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Bachelor of Counselling

As a counsellor with a Bachelor of Counselling, there are many opportunities for you as an employee or in private practice. You can make a real difference in areas such as grief and loss; relationships; abuse; youth and adolescents; family; stress; trauma recovery; addictions; mental health and many more.

There has never been a better time for you to become a counsellor or further develop your counselling qualifications. The need for counsellors in Australia has never been greater. As a counsellor with a tertiary qualification, you’ll be doing what you love and have the security of knowing there are many opportunities for work and self employment.

We’ve helped people from all sorts of backgrounds become counsellors. Our tertiary students come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are seeking to acquire counselling skills as an adjunct to their core profession, such as teachers, nurses, ministers of religion, corrective services officers and administrators. Some are seeking a fresh start in a rewarding profession. While others already have a vocational counselling qualification and are looking to supplement this with a tertiary qualification.

Our program is approved for FEE-HELP, industry accredited with the Australian Counselling Association, and is delivered mostly online with some residential schools at our national campuses.

COURSE GUIDE

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Icon-Course-Delivery Course Delivery

Online, Full-time, Part-time

Icon-Duration Duration

36 months (full time)

Icon-Units Structure

22 Units

You can apply for entry into the Bachelor of Counselling if you have achieved one of the following:

  • Icon-Small-Tick A nationally recognised Diploma from any field of study; or
  • Icon-Small-Tick Year 12 or Higher School Certificate with at least a Sound Achievement in English; or
  • Icon-Small-Tick a year-long tertiary studies preparation program (eg Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation); or
  • Icon-Small-Tick at least 12 months of tertiary studies with a University or non-university Higher Education Provider with a GPA of at least 4.0; or
  • Icon-Small-Tick achieved an overall score of at least 160, or
  • Icon-Small-Tick a verbal subscore of at least 155, in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

The Bachelor of Counselling has attained industry accreditation through the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). ACA is the leading industry body for Counsellors in Australia. Upon graduation, you automatically qualify for membership to the ACA.
  • Icon-Small-Tick FEE-HELP is a loan scheme for eligible students to pay their tuition (subject) fees.
  • Icon-Small-Tick Pay your subject fees direct to the institute each trimester for each subject in which you are enrolled.
  • Icon-Small-Tick Split Payments. This means you can pay a portion of your subject fees yourself, and the remaining portion using FEE-HELP (if elgible).
  • Icon-Small-Tick Pay via Credit Card or Direct Debit.

Request a Course Guide

Please complete this form and we will respond within 24 working hours.

ITECA-Logo ACA-Accredited-Logo

Why study our Bachelor of Counselling

Our Bachelor of Counselling provides a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional tertiary education.

0 Career ready

When you graduate, you will be extremely well prepared to pursue a career in counselling – employed or self-employed – enjoying our strong industry reputation and linkage.

1 Extremely applicable

This course is extremely applicable to people from all sorts of backgrounds. Whether you are seeking a fresh start in a rewarding profession; or want to acquire counselling skills as an adjunct to your core profession – such as teachers, nurses, ministers of religion, corrective services officers and administrators.

2 Counselling education specialists

We believe you're better off learning from a specialist than a generalist. Many training providers deliver courses across a variety of industries. At AIPC, we prefer to concentrate on counselling and community services education.

3 Flexible learning

With so many demands on our time it can be difficult to fit study in around other commitments, that's why our Bachelor of Counselling has been designed to maximise your learning from home where you can progress through your studies in a full-time or part-time pace.

Course Outline

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

A core first year subject that introduces students to the important area of academic writing and study skills. Successful completion of this subject develops the skills and knowledge required to write research reports and literature reviews according to APA guidelines and allows for a foundational understanding of how to present information verbally and in poster form to the scientific community, professional colleagues and peers. This subject equips students with essential skills to meet the demands of written and verbal assessments throughout this degree program while also establishing a foundation for ongoing academic writing and presenting that is required in postgraduate study and in future careers.

Theoretical Foundations of Counselling introduces the key theoretical perspectives that underpin counselling practice. You examine each major theoretical approach in terms of its concepts and applications in counselling. An integrative framework is considered and case studies are analysed to facilitate the application of theory to practice. This first year subject provides a foundation on which to build specialised knowledge and practice through second and third year studies.

