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.
In this program you will:
- 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 Game-Based Learning
PSY100 Serious Game Project A
PSY101 Serious Game Project B
PSY102 ICT Project Management
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 New Venture Establishment
PSY201 ICT Internship
PSY202 ICT Industry Project
PSY203 Introduction to Coaching Science
PSY204 Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
PSY205 Exercise Prescription and Programming I
PSY300 Communication and Thought
PSY301 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
PSY302 Introduction to Behavioural Health
PSY303 Active Lifestyle Nutrition
PSY304 Sport and Exercise Psychology
PSY305 Motor Control and Learning
PSY306 Professional Placement in Sport Studies
PSY307 Athlete Coach and Club Welfare
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COU101 Communication and Thought
COU176 Foundations of Australian Law A
COU180 Criminal Law and Procedure A
SCS130 Chemistry
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
COU200 Foundations of Australian Law B
COU265 Criminal Law and Procedure B
COU300 Biodiversity and Ecology
COU301 Science Research Methods
COU361 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
COU362 Animal Habitats
COU363 Torts A
COU364 Cell Biology
COU381 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
SWK278 Torts B
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.