Bachelor of Arts (Counselling)
| Course Code | 4005 |
|---|---|
| Course duration / Study mode | Course duration: 3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) |
| Location | Avondale Campus - Lake Macquarie |
| Fee Support | This course attracts Commonwealth funding that is available to students who are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) who meet certain criteria set by the government. Applicants for a CSP will be assessed on criteria such as whether they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, first in family to study at university, have a low socio-economic status, live in a remote area, or have a disability. Students who are not eligible for a CSP may be eligible for FEE-HELP. |
About
Avondale’s Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) is a three-year degree that equips graduates for a wide range of employment opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Designed within a Christian world-view, the degree offers the required units of study to gain employment as a counsellor and includes options for a minor from other fields. The course provides ample opportunities to develop foundational skills in problem recognition and solving, research, analysis, synthesis, critical and reflective thinking, and written and non-verbal communication. The degree provides broad preparation for future employment, as well as a sound basis for those wishing to pursue graduate diplomas and other postgraduate degrees.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Counselling), graduates will be able to:
- 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
Career Opportunities
The career possibilities for Avondale Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) graduates are available in both the private and public sectors.
- Counsellor
- Marriage Counsellor
- Family Therapist
- School Counsellor
- Welfare and Youth Counsellor
Admission Criteria
To be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Counselling), you must qualify for admission. General admission is based on your academic background. There are also specific admissions requirements for this course.
GENERAL ADMISSION CRITERIA
General admission requirements are met by any of the following:
A. Applicants with higher education study
- Successful completion of at least one (1) semester (typically four (4) subjects) of a higher education degree/diploma; or
- Successful completion of a bridging or enabling course, or other recognised tertiary preparation course; or
- Successful completion of the first one (1) or two (2) semesters of the Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation
B. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate level or higher, usually in a cognate area.
C. Applicants with work and life experience
- Appropriate scores in both the uniTEST and the Tertiary Online Writing Assessment (TOWA); or
- An appropriate score in both the Multiple Choice and the Written English Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
D. Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
- ATAR of 60.00*; or
- OP of 16 or less; or
- Satisfactory completion of Year 13 with NCEA Level 3 results, identifying University Entrance attainment; or
- Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points; or
- Overseas secondary qualifications considered equivalent to Australian studies, as stated in the Admission to Higher Education Undergraduate Courses Policy
*After adjustment factors have been applied
POST ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Current legislation requires that all students enrolled in counselling and psychology courses comply with the special requirements for working with children.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International students are not eligible to enrol in this course. International students should instead enrol in the Bachelor of Arts.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency in English as per the Admission to Higher Education Undergraduate Courses Policy
Course Structure
The BA is composed of 24 units (144 credit points) of study over six semesters.
Students will enrol in 4 units each semester in a full-time load.
All units are worth six credit points.
Students will select one of 3 course structure pathways:
Structure A: Dual Specialisation in Counselling & Psychology;
OR
Structure B: Counselling Specialisation with a Chaplaincy or Psychology Major;
OR
Structure C: Counselling Specialisation with a Minor in an elected study area. (A list of these can be found below)
For structure A, the 24 units are made up of:
- 20 x Counselling & Psychology Specialisation units
- 3 x Core Arts Units
- 1 x Elective Unit
For Structure B, the 24 units are made up of:
- 14 x Counselling Specialisation Units
- 4 x Core Arts units
- 8 x Chaplaincy Major units (Some units overlap with units in the Counselling Specialisation unit)
- 2 x Elective units.
For Structure C, the 24 units are made up of:
- 14 x Counselling Specialisation Units
- 4 x Core Arts units
- 4 x Minor units (any available study area – see listing below)
- 2 x Elective units.
Core Units (Structure A)
- ARTS11110 The Art of Scholarship
- WHPE10101 Foundations of Wellbeing
- CHST26110 Studies in Christianity 2
Core Units (Structure B & C)
- ARTS11110 The Art of Scholarship
- WHPE10101 Foundations of Wellbeing
- CHST26110 Studies in Christianity 2
- THEO36113 Religions of the World
Minor areas of study that can be undertaken as part of Structure C:
Accounting
Biological Science
Chaplaincy
Chemistry
Communication
Design & Technologies
Education
English
Food & Nutrition
History
Human Resource Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Music
Outdoor Education
Physical Education
Psychology
Religious Studies
Textiles
Visual Arts
Please Note: Majors and minors completed at other universities can be imported into the Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) Degree subject to meeting course requirements.
Electives: Electives can be taken from any study area at any level. Course Convenor guidance in the choice of electives is highly recommended.
