Counselling Major - Bachelor of Health Science

Social Services

A course by

AUT

Gain the skills to become a professional counsellor and help people improve their wellbeing with AUT's Counselling major as part of the Bachelor of Health Science.

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Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

Available in 2 locations

It will take a total of 3 years

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Provide professional counselling services

Demonstrate evidence-based counselling skills to support clients with diverse backgrounds in various contexts.

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Understand and apply counselling theories

Apply knowledge of the history, theory, and relational models of counselling to professional practice.

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Bicultural competence and awareness

Engage in bicultural practice, including knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori mental health perspectives.

What You're Signing Up For

The Counselling major in the Bachelor of Health Science at AUT prepares students to work with a diverse client base, supporting individuals to understand themselves, manage feelings, make decisions, and create change. This programme includes practical counselling training, supervised placements, bicultural learning, and understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Graduates are eligible to apply for provisional membership with New Zealand Association of Counsellors.

Course Content

  • History and theory of counselling
  • Relational counselling model
  • Counselling skills and knowledge
  • Lifespan development and communication
  • Group theory and practice
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Health law and policy
  • Mental health and psychopathology
  • Methods of research and enquiry
  • Cultural and social analysis
  • Counselling practice (minimum 200 hours)
  • Supervision (20 hours, including 10 hours cultural supervision)
  • Health and environment or Hauora Māori
  • Optional courses: addiction practice, Māori health, cognitive behavioural approaches, expressive therapies, psychotherapy, counselling children/young people

What you need to know first

University Entrance or equivalent

Relevant life experience (e.g. personal development course, volunteer/peer support work, experience of counselling)

Application and selection process

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Counselling

  • Mental Health

  • Social and Community Services

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Community counselling agencies

  • School counsellors

  • Mental health providers

  • Māori and Pacific health providers

  • Refugee and migrant services