.

Students can study in one of three pathways:

• A Dual Specialisation in Counselling & Psychology*, or
• A Counselling Specialisation with a Chaplaincy or Psychology* Major; or
• A Counselling Specialisation with a Minor in an elected study area.

*Psychology units are only available online and are completed through cross-institutional study at the University of New England (UNE).

The 24 units required to complete the course are as follows:

Dual Specialisation

Counselling Specialisation with a Chaplaincy or Psychology Major

Counselling Specialisation with a Minor in an elected study area

Core Arts Units

Electives

Electives can be taken from any study area at any level. Course Convenor guidance in the choice of electives is highly recommended.

Specialisation Unit Lists

All PSYC units are completed online through the University of New England Counselling & Psychology Dual Specialisation Units (20 Units)

Counselling Specialisation (14 units)

Major Area Unit Lists

All PSYC units are completed online through the University of New England

Chaplaincy Major (8 units)

Psychology Major (8 units)

Minor Area Unit Lists

A Counselling Specialisation can be paired with a Minor in any of the areas of study listed below. Refer to the Bachelor of Arts for specific unit lists.

• Accounting
• Ancient History
• Biology
• Chaplaincy
• Chemistry
• Communication
• Design & Technologies
• Education
• English
• Food & Nutrition
• Geography
• Health & Physical Education
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Modern History
• Music
• Outdoor Education
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Textiles
• Visual Arts

Course Structure Grids

The following course structure grids provide a sample of what each course structure might look like over a three-year period studying full-time. The numbers 100, 200, 300 align to the Unit Level and should be in sequence in the program as far as possible. Course Convenor guidance is recommended.

Dual Specialisation in Counselling & Psychology Course Grid

*CNSL31100 is counted as the third-year religion requirement for students completing the dual specialisation.

Counselling Specialisation with a Chaplaincy Major Course Grid

(If students elect a Psychology Major, Psychology units will replace Chaplaincy units)

Students commencing in even years will have a slightly varied grid.

Counselling Specialisation with a Minor in an elected study area

**Minor and elective units can be moved depending on when desired units are available. However, a student must complete 4 units for their minor and an additional 2 electives.

To find out more about any of the units listed here, copy the unit code and then search for that unit here.

Students engage in a one-day per week clinical placement over the course of their final year of study. They will participate in the activities of a counselling organisation, including conducting counselling sessions, keeping clinical records, and providing referrals. The clinical placement brings together theoretical learning and skills practice and provides valuable industry experience.

Post Admission Requirements

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Students will need to obtain a New South Wales Working with Children Check, as well as the equivalent Working with Children Check in any state or territory in which they intend to complete a professional placement. A Working with Children Check needs to be obtained before commencing a professional placement.

Students can apply for a Working with Children Check online through the Office of the Children's Guardian. After the application is complete, the application number and the expiry date must be emailed to the Counselling Placement Coordinator.
E: [email protected]

Screening Interview

Current Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) requirements include that students must undergo a screening interview, which will take place in the second year of the course.

Graduates obtain registration as a Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

If the student’s intended goal is to work towards registration as a Psychologist in Australia, the student must enrol in the Combined Specialisation in Counselling & Psychology (Dual Specialisation) and in addition complete postgraduate study. Completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) Dual Specialisation will not automatically lead to registration as a Psychologist but does fulfil the undergraduate requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. This will allow the student (subject to meeting postgraduate entry requirements) to continue into postgraduate study and thus work towards registration as a Psychologist in Australia.