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 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) 48 units
COR109 Secondary Professional Learning: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
PSY100 Communication and Thought
PSY101 Mathematics Foundations
PSY102 Science Research Methods
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
PSY201 Calculus and Algebra
PSY202 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
PSY203 Discrete Mathematics
PSY204 Numerical Analysis
PSY205 Applied Systems Modelling
PSY300 Teaching Senior Secondary English
PSY301 Teaching Senior Secondary Mathematics
PSY302 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
PSY303 Individual Learner Needs
PSY304 Professional Experience: Managing Learning Environments
PSY305 Teaching Junior Secondary English
PSY306 Teaching Junior Secondary Mathematics
PSY307 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COU101 Diversity and Inclusion
COU176 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
COU180 The Psychology of Learning
SCS130 Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
COU200 Secondary Assessment and Reporting
COU265 Using Data for Learning
COU300 Secondary Professional Learning: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
COU301 Grammars of Design
COU361 Introduction to Design and Concept
COU362 Introduction to Interaction & UX Design
COU363 Responsive Website Design
COU364 Interactivity and Frameworks
COU381 Augmented Reality Design
SWK278 Design Portfolio
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)