Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)

Program summary
QTAC code: 011161
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: OP-18 / Rank-62
Award abbreviation: BSocSc(Couns)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: 057240B

Program overview
This three-year professional preparation program equips you for work as entry-level professionals utilising counselling skills in the human services field. Contemporary approaches to counselling, such as solutions focused, strengths-based and narrative practice are taught through this program.

While providing foundational knowledge and skills in counselling, the Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) is suitable for school leavers, as well as mature-aged students with previous education or experience in the human services field, who wish to focus their learning on obtaining these skills.

Presenting a contemporary orientation to counselling based on foundational knowledge of ethical and professional conduct, this program introduces you to a range of counselling theories and approaches, including specialist areas such as trauma, crisis and bereavement counselling. Understandings of individual, family and community behaviour are provided through specialist fields of gender and Indigenous issues, health, disability and cultural diversity.

The program includes professional placements in human services agencies with qualified counsellors, giving you the opportunity to apply counselling skills to a range of human services interventions such as individual, family and group work in clinical and general support settings. You will gain experience in two diverse fields of practice through your field education experiences.

The Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) program meets the training requirements of both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Queensland Counsellors Association (QCA), of which both students and graduates are able to apply for membership. The program is accredited with the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers.

The Queensland Department of Child Safety, as a significant employment destination for human services students, has authorised this program as a potential entry point for work as child protection officers with the department.

Career opportunities
The skills and knowledge acquired in the Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) will enable graduates to pursue careers in areas employing counsellors, such as:

aged services
counselling (families, individuals and groups)
disability services
welfare work
youth work
If you wish to work in support roles with a broader intervention focus you should consider the Bachelor of Human Services, a three-year professional development program, or the Bachelor of Social Work, a four-year program. Both programs prepare you for a broad range of government and non-government roles in the field of social justice and community welfare.

Special features
Well-suited to professionals who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills in the counselling arena
Meets the training requirements of both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Queensland Counsellors Association (QCA)
Accredited with the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers
One of only a few undergraduate programs in the counselling area in Australia

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

5 required courses:
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Social Change
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCS180 Counselling for the Human Services Professional

Advanced courses

9 required courses:
SCS263 Counselling Placement 1 (24 units)
SCS264 Counselling Placement 2 (24 units)
SCS265 Counselling Theory and Practice
SCS266 Trauma, Bereavement and Crisis Counselling
SCS276 Groupwork
SCS278 Ethics and Professional Practice
SCS281 Developmental and Family Counselling
SCS285 Health, Society and Culture
Plus select 1 course from:
SCS210 Indigenous Australia and the State
SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity

Electives

Select 6 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education). Please note: it is strongly recommended that you choose at least 2 of the following as electives:

SCS210 Indigenous Australia and the State
SCS286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity

SCS295 Gender and Culture

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes
1. No more than 10 introductory courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or one minor.
3. Some of the required introductory courses count towards some majors and minors.
4. A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (76 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
5. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
6. Refer to the Academic Rules.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.

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