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 2025 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 accreditation approval
- Subject to final PACFA 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).
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COR109 Drug Therapy
PSY100 Contexts of Practice: Health Alteration
PSY101 Preparation for Practice 3
PSY102 Nursing Practice 3
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Nursing Internship
PSY201 Preparation and Nursing Practice 4
PSY202 Contexts of Practice: Complex Care
PSY203 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety
PSY204 Leadership in Clinical Practice
PSY205 Academic and Professional Skills: Planning for success
PSY300 ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
PSY301 Innovation: Addressing Challenges
PSY302 Academic Skills for Success
PSY303 Digital Futures
PSY304 Chemistry
PSY305 Mathematics
PSY306 Statistics
PSY307 An Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Societies
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COU101 Australian Society and Identity
COU176 An Introduction to Working within the Community
COU180 Biology
SCS130 Business Study Skills
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
COU200 Mathematical Methods for Science and Engineering
COU265 Coastal and Marine Ecology
COU300 Coastal Conservation Planning
COU301 Special Research
COU361 Changing Planet Earth
COU362 Planning and Environmental Law
COU363 Regions, Change and Sustainability
COU364 Landscapes, Place and People
COU381 Urbanism and Urban Design
SWK278 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
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) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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.
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)