Key facts
UNE unit code: HSCS204
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit examines the major ethical, legal, and professional concerns in counselling. By exploring these foundational pillars, you will build a deeper understanding of the multifaceted responsibilities and ethical obligations within the counselling profession.
You will learn to apply ethical principles to the complexities of counselling practice, developing your awareness of current ethical guidelines and codes of conduct and critically reflecting upon ways of working within an ethical, legal and professional framework. Utilising case histories, you will discuss professional, ethical, and legal dilemmas that arise in practice in diverse cultural contexts.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- discuss the ethical, legal and professional issues that may arise in professional counselling and psychotherapy;
- apply and synthesise knowledge of ethical principles to decision-making in counselling practice that encompass the rights and responsibilities of both clients and professional counsellors;
- critically reflect on and engage in self-reflexive practice in relation to ways of working within an ethical, legal and professional framework; and
- apply knowledge in order to work ethically with clients in complex situations, demonstrating well-developed judgement and respect for cultural diversity.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Online engagement with individual and collaborative activities. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: equiv. to 3000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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