Communication Skills is a core, first year subject that examines the crucial role of negotiation and conflict resolution in the professional consulting and/or managerial environment. Specifically, three areas of professional interaction are examined. They include; (i) communication skills that aim to facilitate and enhance sound understanding and mutual respect between colleagues, superiors and subordinates within any professional work environment, (ii) negotiation strategies that encourage collaborative work environments to enhance mutually beneficial team outcomes and (iii) conflict resolution skills to deal efectively with professional disagreements and clashes around critical issues of concern. 

Through lectures, tutorials, microskill practice activities and assignment tasks students are encouraged to integrate theory and specific skills within those areas of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution literature most pertinent to optimising their contribution as a professional within a range of work environments. 

This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the role of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice.

Introduction to Counselling provides a foundational framework to analyse issues in contemporary counselling practice. You are introduced to the history and philosophy of counselling theory and practice. Through critical analysis, you are encouraged to develop an awareness of the role and responsibilities of the contemporary counsellor and an understanding of client rights. You are required to reflect on the value of evidence-based practice and understand the significance of the counselling relationship, and reflect on the impact of cultural difference and diversity on the formation of a therapeutic alliance. This first year subject also provides an overview of counselling and the role of the counsellor and provides a foundation on which to build more specialised skills and knowledge in subsequent subjects.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

The Counselling Process overviews the process of counselling from initial contact with the client to case closure. You explore personal fears, expectations and beliefs about what it means to be a counselling professional. The process of referral and case closure are considered along with strategies to monitor and evaluate your effectiveness as a counsellor. The requirements for completing paperwork and case documentation are also discussed. This second year subject provides a framework for practice that enables the application of more complex concepts in counselling, required in subsequent subjects.

Micro-counselling skills are essential for many professionals, particularly those working within the human services area. This subject explores the application of the key counselling micro-skills to therapeutic practice. You are required to demonstrate all key skills in roleplay scenarios and are assessed on your ability to integrate these skills into a counselling interview. You are encouraged to critically evaluate your use of each counselling micro-skill and assess the effectiveness of your application of the skills in facilitating client change.

Social Frameworks is a core, first year subject that provides students with knowledge to study real world issues through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These frameworks are expanded upon and applied to the role of the state, social inequality, the family, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on individual’s and groups within society. Various theoretical perspectives are explored and applied to contemporary issues to ensure students understand the social structures and issues impacting on individuals and groups within society.

Group Work is a core, first year subject that introduces students to the principles of leadership, the dynamics of teams and the processes of group work. Particular focus is given to an understanding of diversity and the effects of such on group and team cohesion. Power dynamics and the management of conflict within groups is considered from both participant and leader perspectives. This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the functioning of teams and groups across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice across a abroad range of professions.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

A core first year subject that introduces students to the important area of academic writing and study skills. Successful completion of this subject develops the skills and knowledge required to write research reports and literature reviews according to APA guidelines and allows for a foundational understanding of how to present information verbally and in poster form to the scientific community, professional colleagues and peers. This subject equips students with essential skills to meet the demands of written and verbal assessments throughout this degree program while also establishing a foundation for ongoing academic writing and presenting that is required in postgraduate study and in future careers.

Theoretical Foundations of Counselling introduces the key theoretical perspectives that underpin counselling practice. You examine each major theoretical approach in terms of its concepts and applications in counselling. An integrative framework is considered and case studies are analysed to facilitate the application of theory to practice. This first year subject provides a foundation on which to build specialised knowledge and practice through second and third year studies.

Communication Skills is a core, first year subject that examines the crucial role of negotiation and conflict resolution in the professional consulting and/or managerial environment. Specifically, three areas of professional interaction are examined. They include; (i) communication skills that aim to facilitate and enhance sound understanding and mutual respect between colleagues, superiors and subordinates within any professional work environment, (ii) negotiation strategies that encourage collaborative work environments to enhance mutually beneficial team outcomes and (iii) conflict resolution skills to deal efectively with professional disagreements and clashes around critical issues of concern. 

Through lectures, tutorials, microskill practice activities and assignment tasks students are encouraged to integrate theory and specific skills within those areas of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution literature most pertinent to optimising their contribution as a professional within a range of work environments. 

This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the role of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice.

