Overview 2023
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
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
The Diploma of Counselling is an introductory course. It will provide you with a solid foundation for 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 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.
Learning Outcomes
Career outcomes
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
Course structure
Year 1 Core units
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for PSY111 Transferable Skills in Psychology
In this online unit you will learn about a range of contemporary approaches to managing stress and enhancing wellbeing which can be applied by individuals. As a foundation, you will learn about stress, coping, well-being and happiness, considering different models…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for PSY114 Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness
Human behaviour is not universal. 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 can impact behaviour in a variety of contexts, as well…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for PSY124 Mental Health and Individual Differences
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 | ||||
Year 2 Core units
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 | ||||
View all details for PSY201 Contemporary Approaches in Counselling
This unit introduces students to major theoretical and empirical perspectives on the psychology of health and wellbeing. It examines the psychosocial determinants of health and wellness as well as psychological theories of health protection and illness prevention. Issues relating to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for PSY223 Health and Psychological Wellbeing
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 | ||||
View all details for PSY303 Foundational Mental Health Awareness and Response Skills
This unit aims to introduce students to a range of psychiatric disorders includingpsychological symptoms, theoretical models, assessment and evidence-basedtreatments. Consideration is given to a range of cognitive-behavioural strategiesemployed by clinical psychologists in the treatment of various mental healthconditions. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
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
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. The lowest ATAR that receives an offer is related to demand. We anticipate that the lowest ATAR that will receive an offer for this course in 2023 will be 55.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV or above, in any discipline.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Partially completed a course at Associate Degree level or higher (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; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University); OR
- Completed a course at Diploma level or above
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
This course does not accept applications on the basis of work and life experience.
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.
For International students
This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.
Credit transfer
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 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Articulation
This course will articulate into 53F Bachelor of Psychological Science
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. 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.
You may also 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 is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2023 Total Course Fee (international students): $13,000 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $13,000 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries