Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) Guidance and Counselling

The Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Guidance and Counselling programme at UTAR is designed to equip students with comprehensive professional knowledge and skills to support individuals in overcoming psychological challenges and achieving their full potential. This programme covers a wide range of psychological issues, including developmental challenges, behavioural difficulties, socioemotional distress, and psychological stress. Students will receive intensive training in counselling techniques, intervention strategies, and ethical practices, ensuring they are well-prepared to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges.

The curriculum exceeds the Malaysian Board of Counsellor’s Standards and Requirements of Training for Counsellors, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Graduates will be highly skilled, ethical, and ready to make a meaningful impact in various fields, including educational, corporate, and clinical settings.

• STPM: A minimum of Grade C in any 2 subjects.
• A-Level: A minimum of Grade D in any 2 subjects.
• UEC: Grade B in 5 subjects.
• SAM: Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) 70 and Grade B in any 2 subjects.
• CPU: An average of 70% in any 6 subjects.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Diploma with a minimum of 24 points (excluding bonus points).
• Foundation from UTAR: Minimum CGPA of 2.00.
• Matriculation / Foundation from other Institutions of Higher Learning: Minimum CGPA of 2.00.
• Diploma (Level 4, MQF) in the relevant field: Minimum CGPA of 2.00.
• Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government.

**All applicants MUST pass personal suitability and readiness interview**

English Language Requirements :

Malaysian Applicants:

• With STPM / UEC / qualifications not conducted fully in English: 

1. Credit in English at SPM level / Grade C in O-Level English / Grade B in UEC English
2. MUET Band 3 / IELTS Band 5.0 / TOEFL 40(iBT) / 7.5 (Essentials)
3. PTE 47 / Cambridge English 154 / 100 (OET) / ELS CIEP Level 107
   - Not applicable for A-Level/SAM/CPU or qualifications fully conducted in English, but must have a pass in English at SPM level / equivalent.

• Who do not meet the above English Language requirements but have a pass in English at SPM level / equivalent: Must take the English Enhancement Programme and pass English Levels 7 & 8 before joining the Bachelor's degree programme.

International Applicants: 

• Minimum IELTS Band 5.0 / MUET Band 3 / TOEFL 40(iBT) / 7.5 (Essentials)  or
• PTE 47 / Cambridge English 154 / 100 (OET) / ELS CIEP Level 107 / equivalent

- Not applicable for students with fully English-conducted qualifications or from countries where English is the official language, but must have a pass in English at SPM level / equivalent.

     Year 1

• Cognitive Psychology 
• Educational Psychology 
• Fundamental Counselling Skills 
• Introduction to Psychology 
• MPU3 
• National Language/Other Languages 
• Personality 
• Professional Ethics in Counselling 
• Research Methods in Behavioral Science 
• Statistical Techniques for Behavioral Science I 
• Theories of Career Development 
• Theory and Practice of Counselling: Psychodynamic and Affective Approaches 

      Year 2

• Career Guidance and Counselling 
• Critical Reading & Thinking​
• Communicative English 
• English for Social Science 
• Lifespan Development: Adult and Ageing 
• Lifespan Development: Childhood and Adolescent 
• MPU1* 
• MPU1** 
• Organisational Behaviour 
• Psychoeducational Group 
• Psychological Testing in Counselling 
• Statistical Techniques for Behavioral Science II 
• Theory and Practice of Counselling: Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches 

      Year 3

• Abnormal Psychology: Adult and Ageing 
• Abnormal Psychology: Childhood and Adolescent​
• Co-Curriculum​
• Counselling Elective I 
• Elective I 
• Group Counselling 
• Mental Health Assessment 
• Physiological Psychology 
• Project I 
• Project II 
• Psychology of Diversity 
• Sun Zi's Art of War and Business Strategies 
• Theory and Practice of Counselling: Postmodernism and Contemporary Approaches

     Year 4

• Consultation in Counselling 
• Counselling Elective II 
• Counselling Internship 
• Counselling Practicum
• Multicultural Counselling Competency​

Counselling Elective I - Choose 1 course(s)