Requirements for Registration for Counselling and Psychology in Australia
All the structures above will lead to registration as a Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).¿However, if the intended end goal is to work towards registration as a Psychologist in Australia, students must enrol in the Combined Specialisation in Counselling & Psychology (Structure A).¿Completion of this course will not automatically lead to registration as a Psychologist but does fulfil the undergraduate requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council which will allow students (subject to meeting qualification standards) to continue into post-graduate study and thus work towards registration as a Psychologist in Australia.
Course Structure Grids
The following course structure grids provides 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 here.
Please note that the following course grids are indicative only.
Specialisation Unit Lists
Counselling & Psychology Dual Specialisation Units (20 Units)
(Note: All PSYC units are completed by distance through UNE)
CNSL11100 Foundational Counselling Skills
CNSL21100 Foundational Counselling Theories
CNSL21120 Emotional & Behavioural Responses
CNSL21130 Advanced Counselling Skills
CNSL21140 Family Therapy Theories
CNSL31100 Counselling Ethics & Spiritual Integration in Counselling
CNSL31130 Clinical Internship I
CNSL31140 Clinical Internship II
CNSL31150 Couple Counselling
CNSL31160 Child & Adolescent Therapy
PSYC101 Introductory Psychology I
PSYC102 Introductory Psychology II
PSYC200 Social Psychology
PSYC202 Research Methods and Statistics
PSYC206 Cognitive Psychology
PSYC213 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
PSYC363 Psychopathology
PSYC366 Biopsychology
PSYC371 Individual Differences and Assessment
PSYC372 Advanced Research Methods
Counselling Specialisation (14 units)
(Note: All PSYC units are completed by distance through UNE)
CNSL11100 Foundational Counselling Skills
CNSL21100 Foundational Counselling Theories
CNSL21120 Emotional & Behavioural Responses
CNSL21130 Advanced Counselling Skills
CNSL21140 Family Therapy Theories
CNSL31100 Counselling Ethics & Spiritual Integration in Counselling
CNSL31130 Clinical Internship I
CNSL31140 Clinical Internship II
CNSL31150 Couple Counselling
CNSL31160 Child & Adolescent Therapy
CNSL31170 Psychopathology & Mental Wellbeing
PSYC101 Introductory Psychology I (through UNE)
PSYC102 Introductory Psychology II (through UNE)
PSCY213 Lifespan Developmental Psychology (through UNE)
Major Area Unit Lists
Chaplaincy Major (8 units)
CHPL21100 Principles & Practice of Chaplaincy
CHPL31100 Clinical Pastoral Experience I
CHPL31110 Clinical Pastoral Experience II
CHMN26140 Preaching
CNSL11100 Foundational Counselling Skills
CNSL21100 Foundational Counselling Theories
CNSL21120 Emotional & Behavioural Responses
CNSL31100 Counselling Ethics & Spiritual Integration in Counselling
Psychology Major (8 units)
(Note: All PSYC units are completed by distance through UNE)
PSYC101 Introductory Psychology I
PSYC102 Introductory Psychology II
PSYC202 Research Methods and Statistics
PSYC213 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
CNSL31170 Psychopathology & Mental Wellbeing
and 1 of:
PSYC200 Social Psychology
PSYC206 Cognitive Psychology
and 2 of:
PSYC366 Biopsychology
PSYC371 Individual Differences and Assessment
PSYC372 Advanced Research Methods
Minor Area Unit Lists
Accounting Minor (4 units)
4 of: (with approval of Business Course Convenor)
ACCT16500 Financial Accounting & Reporting
ACCT26000 Corporate Accounting
ACCT26600 Management Accounting
ACCT31600 Accounting Theories & Practice
ACCT33400 Auditing & Assurance Services
ACCT34200 Australian Tax Law & Practice
Biology Minor (4 units)
BIOL15000 Introductory Biology
BIOL15100 The Diversity of Life
and 2 of:
BIOL26200 Ecology
BIOL26400 Microbiology
BIOL37300 Australian Flora & Fauna
BIOL37500 Genes & Genetic Technologies
Chaplaincy Minor (4 units)
(Note: All PSYC units are completed by distance through UNE)
CNSL11100 Foundational Counselling Skills
CHPL21100 Principles & Practice of Chaplaincy
and 1 of:
CHMN26140 Preaching
