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Undergraduate

Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling Practice)

Domestic students
Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling Practice) (BHCP)
Entry requirements
ATAR 65.60
View full details
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 3 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Jan, May
Intakes

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Overview

  • If you are passionate about helping people, then our Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling) will put you on the right path to working with your community.
  • This major equips you with in-demand counselling skills to support people who are experiencing social or economic vulnerability.
  • You will gain insight into therapeutic lenses, foster cultural safety and responsiveness, and undertake trauma-informed practice. 
  • Learn from experienced counsellors and gain industry experience through 500 hours of supervised field education placement courses. 
  • This degree can be a stepping-stone for further postgraduate studies in counselling, further expanding your knowledge base and career opportunities.

Further study

Upon successful graduation, you can go on to study the two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying) or the Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Completion of these postgraduate qualifications can lead to enrolment in a PhD.

Thinking of studying in 2024? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

Professional accreditation

The Bachelor of Human Services is externally accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), the professional body for qualified community workers in Australia. Students who successfully complete this degree, including professional placement requirements (fieldwork), will be eligible to apply for ACWA membership, subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the ACWA.

Career outcomes

  • You can provide counselling skills and support across the lifespan; to children, adults and families who are experiencing challenges in their lives.  
  • Graduates will be able to work in various fields of practice where counselling is provided including child and youth work, mental health and substance use, and domestic and family violence. 
  • Work within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry; one of the largest Australian workforces with continued strong growth predicted (National Skills Commission 2023). 

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

Recent secondary education

Adjusted Entry score including adjustment factors (additional points given in certain circumstances). Unadjusted Entry score not including adjustment factors.
ATAR The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank used to assess the results of high-school applicants for undergraduate entry into university. 65.60 -

Pre-requisites

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C) 

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

Further admission information

Adjustments are additional points given in certain circumstances that may increase your Rank. Find out if you qualify for any adjustment factor pathways such as educational disadvantage where you live, and subjects you passed.

UniSQ is committed to greater admissions transparency. Learn more about the education and work experience, as well as average Ranks for this degree's student cohort from the previous year.

Tafe (VET) qualification

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you may be able to use these qualifications to meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

Work and life experience

You may be able to use your work experience and other adjustment factors to increase your selection rank and meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Inherent requirements

There are inherent requirements that must be met in order to successfully complete this degree. Inherent requirements are fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the degree, while maintaining the academic integrity of the degree.

Additional requirements for placements

All students must provide the following documents prior to commencing clinical placements:

  • Blue Card or Working with Children Check
  • Australian Federal Police Check certificate
  • Health check and vaccinations as required.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

If you identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible to enter the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 24 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 8
Extended major courses (incl. 2 x 2-unit professional placement courses) 12
8 x elective courses 4
Total 24

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Residential schools

You will need to undertake mandatory on-campus residential schools at UniSQ Ipswich as part of ACWA accreditation requirements. You’ll engage with academics and peers in simulated learning experiences to set yourself up for the many environments that you will work in.

The residential schools provide an opportunity to prepare for your professional placements in human service organisations by developing your evidence-based learning, role-playing with your peers, and using a variety of learning and teaching technologies.

Professional experience / placements

All students are required to undertake 500 hours of mandatory supervised professional placement within diverse human services settings and contexts of practice.

Other majors

Child and Family Practice is another extended major you can choose in the Bachelor of Human Services.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 16323
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 26320

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2024. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Professional experience costs

This degree includes a professional experience component that may involve travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Apply via QTAC

Apply via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) if you:

  • have never studied with UniSQ before, or
  • are a Year 12 student, or
  • want to transfer to UniSQ from another university.
Mode QTAC Codes
External 909325
Toowoomba 909321

Copy your QTAC code and continue through to the QTAC website to complete your application.

Apply through QTAC

If you are applying via QTAC, please check our application closing dates.

Apply directly to UniSQ

You may be able to apply directly to UniSQ if you:

  • are a current or previous UniSQ student returning to study with complete or incomplete qualifications (excluding Head Start students), or
  • have recently graduated from TAFE.
Apply direct to UniSQ

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2024  Monday 22 January Monday 15 January Monday 22 January Friday 26 April 
Trimester 2, 2024 Monday 13 May Monday 6 May Monday 13 May  Friday 16 August

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2024

Talk to us
What do you learn when studying a Bachelor of Human Services Counselling Practice?
Our human services counselling degree equips you with in-demand counselling skills to support people experiencing social or economic vulnerability. You'll gain insights into therapeutic lenses, foster cultural safety and responsiveness, and undertake trauma-informed practice. The degree also includes 500 hours of supervised field education placement, providing real-world experience.
Why UniSQ?
UniSQ's approach combines academic excellence with practical experience, ensuring you're well-prepared for your career. We focus on fostering cultural safety and responsiveness, crucial in today's diverse society. Our experienced counsellors as educators bring real-world insights into your learning. You’ll also have access to industry-leading equipment, learning facilities and staff.
Is there any professional accreditation for this degree?
Yes, our Psychology and Human Services Bachelor of Human Services is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Completing this degree, including professional placement requirements, makes you eligible to apply for ACWA membership.
What are the entry requirements for completing a Bachelor of Human Services Counselling Practice?

For entry into UniSQ’s Bachelor of Human Services Counselling Practice you will need to meet a minimum ATAR score and assumed knowledge. This degree also has inherent requirements that must be met to successfully complete this degree.

For further information, please view the entry requirements section of this page.

If you don't meet these requirements, we have a pathway option available for you.  

What are the career opportunities for graduates with a degree in human services counselling?

Graduates who hold a Bachelor of Human Service Counselling Practice can look forward to a variety of career opportunities in many sectors, including:

  • child and youth work
  • mental health
  • substance abuse
  • domestic and family violence

Work within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry; once of the largest Australian workforces with continued strong growth predicted (National Skills Commission, 2023). 

Are flexible study options available?

Yes! At UniSQ you can study our Bachelor of Human Services Counselling Practice as an external student, learning your subject theory online and attend campus when required for practical experience. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, allowing you to balance your degree with work and life commitments.

Discover the different ways you can study at UniSQ.