Diploma of Counselling

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Apply foundational counselling skills to a variety of contexts
2. Explain factors contributing to human wellbeing and distress through reference to counselling theories and research evidence
3. Apply appropriate knowledge of ethical and professional standards relevant to the practice of counselling across different contexts

It is projected that the demand for counsellors will increase by approximately 25% by the year 2024*

Graduating from the Diploma of Counselling can lead to a rewarding career helping others work through emotional, mental health and lifestyle concerns. This degree opens up opportunities to work across a variety of health care settings including:

• Drug and alcohol counselling
• family and marriage counselling
• youth counselling
• suicide and grief counselling
• online and telephone counselling

This course can also be your pathway into our Bachelor of Psychological Science.

*Labour Market Information Portal 2020

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of any 2 OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Higher education

Partially completed an undergraduate course (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made. 

Secondary education

Completed Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or equivalent

VET studies

Certificate III or higher, in any discipline.

Work and Life

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course. 

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 part-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

The course is only available for part-time study. 

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-PSY235 Counselling Fundamentals

Year 2. 4 subjects in the second year including:

• TAS-PSY201 Contemporary Approaches in Counselling
• TAS-PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
• TAS-PSY303 Mental Health Intervention Skills
• TAS-PSY305 Clinical Psychology

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 2-5 years from commencement.