OverviewAbout this course
Support a diverse range of people to make positive life changes. Build your communication skills and prepare for counselling or case management roles in community services organisations. As part of your assessment, you’ll take part in face-to-face role plays with real people physically present in the same room, giving you the chance to demonstrate your skills in a practical setting.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
use counselling and interviewing skills
select and apply counselling theories and therapies
establish and develop counselling relationships
use effective communication.
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level.
A step towards accreditation with various professional associations.
Strong pathways to continue studies and enhance career opportunities.
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Please check your preferred delivery option to see if there are additional local entry requirements.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
good computer skills
empathy, patience and a desire to empower others
relevant work or experience in community services (useful but not essential).
Important information:
This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification, and in any future employment in this field.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
Foundation skills:
You can plan your learning, change your plan when needed, and keep going until you reach your goal.
You can read longer texts and understand their main ideas.
You can write short sentences and paragraphs that others can understand.
You can join group talks and share your ideas clearly.
You can do everyday maths like working out prices or reading a timetable.
You can use email, search the internet, and open files.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: counselling roles within organisations, case manager, case coordinator, support worker and mental health support worker.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Counselling does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study1 Course
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Counselling qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 13 core and 4 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 13
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case managementCHCCSM005
Research and apply personality and development theoriesCHCCSL004
Select and use counselling therapiesCHCCSL006
Apply learning theories in counsellingCHCCSL005
- ... 4
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community