Introduction to Counselling provides a foundational framework to analyse issues in contemporary counselling practice. You are introduced to the history and philosophy of counselling theory and practice. Through critical analysis, you are encouraged to develop an awareness of the role and responsibilities of the contemporary counsellor and an understanding of client rights. You are required to reflect on the value of evidence-based practice and understand the significance of the counselling relationship, and reflect on the impact of cultural difference and diversity on the formation of a therapeutic alliance. This first year subject also provides an overview of counselling and the role of the counsellor and provides a foundation on which to build more specialised skills and knowledge in subsequent subjects.

The Counselling Process overviews the process of counselling from initial contact with the client to case closure. You explore personal fears, expectations and beliefs about what it means to be a counselling professional. The process of referral and case closure are considered along with strategies to monitor and evaluate your effectiveness as a counsellor. The requirements for completing paperwork and case documentation are also discussed. This second year subject provides a framework for practice that enables the application of more complex concepts in counselling, required in subsequent subjects.

Micro-counselling skills are essential for many professionals, particularly those working within the human services area. This subject explores the application of the key counselling micro-skills to therapeutic practice. You are required to demonstrate all key skills in roleplay scenarios and are assessed on your ability to integrate these skills into a counselling interview. You are encouraged to critically evaluate your use of each counselling micro-skill and assess the effectiveness of your application of the skills in facilitating client change.

Social Frameworks is a core, first year subject that provides students with knowledge to study real world issues through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These frameworks are expanded upon and applied to the role of the state, social inequality, the family, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on individual’s and groups within society. Various theoretical perspectives are explored and applied to contemporary issues to ensure students understand the social structures and issues impacting on individuals and groups within society.

Group Work is a core, first year subject that introduces students to the principles of leadership, the dynamics of teams and the processes of group work. Particular focus is given to an understanding of diversity and the effects of such on group and team cohesion. Power dynamics and the management of conflict within groups is considered from both participant and leader perspectives. This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the functioning of teams and groups across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice across a abroad range of professions.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence is a core second year subject that examines the broad theoretical domain of development from infancy to adolescence. Various aspects of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are examined through reviewing theoretical and empirical data pertaining to specific areas of research and topics in the area. This subject complements the content of Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging which examines physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood onwards. This subject is an important component of undergraduate psychology training with benefits to future practice application in the profession.

This subject develops a reflective and analytical understanding of the ethical, legal and practice issues emerging in, and specific to, the counselling profession. You cover the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counsellor and analyse dilemmas from the perspective of best practice. Relevant laws and ethical codes are analysed in relation to real-life examples from practice. This second year subject provides you with the ethical and legal framework to work in community and private settings.

This subject facilitates a general exploration of the social divisions of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality and ability. These divisions are explored in relation to their effect on the availability and access of support and counselling services to marginalised groups in Australia. Barriers in the application of appropriate counselling interventions are considered and you are encouraged to explore your own values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to marginalised groups and their portrayal in the media.

Counselling Therapies I introduces the practice of Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Both approaches are considered in terms of their underpinning philosophy and assumptions about human nature. You demonstrate the application of each approach in a role-play scenario. This first year subject builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

Counselling Therapies II introduces the practice of collaborative, competency-based counselling. Students are required to develop an understanding of social constructivism as it relates to the role of the counsellor. Specific techniques from the narrative and solution-focused approaches are explored. This is a second year subject that builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.

Family and Couple Counselling is a core second year subject that introduces interpersonal and systemic approaches for working with couples and families. This subject examines major theoretical concepts and therapeutic processes of family and couple counseling, helps to develop understanding of the dynamics of intimate relationships, and helps build the skills and confidence required to work with interpersonal issues.

Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging is a core second year subject that examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood and beyond. This subject includes a focus on the psychology of aging as wel as issues of death, dying and bereavement. Theoretical and empirical research pertaining to specific areas of mid-life are also critically examined and students are required to develop a research proposal on a selected area of focus area.

This subject encourages reflection on personal experiences, values and beliefs within the context of counselling practice. You are required to analyse the use of Self in counselling and establish strategies for effective reflective practice. This subject teaches the value of reflective practice and provides foundational reflective skills for incorporation into future learnings in the second and third years of study.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence is a core second year subject that examines the broad theoretical domain of development from infancy to adolescence. Various aspects of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are examined through reviewing theoretical and empirical data pertaining to specific areas of research and topics in the area. This subject complements the content of Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging which examines physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood onwards. This subject is an important component of undergraduate psychology training with benefits to future practice application in the profession.