PSYC213 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
and 1 of:
CHPL31100 Clinical Pastoral Experience I
CHPL31110 Clinical Pastoral Experience II
CNSL21100 Foundational Counselling Theories
CNSL21120 Emotional & Behavioural Responses
CNSL31100 Counselling Ethics & Spiritual Integration in Counselling
Chemistry Minor (4 units)
CHEM16000 Chemistry IA
CHEM16100 Chemistry IB
and 2 of:
CHEM21000 Organic Chemistry
CHEM24000 Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM34000 Physical Chemistry
CHEM39000 Research Project in Chemistry
Communication Minor (4 units)
4 of:
COMM11100 Writing for Media Contexts
MKTG28100 Marketing Communication
COMM21130 Video Production & Digital Technologies
COMM31110 Creative Writing: The Art of Poetry & Short Story
GDES11100 Digital Design Fundamentals
Design and Technologies Minor (4 Units) (with approval of D&T Course Convenor)
DTDP10102 Introduction to Design Workshop Practice
and 3 of: (including no more than one unit at 100 level)
DTDP10101 Design Principles & Practice
DTDP10104 Textiles in Design Practice
GDES11100 Digital Design Fundamentals
DTDP20113 Metal Technology & Design Workshop
DTDP20111 Computers in Design & Technology
DTDP20102 Timber Technology & Furniture Design
DTDP30102 Design & Technology Project
DTDP30113 Metal Technology & Design Innovation
Education Minor (4 units)
4 of:
EDUC10102 Child Development & Learning
EDUC13101 Developing your Core Competencies (Secondary unit only)
EDUC20100 Exploring a Christian Worldview
EDUC20104 Indigenous Education
EDUC30102 Students with Special Education Needs
EDUC33101 Promoting Health & Wellbeing in Schools (Secondary unit only)
Note: The Education Minor provides a basic understanding of the educational context and environment. This does not qualify graduates to become a teacher. Students wishing to become a teacher as an outcome of their first degree should instead enrol in an undergraduate teaching course.
English Minor (4 units)
ENGL11100 Critical Approaches to Literature
ARTS11100 Interpreting & Producing Media Messages
and 2 of:
COMM21110 Print Journalism Practice
COMM21130 Video Production & Digital Technologies
COMM31110 Creative Writing: The Art of Poetry & Short Story
ENGL21100 Literary Studies of the Bible
ENGL21120 Literature for Children & Young Adults
ENGL31110 Global Voices: Literary Movements of the Twentieth Century
ARTS31190 The Nature of Representation: Medium & Message
Food and Nutrition Minor (4 units)
DTFN11100 Food Nutrition & Health
DTFN21100 Food Production Systems
and 2 of:
DTFN21200 Food Science & Innovation
HPFH20100 Nutrition Development & Performance
HPFH36300 Social Nutrition & Health Promotion
DTFN31200 Food Product Design Project
Geography Minor (4 units)
GEOH11100 Responding to Global Issues
GEOH12000 Environmental Issues
GEOP23000 Biophysical & Ecosystem Interactions
GEOH31110 Cities & Urban Places
History Minor (4 units)
HIST11100 What is History?
and 3 of:
HIST11140 Australian History: Key themes
HIST21100 Beliefs & Myths of the Ancient World
HIST21120 Studies in Revolutions
HIST21130 Reformation Era
HIST21150 The World at War
HIST31120 Old Empires/New Nations
ARTS31190 The Nature of Representation: Medium & Message
HIST31100 Historical Practice
Human Resource Management Minor (4 units)
4 of: (with approval of Business Course Convenor)
MNGT26100 Organisational Behaviour
HRMT27000 Human Resource Management
BBUS25400 Strategic Principles
MNGT34500 New Business Ventures & the Entrepreneur
BBUS36400 Diversity in Business
HRMT39000 Human Resource Management Seminar
BBUS27000 Guided Studies in Business
Marketing Minor (4 units)
4 of: (with approval of Business Course Convenor)
MKTG28300 Services Marketing
MKTG28100 Marketing Communications
MKTG26000 Consumer Behaviour
BBUS25400 Strategic Principles
MKTG38200 Business to Business Marketing
MKTG36000 Current Issues & Electronic Marketing
BBUS27000 Guided Studies in Business
Mathematics Minor (4 units)
4 of:
MATH16000 Mathematics IA
MATH16100 Mathematics IB
MATH26500 Linear Algebra & Axiomatic Geometry
MATH26600 Multivariable Calculus, Probability & Statistics
Note: 300 level units available within this minor can be taken on approval from the course convenor.
