Updating Results

University of Tasmania

  • 17% international / 83% domestic

Diploma of Counselling

  • Diploma

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 of Counselling is your first step to helping meet that demand.

Key details

Degree Type
Diploma
Duration
2 - 5 years full-time
Course Code
M1E
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb

About this course

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 of Counselling is your first step to helping meet that demand. As an introductory course, it will provide you with a foundation for further study that can lead to a career in counselling. Upon completion, you will receive credit into the Bachelor of Psychological Science to continue your journey in the study of psychology.

The knowledge and skills you develop can also be put into practice across a range of occupations, complementing your existing occupation, or helping you enter the sector.

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.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

Completed Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or equivalent.

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III or higher, in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

Partially completed an undergraduate course (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed 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.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

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.

Special Consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.

Study locations

Cradle Coast

Launceston

Hobart

What you will learn

  • 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.
  • Career pathways

    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, with further study, 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

    Credit for prior study or work

    Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Graduate outcomes

    Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Psychology courses at University of Tasmania.
    81.1%
    Overall satisfaction
    86.3%
    Skill scale
    71.6%
    Teaching scale
    55%
    Employed full-time