Bachelor of Psychology majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BPSYC

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Non-tuition fees

SATAC code

ABP196

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry scores

2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):B,B,B Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):70

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Psychology?

Great counsellors are a light in the dark. They help people navigate some of life’s most challenging experiences – the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, recovery from trauma or other significant life transitions.

In a workplace setting, counsellors can help with mediation, conflict resolution or vocational assessments.

Our Bachelor of Psychology majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills gives you the best of both worlds. With a unique blend of core psychology and specialist counselling courses, you’ll be well prepared for a career in counselling-related fields. Or, with further study, you could become a registered counsellor or psychologist.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Psychology majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills provides you with a foundational understanding of the broad ideas, principles, theories, and methods essential to psychology.

The counselling and interpersonal skills major helps you zoom in further, developing the knowledge, skills and qualities necessary to provide tailored support to people and communities.

You’ll study a mix of courses covering developmental psychology, counselling and interpersonal skills, psychological theory, research methods and more. Practical learning is a key focus of this degree. Through hands-on community service activities and placements, you’ll gain valuable practical experience to help you prepare for the workforce.

Being able to connect with and support people navigating a range of circumstances are key skills for a range of people-focused sectors including education, human resources, family services, crisis intervention, career coaching or community development organisations.

For those interested in becoming a registered psychologist, further study is required through the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).

Key features

Master psychology and counselling concepts, theories, principles and methods.
Explore counselling skills, interpersonal communication and community engagement with specialised courses.
Apply your understanding of human behaviour in variety of real-world contexts.
Gain practical experience in diverse community settings through professional placements.
Continue your journey towards professional registration through our Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).

What you'll learn

Our Bachelor of Psychology covers core psychology theories, principles, methods and skills. The counselling and interpersonal skills major focuses on developing the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups, and communities.

You’ll study courses in health and developmental psychology, helping you understand how people grow and stay healthy across their lifespan. Supporting this, you’ll also learn about cognition and language, social psychology, counselling, and communicating in social work and human services settings.

Throughout your studies, you'll broaden your cultural awareness and interpersonal abilities while developing your expertise in critical and analytical thinking, data management and research – skills that employers look for and value.

In your final year, you’ll undertake an industry placement in a community organisation where you’ll gain practical experience alongside important industry connections.

Majors

The Bachelor of Psychology is also available with majors in the following:

Cognitive Neuroscience.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

90 to 96 units for Core courses, and
Either:
36 to 48 units for one Major from Majors, or
48 units from Electives, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning

Complete 90 to 96 units comprising:

84 units for all Program core, and
6 to 12 units for all Common core

	Course code	Units
Course name Introductory Psychology Research Methods	Course code PSYC1000	Units 6
Course name Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC1001	Units 6
Course name Psychology for Social Contexts	Course code PSYC1002	Units 6
Course name Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC1003	Units 6
Course name Insights into Data and Research in Psychology	Course code PSYC2000	Units 6
Course name Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC2001	Units 6
Course name Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC2003	Units 6
Course name Career Development in Psychology	Course code PSYC2009	Units 6
Course name Psychology for Global Challenges	Course code PSYC2010	Units 6
Course name Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC3001	Units 6
Course name Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC3003	Units 6
Course name Advanced Research Methods in Psychology	Course code PSYC3007	Units 6
Course name Psychology for Organisations and Communities	Course code PSYC3011	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology	Course code PSYC1012	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name An Ethically Rich Life	Course code COREX001	Units 6
Course name Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone	Course code COREX002	Units 6
Course name Igniting Change: Ideas to Action	Course code COREX003	Units 6
Course name Proppa Ways, Future Practice	Course code COREX004	Units 6
Course name Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry	Course code COREX005	Units 6
Course name Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing	Course code COREX006	Units 6

Notes

1. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and to have completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to undertaking this course. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, National Police Check, Responding to Abuse and Neglect training, or recognised First Aid Certificate.

2. Students planning to apply for an Honours in Psychology year, either at Adelaide University or at another Australian university, must select and successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course, PSYC3007 - Advanced Research Methods in Psychology. Specialist Psychology Courses are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. See the program specific electives list for options.

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC1001	Units 6
	Course name Psychology for Social Contexts	Course code PSYC1002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Psychology Research Methods	Course code PSYC1000	Units 6
	Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC1003	Units 6
	Course name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology	Course code PSYC1012	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Foundations	Course code PSYC1005	Units 6
	Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Insights into Data and Research in Psychology	Course code PSYC2000	Units 6
	Course name Career Development in Psychology	Course code PSYC2009	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Skills	Course code PSYC2005	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Global Challenges	Course code PSYC2010	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC2003	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC2001	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Interventions	Course code SOWK2000	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Research Methods in Psychology	Course code PSYC3007	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC3001	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC3003	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Organisations and Communities	Course code PSYC3011	Units 6
	Course name Working with Community	Course code SOWK2001	Units 6
	Course name Work Integrated Learning in Psychology	Course code PSYC3900	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Counselling Foundations	Course code PSYC1005	Units 6
Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Course name Counselling Skills	Course code PSYC2005	Units 6
Course name Counselling Interventions	Course code SOWK2000	Units 6
Course name Working with Community	Course code SOWK2001	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC1001	Units 6
	Course name Psychology for Social Contexts	Course code PSYC1002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Psychology Research Methods	Course code PSYC1000	Units 6
	Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC1003	Units 6
	Course name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology	Course code PSYC1012	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Foundations	Course code PSYC1005	Units 6
	Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Insights into Data and Research in Psychology	Course code PSYC2000	Units 6
	Course name Career Development in Psychology	Course code PSYC2009	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Skills	Course code PSYC2005	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Global Challenges	Course code PSYC2010	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC2003	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC2001	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Interventions	Course code SOWK2000	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Research Methods in Psychology	Course code PSYC3007	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC3001	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC3003	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Organisations and Communities	Course code PSYC3011	Units 6
	Course name Working with Community	Course code SOWK2001	Units 6
	Course name Work Integrated Learning in Psychology	Course code PSYC3900	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Work Integrated Learning in Psychology	Course code PSYC3900	Units 6