This subject develops a reflective and analytical understanding of the ethical, legal and practice issues emerging in, and specific to, the counselling profession. You cover the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counsellor and analyse dilemmas from the perspective of best practice. Relevant laws and ethical codes are analysed in relation to real-life examples from practice. This second year subject provides you with the ethical and legal framework to work in community and private settings.

This subject facilitates a general exploration of the social divisions of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality and ability. These divisions are explored in relation to their effect on the availability and access of support and counselling services to marginalised groups in Australia. Barriers in the application of appropriate counselling interventions are considered and you are encouraged to explore your own values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to marginalised groups and their portrayal in the media.

Counselling Therapies I introduces the practice of Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Both approaches are considered in terms of their underpinning philosophy and assumptions about human nature. You demonstrate the application of each approach in a role-play scenario. This first year subject builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.

Counselling Therapies II introduces the practice of collaborative, competency-based counselling. Students are required to develop an understanding of social constructivism as it relates to the role of the counsellor. Specific techniques from the narrative and solution-focused approaches are explored. This is a second year subject that builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.

Family and Couple Counselling is a core second year subject that introduces interpersonal and systemic approaches for working with couples and families. This subject examines major theoretical concepts and therapeutic processes of family and couple counseling, helps to develop understanding of the dynamics of intimate relationships, and helps build the skills and confidence required to work with interpersonal issues.

Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging is a core second year subject that examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood and beyond. This subject includes a focus on the psychology of aging as wel as issues of death, dying and bereavement. Theoretical and empirical research pertaining to specific areas of mid-life are also critically examined and students are required to develop a research proposal on a selected area of focus area.

This subject encourages reflection on personal experiences, values and beliefs within the context of counselling practice. You are required to analyse the use of Self in counselling and establish strategies for effective reflective practice. This subject teaches the value of reflective practice and provides foundational reflective skills for incorporation into future learnings in the second and third years of study.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

This subject provides an understanding of how to apply the strengths-based approach to facilitate change in children, adolescents and their families. This approach can harness individual and collective resources, facilitate change and empower families to shift ineffective behavioural patterns. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific client groups.

This subject provides the opportunity to work within the human service industry, providing invaluable experience and exposure to practical issues. You will develop assessment and intervention skills and further explore your own practice framework under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. During the placement, you attend 24 hours of supervision to further develop your skills in reflective practice and intervention.

This subject introduces the process of working with clients on issues of grief and loss. The major theoretical models of the grief process are examined and specific techniques and strategies for the facilitation of uncomplicated grief are applied. You learn the distinction between normal and complicated grief responses and reflect on the challenges of working with a family system in response to grief. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in a specialised treatment area.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

This subject builds on the introduction and experience of practical issues offered in Counselling Practicum I. You will further develop your counselling skills in a relevant human service environment under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Individual and group supervision via teleconference is also included to continue development of skills in reflective practice and intervention.

This subject equips you with the skills to research counselling issues, interpret reports and research papers, and collect and analyse outcome data. The development of these skills enable you to have an informed understanding of the benefits of research for the counselling industry, as well as developing practical skills in critical evaluation of existing research. With this knowledge, you are able to source empirical evidence to support methods of practice and keep up-to-date with industry standards.

This subject provides an insight into mental health conditions and their presentation in counselling. You will develop an introductory knowledge of indicators and support options for people with a variety of mental health issues. A variety of case studies will be considered from the perspective of support options and appropriate referral pathways.

TRIMESTER
UNIT CODE
TITLE
PREREQUISITE
EFTSL

This subject provides an understanding of how to apply the strengths-based approach to facilitate change in children, adolescents and their families. This approach can harness individual and collective resources, facilitate change and empower families to shift ineffective behavioural patterns. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific client groups.

This subject provides the opportunity to work within the human service industry, providing invaluable experience and exposure to practical issues. You will develop assessment and intervention skills and further explore your own practice framework under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. During the placement, you attend 24 hours of supervision to further develop your skills in reflective practice and intervention.

This subject introduces the process of working with clients on issues of grief and loss. The major theoretical models of the grief process are examined and specific techniques and strategies for the facilitation of uncomplicated grief are applied. You learn the distinction between normal and complicated grief responses and reflect on the challenges of working with a family system in response to grief. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in a specialised treatment area.

