Associate Degree of Counselling

CRICOS 114817M

About this course

The Associate Degree of Counselling prepares students to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and significantly enhances their counselling, professional and spiritual foundations. Students form a vision of the counsellor that reflects both individual and relational work, supportive and intensive therapies, psychological competence and theological congruence. The course requires a consistent commitment to supervision and personal and professional integration. 

  • Study Mode: Full Time, Part Time,

  • Credit Points: 72 (8 units)

  • Award Level: AQF Level 6

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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Perth Bible College
  • WA
  • Domestic
  • International

Course Details

Admission to the Associate Degree of Counselling requires:

  • Satisfactorily completed an AQF 5 Diploma of Counselling (or equivalent) from an institution recognised by the Academic Board; OR
  • AND satisfactorily completes a pre-enrolment interview with a relevant course advisor. 

 

English Proficiency

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) overall score of at least 6.0 with no subtest below 5.5.

The Associate Degree of Counselling requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) which will include:

 

  • Five units (45 credit points) from the field of Counselling within the discipline of Christian Life and Ministry
  • at least 9 credit points in the discipline of Biblical Studies OR the sub- discipline of Pastoral Theology
  • a further 18 credit points (two units) from the list of approved units.

 

 

All course units will be taken from Sydney College of Divinity Schedule of units of study coded within the 6100 series and above.

Knowledge

Graduates will have: 

  • a deep understanding of themselves as counsellors. 
  • developing theoretical knowledge in the discipline of counselling. 
  • an understanding of the theories of ethical counselling. 
  • an ability to utilise contemporary research in counselling practices. 

 

Skills

Graduates will have:

  • well-developed counselling skills to work with clients of low to moderate needs. 
  • communication skills that build empathic relationships with clients. 
  • the ability to identify appropriate ways to support clients. 

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to: 

  • apply client spirituality into the counselling experience from an ethical perspective with a critical understanding of Christian worldviews. 
  • apply theological and professional reflection to their practice. 
  • apply professional practice in counselling with diverse people in a range of contexts.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students who complete the Associate Degree of Counselling may articulate into the Bachelor of Counselling of the Sydney College of Divinity and receive 144 credit points towards the completion of the award.

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Associate Degree of Counselling.

 

Credit will be granted for units that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Associate Degree of Counselling.

The Associate Degree of Counselling is offered through the individual colleges and an application for admission must be made to the Registrar of the teaching institution. Not all majors and sub-majors are available at all Teaching Bodies. However, students may be able to complete a desired major or sub-major by completing units offered at another Teaching Body.

 

A student is designated as full-time if enrolled in 27 credit points or more in a semester, or the equivalent in a trimester. Sydney College of Divinity offers a wide range of units and students have the option to study one or more units across the colleges delivering Sydney College of Divinity awards, whilst enrolled with one college.

 

If you have any questions email us at [email protected]