Bachelor of Counselling
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.
The minimum period of study is three years full-time or an equivalent part-time (a part-time option is only available after consultation with the Programme Leader).
The BCouns is currently offered in Henderson and Christchurch.
Click here to view or download a programme summary.
Click here for information about admissions requirements for the BCouns. For any other information, please refer to the academic handbook on the left side panel (see e-book).
Programme Summary
| LEVEL | 7, 360 credits |
| DURATION | Full-time for three years (part-time options may be available at the discretion of the Programme Leader. Please contact the Admissions Office in the first instance) |
| STARTS | February and July (part-time) |
| PLACES | Open – selection criteria apply |
| CAMPUS | Henderson, Christchurch |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BCouns are prepared for professional counselling work in a variety or roles and settings which may include:
- Schools
- Family and health support roles
- Community development
- Workplace assistance and chaplaincy
- Private practice
- Christian pastoral work
- Churches
- Social service agencies
- Innovative postgraduate research
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.
"“I am so impressed with the way that the Bachelor of Counselling is forming me as a professional counsellor. I feel equipped to walk alongside people in their own adversities because I feel that I am receiving great quality teaching and experiential practice."
Eva Jones - Counselling Student
Programme Requirements
The BCouns is a three-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme. It is made up of 20 courses of 15 credits each and 2 courses of 30 credits each, at levels 5, 6, and 7.
Subject to NZQA approval, the courses will be:
Timetables
Click on the relevant campus timetable to find out when the various courses are taking place.
Key Dates
