Diploma of Counselling

Higher education

Applicants with previous higher education study

• Completed UTAS University Preparation Program or an equivalent enabling program offered by another Australian university; OR

• Completed course at Diploma level or above at any Australian higher education provider (or equivalent overseas qualification); OR

• Partially completed a course at Associate Degree level or higher at any Australian higher education provider (or have partially completed an equivalent overseas qualification). Applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.

Secondary education

Applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)

This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process.

VET studies

Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study

• Completed Certificate IV or above.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

In Tasmania, Australia, and around the globe there is a strong demand for skilled and qualified counsellors across a wide range of occupations relating to social support, disability services, and mental health.

The Diploma in Counselling will introduce you to a range of topics including mental health, the impact of chronic health conditions on quality of life, mental health first aid, and applied counselling skills. Your studies will focus on adopting healthy thoughts and behaviours as part of a self-care approach, introducing you to a range of skills to manage stress and enhancing well-being of yourself and others through lifestyle, mindfulness and positive psychology. 

Through applied learning activities and face-to face-classes, you will explore foundational concepts of research methods, research design and research ethics that will help you interpret and critically evaluate health research. You will graduate with practical skills that are transferable to many of today’s workplaces. You’ll also develop a solid foundation for further study in counselling and psychology.

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Year 1. 4 subjects in the first year including:

• TAS-PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
• TAS-PSY114 Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness
• TAS-PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
• TAS-PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing

Year 2. 4 subjects in the second year including:

• TAS-PSY201 Contemporary Approaches in Counselling
• TAS-PSY235 Counselling Fundamentals
• TAS-PSY303 Mental Health First Aid
• TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 5 years from commencement.