Study online for a degree in counselling

Bachelor of Applied Counselling (Level 7)

Programme highlights

Do friends and family turn to you for help?

Turn your passion for supporting the people you care about into a rewarding career as a counsellor.

Study counselling with MIT and you'll learn how to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and your community.

It doesn't matter if you're coming straight from school, changing careers or returning to the workforce, you can study our Bachelor of Applied Counselling (Level 7).

This programme is offered via a blended delivery model which is made up of online learning, compulsory week-long workshop attendance and a practicum component.

Māori and Pasifika pathways

If you are of Māori or Pasifika descent then you also have access to Te Ara Oranga while studying this programme.

Te Ara Oranga will support you to succeed in a way that suits your needs and you will get connected with industry, opening doors to your health career pathway.

Learn more

IT requirements

To complete this degree you will need to have access to a computer and the internet to retrieve course materials, undertake assessments and to participate in the courses online activities.

Please note: In accordance with the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021, Covid vaccinations are mandatory for workers in the healthcare sector.  Placement is a compulsory component of MIT’s healthcare programmes.  To go on placement in this sector, students will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to MIT. Students that hold a medical exemption that prevents them from being vaccinated are permitted to work in the healthcare sector, but will have limited placement opportunities in that sector. Students that are not vaccinated, or that do not wish to share their vaccination status with MIT, will not be able to go on placement in the healthcare sector. If you hold a medical exemption, or if you are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination to MIT, your placement opportunities will accordingly be limited and MIT cannot guarantee availability with placement providers.  If this applies to you, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.

Key facts

Start month(s)

February, July
Study location(s)

Online plus workshops at MIT Manukau
Level 7
Domestic fees

$7,100 (approx.) per year

Click here to see individual course fees

See Key information for students
Youth Guarantee (fees-free*)

Not available

Click here to find out more
Programme code MN4558
Duration

Full-time for 3 years (34 teaching weeks per year), part-time available.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 8 years.
Study method

Full-time, Part-time
Online study and support with four one-week workshops and practicums in year 2 and 3.
Credits 360
International fees Not available to international students
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship (fees-free*)

Not available

Click here to find out more
Qualification leads to

Bachelor of Applied Counselling (Level 7)

Entry requirements

All applicants must provide two character references attesting the candidate’s suitability for working as a counsellor; and

All applicants are required to declare whether they have been convicted of, or are being prosecuted for, a criminal offence. The Police Vetting Process will reveal all criminal convictions.

Students will be advised of the following:

Please be aware that if you are going to be working with children, in certain circumstances some specified offences are not permitted, pursuant to the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. We recommend that you fully disclose all convictions to MIT prior to enrolment, so that we can discuss the potential implications on your eligibility to participate fully in your course of studies, including the practicum and your likely eligibility/suitability for employment once you graduate; and

Applicants may be required to provide a health declaration that they are emotionally, mentally and physically capable of undertaking the demands of the counselling programme as required in the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Code of Ethics (revised 2016 ) (see http://www.nzac.org.nz/code_of_ethics.cfm). Further reports may be requested with the consent of the Applicant.

Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission into the programme
  • NCEA Level 3 University Entrance or equivalent:
    • Three subjects - at Level 3, made up of:
      • 14 credits each, from three approved subjects;
      • Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
        • 5 Credits in reading;
        • 5 credits in writing
      • Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of;
        • Achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects; or
        • Unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 - all three required)

    OR

    • Successfully completed a minimum of 60 credits at level 4 in the areas of Social Science, Health Sciences or Education e.g. New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 4 (Strands in Social Services, Mental Health and Addiction Support, Community Health Work).

Applicants, 20 years of ages and over ideally will meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirement, but feel that they have the skills or experience to be successful in this.

English language entry requirements

Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English.

Any Applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency as follows:

Have English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicant whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an-overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.5) or equivalent achieved within the preceding 2 years.

This will be demonstrated by meeting the current NZQA requirements.  For the minimum English language requirements refer to the following website http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/programme-approval-and-accreditation/app-2/the-table/ and http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/programme-approval-and-accreditation/8/18/

Regulatory requirements

Not applicable.

Interviews

In accordance with NZAC's criteria for the selection of counselling personnel, all applicants will be interviewed to determine personal, academic and professional readiness to study professional counselling.

Provisional entry

Students who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme or training scheme may be eligible to be enrolled. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School. Students who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements may also be eligible to be enrolled in exceptional circumstances where they can demonstrate capability for study at the required level. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School.

