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.
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
Core skills this course teaches
Provide professional counselling services
Demonstrate evidence-based counselling skills to support clients with diverse backgrounds in various contexts.
Understand and apply counselling theories
Apply knowledge of the history, theory, and relational models of counselling to professional practice.
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
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Counselling
Mental Health
Social and Community Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Community counselling agencies
School counsellors
Mental health providers