Bachelor of Counselling

    Bachelor of Counselling

    Duration3 year(s)
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026
    Bachelor of Counselling

    About

    Our unique Bachelor of Counselling degree offers you a fully-integrated program of instruction that focuses on the individual's psychosocial, personal and spiritual development throughout their lifespan.

    In Year One, you will study a range of theories and approaches to counselling, explore personal values, belief systems and experiences from culture and family, identify effective self-care strategies and develop attributes essential to professional practice. You will also begin to develop practical counselling skills before moving on to specific areas of counselling children, adolescents, couples and families and older people in Years Two and Three.

    Blending theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, the program covers just about every type of scenario within the human experience. You will learn the interpersonal skills needed to build a positive client alliance which promotes the use of the therapeutic relationship as an organising focus for treatment.

    The program includes a placement in a counselling agency. Your placement allows you to gain practical experience and establish a professional network which may help you secure employment. Upon graduation, you will be entitled to register as a professional counsellor with Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia (PACFA) (*pending approval in Sydney).

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    * Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Discipline Specific requirements

    • Admission into the Bachelor of Counselling requires submission of a personal statement outlining applicant’s motivations and demonstrating suitability to study counselling as per accreditation requirements (including self-awareness, capacity to relate to others and an understanding of ethical behaviour).

    Career

    Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Careers available to graduates include Youth workers, trauma counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, and family counsellors.

    Opportunities and experiences

    At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    You can apply directly to the University and there is no application fee.

    To apply, please complete the online application form and submit it with all supporting documents.

    If you prefer, you can download a print version of the international application form. The application form also contains questions relating to Genuine Temporary Entrant assessment. For more information, please download the International Program Guide.

    • What you'll need to apply

      • Certified copies of your academic basis for entry
      • Certified copies of proof of English language proficiency
      • Certified copy of your proof of citizenship/residency
      • Certified copies of existing Australian visa and/or OSHC (if applicable)
      • Evidence of your ability to pay tuition fees and living expenses while in Australia
    • Admissions process

      Our admissions process comprises four easy steps:

      1. Apply – direct or via an education agent
      2. Receive your offer – successful applicants receive an offer via email
      3. Accept - your offer and make fee payment
      4. Enrol – receive your eCoE and apply for your student visa (if applicable), and enrol at Notre Dame
    Bachelor of Counselling
    The University of Notre Dame Australia
    The University of Notre Dame Australia
    Australia

    Australia, Fremantle

    WhatsApp student consultation with YouApply