Undergraduate Studies
Often the first studies undertaken at university are referred to as undergraduate studies, designed to introduce students to the knowledge base within a specific discipline. A Bachelor's degree is the name of an award given to students upon completion of their undergraduate studies.
For more information on Cairnmillar's undergraduate degree, see our Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling course page.
This course is now available online, and students can either undertake the units at the Hawthorn East Campus or via online.
This course is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Association Council (APAC) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) for both on campus and online offerings. To find information on study pathways in the fields of psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, visit our Pathways & Registration and FAQ pages.
Application Process
Have some unanswered questions? Feel free to contact the Admissions team!
Why choose Cairnmillar?
We are committed to making student's experiences at Cairnmillar one that continues to assist you beyond your degree. We aim to provide you with skills beyond what you will gain through the units of study, including:
- A supportive environment and a close community of students.
- Academic writing and study skills support.
- An inspiring colloquium program.
- Career advice.
- Free leadership training and peer mentoring programs.
- Friendly staff with an open-door approach.
- Professional development opportunities.
100% of CMI students rated overall positive ratings, compared to National Higher Education Institutions (NHEIs) average of 76.6%*
88.2% of students rated high teaching quality, compared to 81.1% national average.*
This remains to be one of Cairnmillar's strongest area with students valuing lecturer expertise, approachability, and challenging but supportive teaching.
Support and sense of community ratings stood out at 82.2% for Student Support & Services, compared to national average of 75%*. Students appreciated guidance from staff and positive peer relationships.
100% of CMI students rated positively in their skills development, compared to National Higher Education Institutions (NHEIs) average of 81.1%*
APPLY FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION (SEAS)
What is special consideration and the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)?
The SEAS is designed to make sure institutions such as Cairnmillar get an accurate idea of your full potential as a student. It is understood that short, or longer-term circumstances in your life that may already have and continue to have an impact on you reaching this potential.
The SEAS enables Cairnmillar selection teams to grant consideration to applicants who may require a lower threshold for course entry. Please note, this does not exempt applicants from meeting minimum course entry requirements outlined in the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling course page.
Applying for special consideration is done directly through VTAC. It is one application that is provided to all institutes you choose to apply to. Secondary school leavers and mature aged applicants can apply for special consideration.
See a video on how SEAS works here.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying, more information can be found here: Special consideration and Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
helpful links >
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which The Cairnmillar Institute is located, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We also extend these respects to any First Nations peoples engaging with these materials, and our services
Ash Thomas Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri people There's a Lot Goin' On, 2025
Sometimes in life there’s lots of things goin’ on that can be hard and trying, or easy and happy, but my artwork gives me strength to see out the bad times. This is my Country before colonisation. The lines are like a map representing how our people shaped the Country with their spiritual connections told in songs and stories. The blue water and the red oxide land show my journey line with places I’ve stopped along the way. The small linear patches of dots are all the different mobs and families around Country. The brown patterns and shapes are mountain ridges and waterholes representing time past. The diamond patterns are from patterns on our old shields. Their colours represent connection to culture and the red dirt and many coloured sands that make up our beautiful Country. The group of Elders sitting with their spears are telling stories of Bunjil the eagle, our Creator, and passing down their knowledge of tracking and hunting. The goannas are my Ancestors watching, mesmerised, over their Country and culture.
This artwork was created through The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation that provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons.
*2024 Student Experience Survey.