The demand for mental health professionals has never been higher, and the Cairnmillar Institute is addressing this need with its upcoming Bachelor of Counselling in Australia program. This degree is an excellent choice for students passionate about understanding human behavior and providing psychological support. With a well-structured curriculum, strong practical training, and multiple career pathways, this course is designed to prepare graduates for a meaningful career in mental health services.
About the Bachelor of Counselling
Cairnmillar Institute’s Bachelor of Counselling is a three-year full-time undergraduate program (or part-time equivalent). Unlike many other psychology degrees, this program offers a dual major in psychology and counselling, ensuring that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills.
The course is delivered at the Hawthorn East campus and focuses on developing graduates who are workplace-ready, equipped with the skills to work as counsellors, or prepared for further study in psychology.
Course Structure and Key Learning Areas
The curriculum follows both the scientist-practitioner and reflective-practitioner models, ensuring that students develop critical analytical skills, evidence-based knowledge, and hands-on counselling techniques. The coursework covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Fundamental psychological theories
- Counselling techniques and methodologies
- Mental health disorders and treatment approaches
- Ethics and professional issues in psychology and counselling
- Research methods and data analysis
- Developmental, social, and abnormal psychology
This unique combination of psychology and counselling subjects eliminates the need for unrelated elective units, allowing students to focus solely on their professional development in mental health.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the academic entry requirements outlined on Cairnmillar’s official website. These may include:
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with specified prerequisite subjects
- Satisfactory ATAR score (if applicable)
- Mature-aged entry pathways for non-school leavers
- International student requirements including English language proficiency
Some applicants may also be required to participate in an interview process to assess their suitability for the course.
How to Apply
Domestic students must apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), while international students and mature-aged applicants should submit applications directly via the Cairnmillar Application Portal.
Key application dates and deadlines can be found on the institute’s ‘How to Apply’ page, so prospective students are encouraged to check this information early to avoid missing important deadlines.
Fees and Financial Assistance
The tuition fees for this program are:
- Domestic students: $40,020 total
- International students: $83,825 total
Eligible students can access FEE-HELP, although a 20% loan fee applies. Scholarships and other financial aid options may also be available, so it is worth exploring funding opportunities through Cairnmillar’s student services team.
Career Outcomes and Future Pathways
Graduates of this program will have multiple career pathways available, depending on their interests and goals. Upon completing the three-year degree, students will be eligible to work as counsellors in various mental health settings, including:
- Community mental health services
- Private counselling practices
- Educational institutions
- Rehabilitation and crisis intervention centers
- Workplace wellbeing programs
For those who wish to pursue further study, this program also serves as a stepping stone toward postgraduate psychology training, which is required for registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Accreditation and Recognition
This TEQSA-accredited program meets the highest educational standards, ensuring that graduates receive a quality education that aligns with the latest mental health industry demands. Students are encouraged to check with relevant accrediting bodies regarding professional registration requirements based on their chosen career path.
Why Choose Cairnmillar Institute?
There are several reasons why the Cairnmillar Institute stands out as a top choice for studying psychology and counselling:
- Specialist Institution: Focused exclusively on psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy education.
- Industry-Relevant Training: Programs developed by leading mental health professionals.
- Practical Learning Opportunities: Hands-on training in real-world counselling environments.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Small class sizes and strong student support services.
- Flexible Study Options: Ability to study full-time or part-time depending on individual needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a career in psychology and counselling is a rewarding path that allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. The Bachelor of Counselling at Cairnmillar Institute offers an innovative, dual-major program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the mental health sector.
Whether you aim to become a professional counsellor or pursue a career in psychology, this course provides the perfect foundation to achieve your goals.
