You are here:

HomePsychology & Counselling CoursesBachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)

Start a Fulfilling Career in Counselling

Make a difference in people's lives with this accredited counselling course. You gain the qualification, skills and understanding you need to work effectively as a counsellor in various areas, including:

  • Community counselling
  • Drug and alcohol
  • Women's health
  • Family support
  • Relationship counselling services
  • Private practice

This course meets the training standards of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Upon graduation, you may apply for membership of a PACFA member association - earning you professional recognition at a national level.

Delivered by Jansen Newman Institute (JNI), experts in counselling and psychotherapy education, this course focuses on practical training while providing a solid grounding in the relevant theory. It includes both clinical work and fieldwork placement, ensuring that you graduate with valuable experience and industry contacts.

Quick Course Guide
Qualification Undergraduate degree Start dates 3 start dates a year - enquire now about upcoming start dates
Course length 3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Pre-requisites School leavers: minimum ATAR 63.4 or equivalent
Mature age students: over 21 years of age with relevant work experience
Delivery method On campus or online Assessment Exams, video presentations, assignments & report writing
Delivered by Jansen Newman Institute (JNI) Finance options FEE-HELP available

Back to top


Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) Course Structure

There are 24 units in this course.

Level 100 Units

  • Understanding societies: An introduction to social analysis
  • Introduction to social theories: Sociological theory and practice
  • Introduction to social research methods
  • Developing social policy
  • Understanding human behaviour across the lifespan: An introduction to psychology
  • Theories of counselling
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Health and well-being

Level 200 Units

  • Applied counselling practice 1
  • Mediation and conflict management
  • Advanced social research methods
  • Applied counselling practice 2
  • Applied counselling practice 3
  • Relationship counselling
  • Counselling placement 1
  • Elective

Level 300 Units

  • Ethics, professionalism and reflective practice
  • Action-based research project
  • Evaluating approaches to counselling
  • Applied counselling practice 4
  • Use, abuse and addiction
  • Counselling placement 2
  • Two electives
Icon of a pen on paper

Early Exit Qualifications

If you leave this course after completing all Level 100 units, you may be eligible for the Diploma of Applied Social Science qualification.

If you leave this course after completing all Level 100 and Level 200 units, you may be eligible for the Associate Degree of Applied Social Science (Counselling) qualification.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more details.

Back to top


Skills You'll Gain

Upon graduation, you'll be able to:

  • Apply specific counselling modalities and interventions to meet the needs of clients
  • Explain mental health and the impact of mental ill health on individuals and families
  • Respond to human diversity and establish working relationships with clients
  • Apply effective counselling interventions with people presenting with alcohol, drug abuse and addiction
  • Apply constructive methods to the facilitation of change
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling
  • Refer clients to other health professionals as appropriate

Graduate Job-ready

JNI focuses on experiential learning, so you gain both theoretical and practical skills during your course.

This counselling course includes 160 hours of work placement, with at least 40 hours of face-to-face clinical work. This component of your course gives you the opportunity to work with real clients, so you establish contacts even before you graduate.

JNI has clinics across Sydney and has partnerships with a range of external organisations where you can complete your work placement. JNI also has a full-time Clinical Placement Coordinator who may be able to assist you in securing placements. Those living outside Sydney can undertake work placement in their local area, subject to JNI's approval.

This course also includes workshops where you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice. These workshops are compulsory and are held in Sydney (at the JNI campus) and Brisbane, giving you a valuable opportunity to meet your lecturers and other students face-to-face.

For more information, contact a SEEK Learning consultant now.

Back to top


Flexible Study

This course is delivered on campus in Sydney and online, and can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or 6 years part-time.

There are three start dates each year. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant now for upcoming start dates or for more information.

If you're studying online, you'll receive all your study materials by mail before your course begins. These are designed to let you learn anywhere, while you schedule your study times to suit your needs.

Units are delivered through a state-of-the-art learning portal that has been purpose built for JNI. Each unit is facilitated by a dedicated online lecturer who guides the learning process and provides academic support.

Please note that you will need to attend a number of workshops in Sydney or Brisbane during the course of your study.


Study Now, Pay as You Earn

Almost every Australian citizen is eligible for Government assistance through the FEE-HELP program. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront, but can pay for your course as you earn.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant to find out more about how you can study now and pay as you earn with FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible for Austudy or Abstudy.

Back to top


Outstanding Support and Resources

JNI offers a high level of support to assist you in reaching your goals. Course advisers and mentors are on hand to provide you with personalised support.

You learn in a supportive, nurturing environment, with classes led by dedicated lecturers who are recognised specialists in their chosen field.

Online students receive:

  • Personalised support via email or telephone throughout your course
  • One-on-one support to help you establish goals, create study plans and develop sound study skills
  • Extensive guidance resources

All students have access to one of the largest online libraries in Australia, with over 70 million articles available.


About Jansen Newman Institute (JNI)

JNI enjoys a strong reputation within the counselling and psychotherapy sectors, producing graduates who are highly qualified and ready to change lives.

The Institute is renowned for encouraging personal development, giving you the confidence you need to start a fulfilling career helping others.

Jansen Newman Institute (JNI) is a trading name of Think: Colleges Pty Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEEK Ltd.

Find out more about JNI.

Enquire Now button

Enquire now for more course details, including fees and career options.

Get Started Now!
question mark inside a think bubble
Get Started now
to get more information or enrol
Free Call 1800 89 1011
9am - 5.30pm AEST Mon - Fri to speak to a SEEK Learning consultant

Affordable Study

This course qualifies for FEE-HELP, meaning you can study now and pay as you earn. Enquire now.


Course Providers Include: