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 Principles of Nutrition
PSY101 Active Lifestyle Nutrition
PSY102 Public Health Nutrition
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Food, Nutrition and Menu Design
PSY201 Nutrition Communication
PSY202 Project Management for Nutrition Practice
PSY203 Food and the Consumer
PSY204 Complementary Approaches to Food and Nutrition
PSY205 Nutrition Practicum
PSY300 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
PSY301 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends
PSY302 Communication and Thought
PSY303 Creativity, Design and Communication Project
PSY304 Cell Biology
PSY305 Science Research Methods
PSY306 Discovering Science
PSY307 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
Counselling courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
CRM101 Biodiversity and Ecology
COU101 Chemistry
COU176 Introductory Calculus
COU180 Health Promotion Principles
SCS130 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
COU200 Public Health Foundations
COU265 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
COU300 Quantitative Research Methods
COU301 Introduction to Behavioural Health
COU361 Health Promotion Settings
COU362 Research in Health Care
COU363 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
COU364 Health Promotion Professional Learning I (Virtual)
COU381 Introduction to Psychology A
SWK278 Introduction to Psychology B
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.