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below 21 courses (360 credits):

Level 5

661.509 Whakatō: Foundations of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi in Practice (15 credits)

As Counsellor educators, we are committed to the advancement of ‘indigenous & bicultural professional practice contextualised within Aotearoa New Zealand.  You will demonstrate your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to the counselling sector in this introductory course.

752.571 Professional Counselling Practice (15 credits)

Introduces you to self-reflective practice and prepares you for practicum in level 6.  While studying this course, you will have to consider where you would like to do your practicum placement that fits in with your life and work commitments. This will need to be approved by the practicum co-ordinator.

752.572 Introduction to Counselling 1 (30 credits)

Introduces you to the practice and skills of counselling. During WOT week there is a special emphasis on the development of your counselling skills.

752.573 Introduction to Counselling 2 (15 credits)

Continues your development of selected approaches for counselling practice and integrates these with practice skills developed in Introduction to Counselling 1.

752.575 Introduction to Human Development (15 credits)

This course introduces you to human development theories and concepts that underpin counselling practice.

752.576 Introduction to Psychology (15 credits)

Introduces you to a range of psychological theories, frameworks and concepts that underpin counselling practice and allow the development of a greater understanding of the social world in which you live.

752.577 Diversity and Sociological Principles (15 credits)

You will explore differences and sociological perspectives within the context of a New Zealand society. The effects of difference are examined at the level of personal and professional practice.

Level 6

661.605 Whakatupu: Development of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi in Practice (15 credits)

Building upon knowledge and skills acquired from Whakato.  You will continue to develop your own analysis of colonisation and how the process impacted on Māori society.

752.659 Working with Children and Young People (15 credits)

In this course, you will develop a cooperative learning environment in which you practice and develop your skills and knowledge in working with children and young people.

752.662 Addiction and Mental Health (15 credits)

You will develop an understanding of theory and practice for using interventions with addiction issues.

752.663 Working with Trauma (15 credits)

This course explores the effects trauma has on peoples' development in relation to their psyche, body, relationships, work and spirituality.

763.614 Counselling Theory and Practice A (40 practical hours) (15 credits)

You will demonstrate integration of theory to practice for initial stages of counselling practice. Includes 40 hours of Practicum.

763.615 Counselling Theory and Practice B (60 practical hours) (15 credits)

You will demonstrate integration of theory to practice for all stages of counselling practice. Includes 60 hours of Practicum.

763.616 Creative and Expressive Approaches to Counselling (15 credits)

In this course, you explore the theoretical basis and practical activities for the use of expressive therapies in counselling in an integrative approach which draws from creative arts therapies, including use of art, music, movement, therapeutic writing and symbols.

763.617 Counselling Interventions in Practice (15 credits)

You will develop an understanding of theory and practice in relation to using interventions.

Level 7

661.703 Whakatinana: Implementing Te Tiriti ō Waitangi based Practice (15 credits)

This course consolidates previous Te Tiriti o Waitangi based courses learnt in the Bachelor of Applied Counselling and teaches you how to apply treaty-based practice approaches to counselling practice.

752.712 Presentation and Review of Counselling Practice (50 practical hours) (15 credits)

You will develop and synthesise integration of theory, practice and self-awareness into your counselling practice.

752.713 Development of Counselling Practice (50 practical hours) (30 credits)

You will develop and synthesise reflective practice in relation to counselling work.

752.714 Working with Relationships/Families/Whānau (15 credits)

This course will introduce you to theory and practical skills for working with couples and families/whānau.

762.705 Social Research (15 credits)

This course will assist you to undertake small research projects.

763.712 Developing Issues Focused Practice (30 credits)

You will develop an in-depth understanding and skills for working with some key issues that you are likely to encounter in practice.

Key dates and timetables

To find the key dates and timetables (including WOT weeks) of this programme, please view the health and counselling calendar.

Career opportunities

Counselling individuals, families and groups in the community.

Counsellors may have clients in mental health services, aged care, child protection, disability services, schools, prisons, hospitals, religious groups and in any other relevant community service. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.

