Overview 2025
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- CRICOS: 059581J
In Tasmania, Australia, and around the globe there is a strong demand for skilled and qualified counsellors across a wide range of occupations relating to social support, disability services, and mental health.
This course equips students with knowledge and skills in counselling, together with an understanding of the ethical, legal, and professional issues in relation to the practice of counselling required for employment in a range of counselling roles.
Students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural, and developmental context in which counselling occurs and of a range of therapeutic approaches appropriate to a range of client ages, needs and circumstances.
Completing the Graduate Diploma of Counselling you'll be eligible to register with the Australian Counselling Association.
Course objectives
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is a skill based course which aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for employment in a range of counselling roles. The course focuses on developing an understanding of the theoretical basis of counselling and the ethical, legal and professional issues in relation to the practice of counselling, and the acquisition of counselling skills.
Students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural and developmental context in which counselling occurs and of a range of therapeutic approaches and appropriate to a range of client ages, needs and circumstances. The course also aims to provide professional development opportunities for people working in counselling roles.
Learning outcomes
Career outcomes
My current studies are giving me the opportunity to broaden my skills. There is a strong emphasis on role-play and simulated scenarios which allow me to continue developing my knowledge base. We have used real life case studies in workshops to gain our practical skills.
Counselling graduates work in a wide range of settings including relationship counselling organisations, secondary and post-secondary education, community welfare centres, drug and alcohol agencies, church agencies, and private practice. Other graduates utilise their counselling skills in their existing employment. You might also find employment in Crisis & Trauma counselling, EAP services, Career counselling / Employment Services, Disability, Aged Care, Justice / Community Corrections, Child & Adolescent services.
Professional Accreditation
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
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.
Course structure
Students must complete 100 credit points consisting of 8 core units (8 x 12.5 credit points).
Core units
On successfully completing this subject, you will be able to use practical skills for more effective interpersonal communication, as well as basic counselling skills. This unit examines styles of counselling with integration of theories of counselling with its practice. The…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
In this unit you will learn to apply advanced counselling skills, including working with a range of client presentations and intervention strategies. You will gain skills and knowledge to help you navigate the stages of therapy, beginning with the intake…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit participants develop and clarify their awareness and thinking around ethical and practice dilemmas within professional counselling practice. Emphasis will be placed on the development of personal standards of practice and on the acquisition and application of decision-making…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KHA505 Professional Ethics and Practice
This unit explores current thinking and strategies around dealing with issues of adjustment to change. That change includes changes involving loss, grief and trauma. Death and bereavement will be addressed including dealing with grief as a natural process and with…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
This Unit provides you with an introduction to studies in addictive behaviours in preparation for employment in the areas of alcohol and other substance counselling, treatment and prevention. It provides an overview of models of treatment and prevention of addictive…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit provides an introduction to the theory and practice working in rehabilitation counselling. Topics covered include case management, as well as vocational, medical and forensic rehabilitation. Organisational structures and the individual experience are examined. The acquisition of information and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit students will explore issues related to counselling with children and adolescents. Consideration is given to developmental issues, attachment, disorders of childhood and adolescence, chronic illness and disability. Strategies for intervention will also be addressed including engaging children…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KHA618 Working with Children and Young People
This unit focuses on the issues and challenges, both in theory and practice, of working with clients in the context of their intimate personal relationships. Students will have the opportunity to develop their thinking and skills in working systemically with…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
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.
For International students
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
English Language Requirements:
- evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided (IELTS 6.5, no band less than 6.5)
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.
Articulation
Graduates from M5I Graduate Certificate of Counselling are eligible to apply for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (M6I) and receive course credit for 50 credit points.
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
2025 Total Course Fee (international students): $39,950 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $39,950 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
Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships 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.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior.
For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to Scholarships.
Additional costs
In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:
- Text books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Student Services and Amenities Fee
Domestic Students
If you are a domestic student, you may be eligible to receive a Commonwealth supported place. To find out what to pay and whether you are eligible refer to Scholarships, fees and costs.
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