This subject builds on the introduction and experience of practical issues offered in Counselling Practicum I. You will further develop your counselling skills in a relevant human service environment under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Individual and group supervision via teleconference is also included to continue development of skills in reflective practice and intervention.

This subject equips you with the skills to research counselling issues, interpret reports and research papers, and collect and analyse outcome data. The development of these skills enable you to have an informed understanding of the benefits of research for the counselling industry, as well as developing practical skills in critical evaluation of existing research. With this knowledge, you are able to source empirical evidence to support methods of practice and keep up-to-date with industry standards.

This subject provides an insight into mental health conditions and their presentation in counselling. You will develop an introductory knowledge of indicators and support options for people with a variety of mental health issues. A variety of case studies will be considered from the perspective of support options and appropriate referral pathways.

Below are the upcoming intake periods for the Bachelor of Counselling. You can also download the 2023 Higher Education Academic Calendar in PDF format here.

Trimester 1, 2024

Trimester Commences
Census
Residential School
4th Mar 2024
20th Mar 2024
13th May - 24th May 2024

Trimester 2, 2024

Trimester Commences
Census
Residential School
8th Jul 2024
24th Jul 2024
16th September – 27th September 2024

Trimester 3, 2024

Trimester Commences
Census
Residential School
4th Nov 2024
21st Nov 2024
20th January - 31st January 2025
Course

Bachelor of Counselling (22 Subjects)

Year
Tuition Fee per subject

$2,590

Total Course Cost

$56,980

Bachelor of Counselling (22 subjects)
2024
$2,590 each
$56,980

On your Application Form, you chose one course payment option to pay for your course. You are able to:

  • Option 1: Pay for your course using FEE-HELP (if you are eligible).
  • Option 2: Pay for each trimester of your studies upfront.
  • Option 3: Pay for a portion of your fees upfront and the remaining portion using FEE-HELP.

If your application is successful and you accept your placement, the investment for each subject is payable via the following methods after accepting your placement:

  1. If you are choosing to pay all or part of your subject fees through FEE-HELP, you will need to return your Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form for the trimester by the due date indicated in your trimester enrolment letter. You can find out more about FEE-HELP from the following publication: Fee Help Information – 2024
  2. Payment by credit card, cheque or money order for the trimester by the due date indicated in your trimester enrolment letter (usually within two weeks of the trimester commencing).
  3. If you are paying some of your fees yourself and some through FEE-HELP, then returning your Request for FEEHELP Assistance form and payment of the remaining amount by credit card, cheque or money order by the due date of the trimester.

If accepted into the course, you nominate your preferred payment method on your Confirmation of Acceptance form to confirm your place in the course. Please note that the subject fees, and any other associated fees, are current only for the subjects in which you are presently enrolled, and can be reviewed and changed at the Institute’s discretion for future trimesters.

Subjects where credit is granted

Students are able to apply for credit of previous studies and experience as described in the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy and are not required to pay the subject fee for each subject in which credit is granted.

Students articulating from the Diploma of Counselling or the previous AIPC Diploma of Professional Counselling are automatically eligible to receive credit for 6 subjects of the Bachelor of Counselling program detailed in the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy. The Institute will take this automatic awarding of credit into account when processing enrolments for graduates of the Diploma with the student’s Course Enrolment Confirmation Letter detailing the reductions in course fees applicable to students receiving this automatic credit.

Additional and Non-Tuition Costs

The following additional and/or non-tuition costs apply:

Please refer to the following textbook lists for the current prices of textbooks. Students are encouraged to submit their online textbook order through Booktopia prior to commencing their studies for the trimester. Students are able to source textbooks from other suppliers if they choose. Students are able to choose from textbooks or e-books, depending on availability, and further information is provided each trimester as to where these can be sourced from.

Bachelor of Counselling Textbook and e-Book List

Residential Schools teach you to apply your theoretical knowledge to counselling scenarios. Residential Schools provide you with an ideal teaching forum to handle practical counselling issues. You also meet and share ideas and experiences with fellow students and have the opportunity to reflect on the development of your counselling skills.

Residential Schools are held at our academic rooms in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Australia and are scheduled at the end of each trimester. Depending on the numbers of subjects you have undertaken during the trimester, Residential Schools are up to one or two weeks’ duration. If studying full time, you complete between 2.5 and 10 days at a Residential School at the end of each trimester. Not all subjects include a Residential School component. If you are studying part time, you only need to attend the days of the Residential School allocated to the specific subject.

