Overview 2025
Location
Commonwealth Supported and Full Fee Paying places available (check your Letter of Offer for details)
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
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, introducing you to a range of skills to manage stress and enhance well-being of yourself and others through lifestyle, mindfulness, and positive psychology.
The Diploma of Counselling can be undertaken for a variety of reasons; as a complimentary skillset to support an existing career, for people managers looking to support their staff, and to build understanding in mental health to support yourself and others.
If you are 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 are 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.
Learning outcomes
Career outcomes
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.
Course structure
Students complete 100 credit points as listed below.
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 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 and coping, well-being and…
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 including psychological symptoms, theoretical models, assessment and evidence-based treatments. Consideration is given to a range of cognitive-behavioural strategies employed by clinical psychologists in the treatment of various mental…
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
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.
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 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Articulation
This course articulates into 53F Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Alternative entry pathways
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
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).
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
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries