Private Training Establishment
Laidlaw College
Bachelor of Counselling (BCouns)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Jul 2023
Campus
Laidlaw College
Summary
The Bachelor of Counselling (BCouns) is a three year degree designed for students who want to integrate Christian faith with a range of sound, well-established counselling theories and practical skills, in order to enter into community, church-based or private practice. The degree has a common core of biblical, theological and philosophical studies which provides a foundation for a deep appreciation of the Scriptures and the outworking of the Gospel in life and professional practice. Formation is a vital component of the BCouns.
Much of the learning happens in personal counselling and in group process, in which all students participate each semester. It is in these groups that deep and enduring formation takes place.
Objectives
The Bachelor of Counselling programme is designed to equip students with a range of counselling skills; teach them to critically engage with a range of counselling theories; and develop their ability to integrate these with a relational theological approach, in order to prepare them for professional practice. It is designed for students who want to integrate Christian faith with a range of sound, well-established counselling theories and practical skills, in order to enter into community, church-based or private practice. The degree has a common core of biblical, theological and philosophical studies which provides a foundation for a deep appreciation of the Scriptures and the outworking of the gospel in life and professional practice.
The programme meets the criteria established for provisional membership of the professional associations for counsellors in New Zealand, the NZAC and the NZCCA. It is made up of 24 courses of 15 credits each, at levels 5, 6 and 7.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BCouns are prepared for professional counselling work in a variety or roles and settings which may include:
- Personal counselling
- Private practice
- Schools
- Family and health support roles
- Community development
- Workplace assistance and chaplaincy
- Christian pastoral work
- Churches
- Social service agencies
- Innovative postgraduate research
Entry criteria
Students must have completed a qualification equivalent to NCEA.
NCEA Equivalence can include:
- University Entrance, A or B Bursary;
- Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia);
- Other NZQA level 3 certificates in similar disciplines to Laidlaw programmes;
- Other NZQA level 4 certificate in a different discipline;
- Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for home-schooled students;
- Reference/support/documentation from employer
All BCouns applicants must be at least 20 years of age on or before the first day of semester in which the proposed programme of study is offered.
ENTRY ASSESSMENT
For applicants who do not meet the above requirements, an Entry Assessment may be required.
- Includes a literacy test.
- Dates for assessment will be advised.
SPECIAL ADMISSION
Possible study options can arise depending on the assessment result:
BCouns applicants
- An offer of entry to a level 4 programme
- Entry to Bachelor of Counselling (if appropriate)
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must have:
- IELTS (academic): 6.5 or higher with minimum 6.0 in all bands OR
- Pearson Test of English (academic): 58
Studying in NZ
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