Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)
Award abbreviation: BSocSc(Couns)
QTAC code: 011161
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR373
CRICOS code: 057240B. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Upgrade existing knowledge and skills in the counselling arena
• Apply counselling skills during two field education placements
• Potential entry point for work in child protection

Work as a professional in the fields of human services, social justice and community welfare, helping others through counselling.

This program equips you with knowledge and skills for counselling in the human services industry. Courses present a contemporary approach to counselling based on ethical and professional conduct. You are introduced to a range of counselling theories and practices, including specialist areas such as trauma, crisis and bereavement counselling. You also undertake professional placements in human services agencies with qualified counsellors.

Post-admission requirements

You are required to complete two field education placements at approved agencies. A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for field education.

Career opportunities

Counselling (families, individuals and groups), welfare work, youth work, aged services, child protection, police and correctional services, disability services.

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.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia; Queensland Counsellors Association.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 core courses, 15 required courses and 5 electives.
• Successfully complete 2 field education placements (SCS263 and SCS264 ).
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
• Register any selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.

In order to commence field education placement you must:

• Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
• Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
• Travel to attend field education placements.
• Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Electives may be used to complete and additional major or minor to supplement the required major.
• 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 participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Year 1

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses: (5)

Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

Year 2

Required courses: (6)

PLUS select 1 required course from:

Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

Year 3

Required courses: (4)

Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Randolph Bowers
Tel: +61 7 5459 4879
Email: RBowers@usc.edu.au

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