Students are required to meet personal expenses such as travel, accommodation and meals. Travel includes travel costs to and from where the Residential School is held and travel to and from the Institute's premises each day.

When attending a residential in a city in which you do not live, you should allow approximately $300 per day for accommodation, meals and incidentals. This daily allocation has been determined by the ATO's recommended allowance rates for Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, available at: http://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/. You should also add the cost of return airfares, or cost for another mode of travel, from your place of residence to the Residential School location.

Students have access to comprehensive online library of texts and resources.

External students borrowing hard copy library resources will need to pay for postage to return the borrowed item/s to the Institute at Locked Bag 15, Fortitude Valley 4006. Please refer to the Australia Post postage calculator for current indicative pricing: http://auspost.com.au/apps/postage-calculator.html.

For students living overseas, please check postage costs with your chosen postal or courier service. Overdue items are charged at $1- per day until the item is returned.

Students are able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer to receive credit for one or more subjects** of the Bachelor of Counselling (up to a maximum of 8 subjects).

This enhances student progression through the course and provides recognition for students entering the course with relevant prior studies and work experience. Students granted RPL or credit are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes of the course, and the integrity of the qualification must be maintained.

RPL recognises that students, due to relevant life and work experiences, may already possess the requisite skills and knowledge for subject/s in the Bachelor course. Students who have been working within a counselling environment for a number of years are able to apply for recognition of this prior learning or experience. Exemption can be applied for one or more course subjects** (up to a maximum of 8 subjects).

Assessing credit from prior experience takes into account the authenticity, currency, quality, relevance, transferability and comparability of the experience to the requirements of the subject for which credit is being applied.

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer refers to obtaining credit towards another course on the basis of having completed previous study of an equivalent subject or unit. Students who have completed similar units to those included in the Bachelor of Counselling are welcome to apply for Credit Transfer. Students who have completed or partially completed another counselling course are particularly encouraged to apply for Credit Transfer.

Credit will not normally be granted for formal study completed more than 10 years prior to application unless there is evidence of continued relevance of this study for the course towards which credit is sought. Credit is granted where there is substantial overlap with the content and/or learning outcomes of the subject for which credit is being applied.

When assessing credit based on prior study, consideration is given to the objectives of the course, methods of delivery and assessment, admission requirements, course durations, the breadth and depth of the course material, practical training requirements, and experience requirements.

**Students can only obtain credit for a total maximum of 8 subjects inclusive of whether this credit has been obtained via RPL or credit transfer.

Bachelor of Counselling

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Counselling (Curriculum Codes: AIPC CHC51015) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • CORE102 Communication Skills
  • COU101 Introduction to Counselling
  • COU102 Theoretical Foundations of Counselling
  • COU103 The Counselling Process
  • COU104 Micro-counselling Skills
  • PSY201 Developmental Psychology
  • COU202 Counselling and Diversity
  • COU203 Counselling Therapies I

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) (Curriculum Code: CHC52015) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • CORE102 Communication Skills
  • CORE103 Group Work, Team Dynamics and Leadership

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Youth Work (Curriculum Code: AIPC CHC50413) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • CORE102 Communication Skills
  • CORE103 Group Work, Team Dynamics and Leadership
  • COU303 Working with Children and Adolescents

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Financial Counselling (Curriculum Code: AIPC CHC51115) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • COU101 Introduction to Counselling
  • COU103 The Counselling Process
  • COU104 Micro Counselling Skills
  • COU202 Counselling and Diversity

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Financial Counselling (Curriculum Code: AIPC CHC53215) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • COU101 Introduction to Counselling
  • COU103 The Counselling Process
  • COU104 Micro Counselling Skills
  • COU202 Counselling and Diversity

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Mental Health (Curriculum Code: AIPC CHC53315) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • COU101 Introduction to Counselling
  • COU103 The Counselling Process
  • COU104 Micro Counselling Skills
  • COU202 Counselling and Diversity

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling (Curriculum Code: AIPC CHC81015) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:

  • COU101 Introduction to Counselling

The student’s record will be automatically updated, and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.

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We understand that sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to continue with your studies. If you need to withdraw from a subject, simply follow our formal withdrawal process prior your census date and you will not be charged the subject fee.

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