Key information for students

Bachelor of Applied Counselling (Level 7)

Entry requirements
Minimum requirements [?] Any minimum or preferred criteria for entry to this qualification. This section states the minimum regulations for the programme. Additional regulations which exceed those below may be incorporated by an accredited organisation. 9.1 Admission 9.1.1 General All Applicants must provide two character references attesting the candidate's suitability for working as a counsellor. AND All applicants are required to declare whether they have been convicted of, or are being prosecuted for, a criminal offence. The Police Vetting Process will reveal all criminal convictions. Students will be advised of the following: Please be aware that if you are going to be working with children, in certain circumstances some specified offences are not permitted, pursuant to the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. We recommend that you fully disclose all convictions to MIT prior to enrolment, so that we can discuss the potential implications on your eligibility to participate fully in your course of studies, including the practicum and your likely eligibility/suitability for employment once you graduate. AND Applicants may be required to provide a health declaration that they are emotionally, mentally and physically capable of undertaking the demands of the counselling programme as required in the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Code of Ethics (revised 2016) (see http://www.nzac.org.nz/code_of_ethics.cfm). Further reports may be requested with the consent of the Applicant.Further reports may be requested with the consent of the Applicant. 9.1.2 Academic Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission into the programme: NCEA Level 3 NCEA University Entrance or equivalent Three subjects - at Level 3, made up of: 14 credits each, from the three approved subjects Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 5 credits in reading 5 credits in writing Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of: achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, o
Detailed requirements [?] Click here for more information on any additional entry criteria for this qualification. More information about entry to this qualification
Duration [?] The minimum amount of time it takes to complete this qualification. 3 Years
Tuition fees Annual Total qualification
Student fees [?] Annual:
The annual tuition fees payable by a student to study this qualification, additional to what the government contributes. (This is an average based on recent course enrolments. Your fees may differ depending on your course selection.)

Total qualification:
The total tuition fees payable by a student to study this qualification, additional to what the government contributes. (This is an average based on recent course enrolments. Your fees may differ depending on your course selection.) 		$6,328 $18,984
Government tuition subsidy [?] Annual:
The average annual amount paid by government towards the tuition fees for this qualification, additional to what the student pays. (This is an estimate based on the fees subsidy paid by government to tertiary providers last year.)

Total qualification:
The average total amount paid by government towards the tuition fees for this qualification, additional to what the student pays. (This is an estimate based on the fees subsidy paid by government to tertiary providers last year.) 		$7,783 $23,348
Total [?] Annual:
The combined total of the annual amount paid by both the student and government towards the tuition fees for this qualification. (This is an estimate based on recent course enrolments and the fees subsidy paid by government to tertiary providers last year.)

Total qualification:
The combined total of the amount paid by both the student and government towards the total tuition fees for this qualification. (This is an estimate based on recent course enrolments and the fees subsidy paid by government to tertiary providers last year.) 		$14,111 $42,332
Compulsory student services fee
Student loan information [?] Click here for more information on loans and allowances. StudyLink
Student success
Successful course completions [?] The percentage of students who successfully completed courses towards this qualification last year. 91%
National graduate outcomes (3 years after completion)
Median earnings [?] The median represents the middle value for all earnings of young graduates who completed a qualification in this subject area at this level nationally. Earnings do not relate specifically to graduates who completed qualifications at this TEO. N/A
Earnings range [?] The range shows the upper and lower quartile values representing the one quarter point and three quarters point for all earnings of young graduates who completed qualifications in this subject area. Half of all graduates had earnings within this range. N/A - N/A
In employment [?] This percentage relates to young graduates who completed a qualification in this subject area at this level nationally and does not relate specifically to graduates who completed qualifications at this TEO. N/A
In further study [?] This percentage relates to young graduates who completed a qualification in this subject area at this level nationally and does not relate specifically to graduates who completed qualifications at this TEO. N/A
On a benefit [?] This percentage relates to young graduates who completed a qualification in this subject area at this level nationally and does not relate specifically to graduates who completed qualifications at this TEO. N/A
Note: all KIS information is the most recent available relating to domestic students only.
Click here for more information about the Key Information for Students
MIT is becoming Te Pūkenga

Vocational education in Aotearoa is changing to better meet the needs of learners like you.

As part of this transformational change, MIT will next year become fully part of Te Pūkenga, a national network delivering skills training in a wide range of locations throughout Aotearoa. This means that while you’re applying with MIT now, from Semester 1, 2023 when you enrol you’ll become a Te Pūkenga learner.

The new system has the success and wellbeing of learners at its heart, and a review of all programmes is currently underway to help support this, including the programme that you’ve enrolled with. The aim is to make qualifications more portable, consistent and closely aligned with the needs of industry, and more in tune with where the world is headed.

As the programme review is ongoing, the courses outlined may be liable to change over time. Rest assured that we’ll notify you of any material changes to delivery that might impact what you’re studying, where you’re studying or the ways you’re learning.

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Information is correct as at 27 September 2022. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2023 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2023 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2023 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2023 are based on the 2022 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2023. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology Limited is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.

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