Overview (2027)
Key Information
Duration
Minimum 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years.
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
The Diploma of Counselling is an introductory course that provides you with the skills to understand human behaviour.
You will explore a range of topics, including mental health, the impact of chronic health conditions on quality of life, foundational mental health intervention skills, and applied counselling skills. During your studies, you will focus on adopting healthy thoughts and behaviours as part of a self-care approach. This will introduce you to a range of skills to manage stress and enhance the well-being of yourself and others through lifestyle practices, mindfulness, and positive psychology.
The Diploma of Counselling can be undertaken for a variety of reasons: as a complementary skillset to support an existing career, by people managers looking to support their staff, or to build an understanding of mental health to support yourself and others.
If you're interested in further study, you can progress with credit into the Bachelor of Psychological Science to continue your journey in the study of psychology and counselling.
If you're interested in becoming a qualified counsellor you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma of Counselling.
Graduates may meet the requirements for registration with the ACA as a professional member. There may be additional requirements for registration beyond the completion of the course. For further registration requirements, please visit the Australian Counselling Association website.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Explore Your Future in Psychology & Counselling
Are you curious about where your studies in Psychology and Counselling could take you next?
View the webinar to discover pathways for further study and professional development. Whether you're aiming to become a school counsellor, clinical psychologist, or simply want to enhance your counselling skills, this will answer your questions.
You'll learn more about your pathways into studying Psychology and Counselling. Covering course information and entry requirements for:
- Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Counselling
- 1 Apply foundational counselling skills to a variety of contexts
- 2 Explain factors contributing to wellbeing and distress through reference to a variety of theories and practice evidence
- 3 Apply appropriate knowledge of ethical and professional standards relevant to the practice of counselling across different contexts.
- 4 Adapt and respond to the communication needs and capacities of diverse client groups, communities, and organisations.
Become a Student Ambassador
Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.
Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.
Sustainability Placement Experience
Gain experience in real-world sustainability through the Sustainability Placement Experience. In this unique program, you’ll apply your skills and university learning to dynamic, industry and community led projects that tackle real sustainability challenges. Open to students from any discipline with available electives, this placement offers the chance to connect your studies with meaningful, practical outcomes that make a difference.
Work Integrated Learning
Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.
Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/work-integrated-learning
Career outcomes
Counselling skills empower you to support others with empathy, active listening, and practical strategies. You can help people navigate challenges, build resilience, and improve their quality of life. Whether you use these skills professionally or personally, you contribute to healthier, more connected communities.
This diploma 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
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 course can also be your pathway into our Bachelor of Psychological Science and Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Counselling.
Course structure
Students complete 100 credit points as listed below.
This unit introduces you to social justice, human rights and decolonising perspectives that underpin social work practice. You will explore how social, cultural, historical and structural factors shape inequality and influence the experiences of diverse people and communities. You will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 |  |  |  | |
| Hobart | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Launceston | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Online | Semester 1 |  | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for HGW101 Introduction to Social Work and Human Service Practice
In today’s information-rich world it is essential to be able to interpret and critically evaluate empirical and popular reports of psychological research, as well as research findings more broadly. We need to be able to recognise the characteristics of valid…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Hobart | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Launceston | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
In this online unit you will learn about a range of approaches to managing stress and enhancing well-being which can be applied by individuals in a self-care context. As a foundation, you will learn about stress, coping, well-being and happiness.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for PSY114 Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness
Human behaviour is universal, but its expression, nature, and intent vary across cultures and contexts. Why do individuals behave the way they do? Lecture content will introduce and explore theoretical descriptions of individual differences such as personality and intelligence that…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Hobart | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Launceston | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
In this unit, you will be introduced to the diverse fields in which social work practice takes place. The unit aims to extend common understandings of social work practice by showcasing new and innovative approaches to practice at micro, meso,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Hobart | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Launceston | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for HGW102 Fields of Practice in Social Work
This unit focuses on the application of contemporary counselling theories and interventions that both enhance wellbeing through proactive prevention approaches, as well as remediate distress. The process and role of self-reflection in counselling practice is also a key focus in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for PSY201 Contemporary Approaches in Counselling
This unit provides an overview of foundational counselling concepts, theories, and skills. In this unit you will be introduced to the main theoretical perspectives and values that underlie counselling practices. You will learn to apply counselling microskills that underpin effective…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Each year 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness. Many people are not knowledgeable or confident to offer assistance, despite their desire to do so. This unit will teach you the skills to help someone you're concerned about…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for PSY303 Foundational Mental Health Awareness and Response Skills
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. This course does not use ATAR as part of the selection process.
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
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
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.
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.
Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Students who have completed M1E Diploma in Counselling can articulate into the following courses with 100 credit points of credit:
- 53F Bachelor of Psychological Science
- A4S Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course yet, don’t worry! Our pathway programs are designed give you access to undergraduate courses by equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Visit the Pathways to University page to find out more.
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $14,681
How is this calculated?
This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average part-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.
These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.
HECS-HELP loans
You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.
Domestic scholarships
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please refer to scholarships.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
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Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.