Music Minor (4 units)
MUSC11103 Solo Performance 1
MUSC11104 Musicianship & Ensemble Performance 1
MUSC11121 Musicology 1
and 1 of:
MUSC20113 Solo Performance 2
MUSC20114 Musicianship & Ensemble Performance 2
MUSC20121 Musicology 2
MUSC31101 Solo Performance 3
MUSC31111 Solo Performance 4
MUSC31102 Musicianship & Ensemble Performance 3
MUSC31112 Musicianship & Ensemble Performance 4
MUSC31121 Musicology 3
MUSC31131 Musicology 4
Note: Variations of the minor may be approved by the Strand convenor.
Outdoor Education Minor (4 units)
OEHP10100 Perspectives in Outdoor Education
OEHP20200 Sea Kayaking
OEHP20300 Expedition Planning & Management
OEHP20400 Leadership in the Outdoors
Note: Requirements can also be satisfied (via advanced standing) by the completion of a Diploma of Outdoor Leadership.
Physical Education Minor (4 units)
(Note: Must include two units at the 200 level)
WHPE10100 Team Sports
WHPE10101 Foundations of Wellbeing
WHPE10104 Exercise & Sports Science
OEHP10100 Perspectives in Outdoor Education
WHPE20100 Skill Acquisition
WHPE20101 Gymnastics & Dance
WHPE20102 Physical Education: Game Sense
WHPE20103 Physical Education: Athletics & Aquatics
WHPE30100 Physical Activity & Sport in Society
HPFH30101 Family Relationships & Adolescent Health Issues
EDUC33101 Promoting Health & Wellbeing in Schools
Psychology Minor (4 units)
PSYC101 Introductory Psychology I
PSYC102 Introductory Psychology II
PSYC213 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
and 1 of:
PSYC200 Social Psychology
PSYC202 Research Methods and Statistics
PSYC206 Cognitive Psychology
Religious Studies Minor (4 units)
BBNT16110 Mark & Luke
BBNT16120 Pauline Studies 1
BBOT26111 Old Testament Meta-narrative
and 1 of:
BBBI26100 Daniel & Revelation
ENGL21100 Literary Studies of the Bible
HIST21130 Reformation Era
THEO24110 Contemporary Issues in Science & Religion
THEO26110 Revelation, Inspiration & Hermeneutics
THEO26111 Religion & its Development
THEO26120 Early & Medieval Christianity
THEO36110 Salvation & Eschatology
THEO36113 Religions of the World
THEO36120 The Doctrine of God & the Work of Christ
THEO36130 Ecclesiology & Sabbath
Textiles Minor (4 units)
DTDP10104 Textiles in Design Practice
DTDP20104 Textiles & Fashion Design
DTDP20105 Textiles Art & Design
DTDP30103 Textiles Science & Design Innovation
Visual Arts Minor (4 units)
VISC31110 History & Theory of Art
VISC11100 General Painting & Drawing
and 2 of:
VISC11130 Ceramics Theory & Practice
VISC21100 Life Painting & Drawing
VISC21120 Digital Photography & Concepts
COMM21130 Video Production & Digital Technologies
VISC21130 Sculpture Theory & Practice
VISC31185 Art Studio A
Units that may be available with Course Convenor approval:
ARTS21110 Arts Guided Readings
ARTS31100 Arts Independent Topic
To find out more about any of the units listed here, copy the unit code and then search for that unit here.
Practical Experience
Placements giving students practical experience are incorporated and Counseling students engage in their clinical placement for one day per week where scheduled.
Accreditation
Avondale is a self-accrediting Higher Education Provider, and the Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) course is offered within the terms of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). In 2014 Avondale was granted self-accrediting status by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The Counselling program at Avondale University has accreditation with The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) allowing graduates to register as Counsellor with PACFA.
Where to get further information
Course Enquiries
Student Administration Services
Phone: +61 2 4980 2377Email: [email protected]
Monday-Thursday, 9.00am-5pm
Friday, 9.00am-12.00noon
Fees
This course attracts Commonwealth funding that is available to students who are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) who meet certain criteria set by the government. Applicants for a CSP will be assessed on criteria such as whether they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, first in family to study at university, have a low socio-economic status, live in a remote area, or have a disability.
Students who are not eligible for a CSP may be eligible for FEE-HELP.
View current information on tuition fees
Scholarships
There are scholarships available for those enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Counselling). Visit http://www.avondale.edu.au/future-students/finance/scholarships/#avondale_course
Testimonials
Mikaela Matthes (Provisional Psychologist) has put her passion for helping other people into practice. Learning about human behaviour, emotions and mental health also helped with personal growth Mikeala says “you can’t help but use this knowledge as a new lens to look at your own life and relationships.”