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
- ^First year of the program will be delivered at Moreton Bay in 2021, with subsequent years rolled out incrementally.
- Subject to final PACFA accreditation approval
- ^First year of the program will be delivered at Moreton Bay in 2021, with subsequent years rolled out incrementally.
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 (3) 36 units
PSY100 Marketing Essentials
PSY101 Accounting for Business
PSY102 Information Systems in Organisations
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Business Law
PSY201 Introduction to International Business
PSY202 Cross-Cultural Management
PSY203 Trade and Finance in a Global Economy
PSY204 World of Work: Your Pathway to Employment
PSY205 Business, Governance and Society
PSY300 International Marketing
PSY301 Managing Global Logistics
PSY302 International Business Strategy
PSY303 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY304 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY305 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY306 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY307 Research Methods in Psychology B
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
CRM101 Physiological Psychology
COU101 Introduction to Human Development
COU176 Social Psychology
COU180 Motivation and Emotion
SCS130
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
COU200
COU265
COU300
COU301
COU361
COU362
COU363
COU364
COU381
SWK278
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.