Counselling is a meaningful and deeply rewarding career.
It is a key part of Australia’s healthcare system and demand is rising across community services, education, health and private practice, with a 27.7%* increase for counsellors to the year 2033.
A tertiary qualification in counselling offers the combination of purpose driven work and career stability, with opportunities for both employment and self employment. If you’ve ever felt “maybe I’m meant to help people,” these courses are for you.
*Jobs and Skills Australia employment projections to 2033
Explore our course options
Diploma of Counselling
Minimum 2 years full-time, up to 5 years part-time ^
Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast, online
^This course is available to study on a part-time basis only
This course may not be available to international students. Please see our international page for courses that are offered to international students.
Learn from academics active in industry
Your lecturers are solving real world problems
Interactive and supportive learning environment
Applied learning activities and face-to-face classes give you practical, tested skills
Connect with your community
Study across a broad area of topics that are relative to people in your community
Supporting people to manage their mental health
The Diploma of Counselling is an undergraduate, introductory course designed for individuals seeking foundational knowledge in counselling, human behaviour, and mental wellbeing.
Students 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. 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 enhance your and others' wellbeing through lifestyle, mindfulness, and positive psychology.
The course is ideal for those who have not completed a degree, professionals such as managers or support workers wanting to deepen their understanding of human behaviour, and anyone considering future study in counselling or psychology.
The outcome of the diploma isn't designed to become a registered counsellor, instead to provide valuable skills that enhance a wide range of roles and serves as a pathway into further study.
If you are interested in further study, you can progress with 100 points of credit into the Bachelor of Psychological Science or the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours to continue your journey.
If you are interested in becoming a registered counsellor, you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and how to apply.
^^ Subject to international student visa conditions if applicable.
Graduate Certificate of Counselling
Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years^ Online
^This course is available to study on a part-time basis only
100% online
Study from anywhere with the flexibility to balance work, life, and learning.
Develop industry relevant skills
Gain practical counselling and interpersonal communication skills that are directly applicable to roles in nursing, social work, teaching, and other community-based professions.
Apply knowledge and skills immediately
Integrate your learning into real-world contexts, enhancing your ability to support clients.
Address the mental health needs of Tasmania and beyond.
This course provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in counselling, together with an understanding of the ethical, legal, and professional issues that underpin effective practice.
You’ll explore the social, cultural, and developmental contexts in which counselling occurs, as well as a range of therapeutic approaches suitable for diverse client needs and circumstances. Whether you are seeking to enhance your current role or prepare for further study, this certificate equips you to respond to the growing demand for counselling professionals across health, education, and community sectors.
Articulation Pathway
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling (M5I) are eligible to apply for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (M6I). Successful applicants will receive course credit for 50 credit points, providing a clear and supported pathway to further study. This progression enables you to deepen your counselling expertise, expand your professional opportunities, and build on the foundational skills developed in the certificate.
If you are interested in becoming a registered counsellor, you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Note, this is a post graduate course, applicants must have:
- a degree with a major in psychology, behavioural or psychological science,
- or a degree in an affiliated area of human services, such as education, social work, law or nursing
- or other equivalent qualifications or combination of qualifications which required at least three years of full-time tertiary study, or is deemed equivalent by the College of Health and Medicine.
Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and how to apply.
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.^ Online
^This course is available to study both full-time and part-time
Accredited and professionally recognised
Graduates are eligible to register with the Australian Counselling Association.
Advanced counselling knowledge and skills
Build on foundational concepts to develop expertise.
Career and study pathways
Enhance your professional development in counselling roles.
Become recognised as a qualified professional
The Graduate Diploma of Counselling responds to the growing demand for skilled and qualified counsellors in Tasmania, across Australia, and internationally. This accredited course equips you with advanced counselling knowledge and skills, together with a strong understanding of the ethical, legal, and professional issues that underpin effective practice.
You will explore the social, cultural, and developmental contexts in which counselling occurs, as well as a range of therapeutic approaches suited to diverse client needs and circumstances.
Completing the diploma makes you eligible to register with the Australian Counselling Association, opening pathways to professional recognition and employment in social support, disability services, and mental health.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling are prepared for diverse roles across health, education, and community sectors. With accreditation through the Australian Counselling Association, you will be recognised as a qualified professional able to contribute to the Australian Government’s stepped-care framework for mental health intervention.
Note, this is a post graduate course, applicants must have:
- a degree with a major in psychology, behavioural or psychological science,
- or a degree in an affiliated area of human services, such as education, social work, law or nursing
- or other equivalent qualifications or combination of qualifications which required at least three years of full-time tertiary study, or is deemed equivalent by the College of Health and Medicine.
Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and how to apply.
Professional development
Our counselling courses are made to complement the skillsets of people already working in their respective industry. They help to provide you with the necessary tools to support people’s mental health and enhance the experience of the people you work, as well as yourself. It provides structured professional development that strengthens your confidence, broadens your capability and prepares you for meaningful work with individuals and communities.
They are especially useful for those employed in people centric careers like (but not limited to) support workers, aged care workers, nurses, teachers, teachers’ aides, human resource managers, and those working in charitable organisations, and community centres like child and family centres.
Whether you are seeking to become a professional counsellor, enhance your existing role, or pivot into a people-focused career, these courses offer numerous benefits for career development.
Career opportunities
A career in counselling opens the doors to a wide range of job opportunities. Counsellors work for service organisations such as The Salvation Army, not-for-profit organisations such as Relationships Australia, in public and private schools, and in health centres.
Counsellors can work in private practice, especially in the area of relationship counselling, in drug and alcohol services, or with gambling help services. Counsellors also provide contract services for Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The fields that counsellors are needed are growing, for in-person, telehealth and online platforms.
- schools and universities
- workplaces and EAP programs
- aged care and disability support
- community organisations
- telehealth platforms
- private practice — both in-person and online
| School Based | Community Worker | Youth Worker |
|---|---|---|
Youth counsellor | Community development officer | Juvenile justice worker |
Career counsellor | Community support worker | Accommodation support |
School counsellor¹ | Housing officer | Youth liaison |
*Jobs and Skills, Australia
¹To become a school counsellor, you need to complete approved courses in both primary/secondary education and psychology/school counselling. For example, a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
14.8%
Social and Welfare Professionals
Predicted job growth to 2028*
15.9%
Social Workers
Predicted job growth to 2028*
15.1%
Counsellors
Predicted job growth to 2028*
Further study options
Are you curious about where your studies in 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 in Counselling
Find out more about mental health courses and career pathways