Notes

1. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and to have completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to undertaking this course. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, National Police Check, Responding to Abuse and Neglect training, or recognised First Aid Certificate.

2. Students planning to apply for an Honours in Psychology year, either at Adelaide University or at another Australian university, must select and successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course, PSYC3007 - Advanced Research Methods in Psychology. Specialist Psychology Courses are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. See the program specific electives list for options.

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC1001	Units 6
	Course name Psychology for Social Contexts	Course code PSYC1002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Psychology Research Methods	Course code PSYC1000	Units 6
	Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC1003	Units 6
	Course name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology	Course code PSYC1012	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Foundations	Course code PSYC1005	Units 6
	Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Insights into Data and Research in Psychology	Course code PSYC2000	Units 6
	Course name Career Development in Psychology	Course code PSYC2009	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Skills	Course code PSYC2005	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Global Challenges	Course code PSYC2010	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC2003	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC2001	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Interventions	Course code SOWK2000	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Research Methods in Psychology	Course code PSYC3007	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC3001	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC3003	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Organisations and Communities	Course code PSYC3011	Units 6
	Course name Working with Community	Course code SOWK2001	Units 6
	Course name Work Integrated Learning in Psychology	Course code PSYC3900	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6

Complete exactly 48 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6
Course name Elective 2	Course code AUXX1012	Units 6
Course name Elective 3	Course code AUXX1013	Units 6
Course name Elective 4	Course code AUXX1014	Units 6
Course name Elective 5	Course code AUXX1015	Units 6
Course name Elective 6	Course code AUXX1016	Units 6
Course name Elective 7	Course code AUXX1017	Units 6
Course name Elective 8	Course code AUXX1018	Units 6

Notes

1. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and to have completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to undertaking this course. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, National Police Check, Responding to Abuse and Neglect training, or recognised First Aid Certificate.

2. Students planning to apply for an Honours in Psychology year, either at Adelaide University or at another Australian university, must select and successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course, PSYC3007 - Advanced Research Methods in Psychology. Specialist Psychology Courses are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. See the program specific electives list for options.

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC1001	Units 6
	Course name Psychology for Social Contexts	Course code PSYC1002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Psychology Research Methods	Course code PSYC1000	Units 6
	Course name Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	Course code SOWK1001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC1003	Units 6
	Course name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology	Course code PSYC1012	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Foundations	Course code PSYC1005	Units 6
	Course name Group Work	Course code PSYC1009	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Insights into Data and Research in Psychology	Course code PSYC2000	Units 6
	Course name Career Development in Psychology	Course code PSYC2009	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Skills	Course code PSYC2005	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Global Challenges	Course code PSYC2010	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC2003	Units 6
	Course name Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC2001	Units 6
	Course name Counselling Interventions	Course code SOWK2000	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Research Methods in Psychology	Course code PSYC3007	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition	Course code PSYC3001	Units 6
	Course name Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC3003	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Psychology for Organisations and Communities	Course code PSYC3011	Units 6
	Course name Working with Community	Course code SOWK2001	Units 6
	Course name Work Integrated Learning in Psychology	Course code PSYC3900	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6

Career outcomes

Counsellors and psychologists play a pivotal role in enhancing people’s mental health, wellbeing, and overall functioning. Individuals with the ability to connect with people on a deeper level to effect positive change are highly sought after by a range of people-focused organisations and teams.

You could provide professional development support to early-career staff. Maybe you’ll work with cities or neighbourhoods to develop social programs for adults living with learning difficulties. Or perhaps you’ll support reunification programs for children and families affected by state intervention.

With its focus on fit-for-purpose counselling strategies, our Bachelor of Psychology majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills provides an exceptional foundation for a career in a range of diverse settings, including:

Education
Business and human resources
Government and non-profit organisations
Family services
Crisis intervention services
Private coaching or consulting.

For those interested in becoming a registered counsellor or psychologist, further study is required. Continue the journey with our Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills before completing a master’s degree in counselling or psychology.

Industry trends

It’s estimated that 50% of the global population will develop at least one mental health disorder in their lifetime (McGrath et al, 2023). In Australia, one in every three psychologists have closed their books and are unable to take on new clients. With demand now outstripping supply, the need for qualified mental health professionals has never been greater (Australian Psychological Society, 2022).

With a qualification in counselling and psychology from Adelaide University, you’ll be prepared to join this growing and vital sector and make a real difference to people’s mental health.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.

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Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:

Case studies
Essays and assignments
Examinations
Group projects
Internships and placements
Practicals
Presentations
Reports and project documentations
Research projects
Workplace and classroom contributions.

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Bachelor of Psychology majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills