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 and APAC accreditation approval
- * Subject to final PACFA and APAC 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.
- 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), and the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
Note: Subject to final accreditation approval.
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4)
COR109 Biodiversity and Ecology
PSY100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
PSY101 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
PSY102 Health Promotion Principles
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Introduction to Mathematics
PSY201 Mathematics Foundations
PSY202 Public Health Foundations
PSY203 Food Safety: Laws, Regulations and Quality Assurance
PSY204 Environmental Health Risk Management
PSY205 Communication and Thought
PSY300 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY301 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY302 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY303 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY304 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY305 Physiological Psychology
PSY306 Introduction to Human Development
PSY307 Social Psychology
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (4)
COU101 Motivation and Emotion
COU176 Advanced Methods in Psychology
COU180 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
SCS130 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
Advanced courses (10)
COU200 Personality and Assessment
COU265 Human Associative Learning
COU300 Abnormal Psychology
COU301 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
COU361 Adult Development and Ageing
COU362 Theories of Counselling: From Freud to Integrative Practice
COU363 Group Processes and Practice
COU364 Introductory Counselling Skills
COU381 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK278 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications
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)
- 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. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression