Bachelor of Psychology

Cairnmillar Institute’s Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling is a TEQSA- and APAC-accredited double-major undergraduate degree that equips students with applied knowledge and practical skills in mental health disciplines. Delivered entirely in-person at the Hawthorn East campus, the program can be completed in three years full-time or extended to six years part-time.

Targeted Curriculum & Real-world Approach

What sets this degree apart is its exclusive focus on mental health—students avoid unrelated general subjects, instead engaging deeply with counselling and psychological theory, human development, social psychology, cognition, and neuroscience. The course blends evidence-informed and reflective practitioner models, ensuring graduates not only understand theory but exemplify ethical, client-centred care.

Immersive Placement Experience

A key highlight is the embedded practicum: students complete at least 40 hours of direct counselling placement during their final year. These placements take place in Cairnmillar’s community clinics or through partnerships with external services, offering invaluable, hands-on clinical exposure.

Career Pathways & Further Study Opportunities

Completion of the three-year degree qualifies graduates to work as counsellors immediately, and provides a strong foundation for further study. Successful students with a strong academic record can progress into an Honours year, paving the way toward becoming a registered psychologist by meeting AHPRA requirements . The program is also designed to align with PACFA accreditation, opening pathways for professional counsellor registration.

Beyond clinical roles, graduates pursue careers in community services, organisational psychology, mental health support, advocacy, research, and communication roles such as media or public relations .

Student Experience & Learning Environment

Students benefit from a boutique learning atmosphere, with small class sizes led by practitioner-researchers who bring industry insight directly into the classroom . This supportive environment fosters critical reflection, ethical practice, and a deeper engagement with mental health work.

Fees, Entry Requirements & Intake

Annual tuition is estimated at AUD 13,340 for domestic students (approx. 40,020 total) and AUD 27,942 per year for international students (approx. 83,825 total). FEE‑HELP is available to eligible domestic students. Entry requires either an ATAR of 60 for Year 12 applicants or mature-aged entry with adequate prior qualifications or experience. Intakes are offered each semester (March and July) .

Summary: Cairnmillar’s Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling delivers a focused, immersive education that fast-tracks students toward counselling practice or further psychology qualifications. With applied learning, accreditation pathways, and a supportive academic environment, it’s a powerful choice for those committed to a career in mental health.