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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)

This degree provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

You will study a range of topics, including counselling and interpersonal skills; psychological theory; and specialist psychology courses. You will also be encouraged to engage in research projects and participate in community service activities, and through work experience placements in your third year of study you will gain valuable practical experience. Practical learning is a focus of this degree, it enhances your work-readiness. The value of this study component has been recognised nationally in the form of an award from the Australian Federal Government Office of Teaching and Learning.

You can become even more employable by combining your Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills) degree with another discipline. With just one year of extra study you can graduate with a double degree in human resource management, or exercise and sport science.

All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed. You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate. Some placements may also require a current driver's license and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

This is a specialised degree that will provide you with a solid understanding of the theory associated with psychology and counselling, as well as critical and analytical thinking skills, data management skills and research skills. You will study a range of courses that cover behavioural research methodologies, cognitive and technical skills and counselling practice. You will also study innovative topics, such as:

  • conservation psychology
  • cognitive psychology
  • counselling
  • effective communication
  • sleep psychology
  • discursive and conversational analysis
  • psychology and Indigenous Australians
  • research methods

You will then get the opportunity to implement your knowledge in a real-world environment when you complete a work placement during your final year of study.

Campus Information

Magill

In Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs, Magill hosts programs in the areas of education, humanities and social sciences.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

A career in psychology and counselling requires a strong interest in human behaviour; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, communicate effectively and be compassionate, understanding and patient. 

Careers to consider include:

  • Student support worker: provide support to students with a range of personal issues affecting their studies.
  • Community development officer: work with cities, neighbourhoods or other municipalities to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region.
  • Drug and alcohol case worker: provide counselling support to individuals and families affected by drugs and alcohol.
  • Disability support officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities.
  • Counsellor (with further study): work with individuals in a confidential setting helping them to overcome problems.
  • Youth worker: work with young people providing support and encouragement.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.