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)
COR109 Advanced Soil Mechanics
PSY100 Concrete Structures and Technology
PSY101 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Systems
PSY102 Engineering Hydrology
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Reservoir and Stormwater Engineering
PSY201 Design of Wastewater Treatment Systems
PSY202 Design of Water Supply Systems
PSY203 Introduction to Weather and Climate
PSY204 Applied Geospatial Analysis
PSY205 Applied Systems Modelling
PSY300 Chemistry
PSY301 Communication and Thought
PSY302 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY303 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY304 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY305 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY306 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY307 Physiological Psychology
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (4)
COU101 Introduction to Human Development
COU176 Social Psychology
COU180 Motivation and Emotion
SCS130 Advanced Methods in Psychology
Advanced courses (10)
COU200 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
COU265 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
COU300 Personality and Assessment
COU301 Human Associative Learning
COU361 Abnormal Psychology
COU362 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
COU363 Adult Development and Ageing
COU364 Theories of Counselling: From Freud to Integrative Practice
COU381 Group Processes and Practice
SWK278 Introductory Counselling Skills
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)
- 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. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression