
Inspire and support people from all backgrounds to make positive change. Build your confidence and communication skills. Have the knowledge, skills and strategies to help people so you're ready for a career in counselling or case management.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
use counselling and interviewing skills
understand client behaviour by applying counselling theory
select and apply relevant counselling therapies
establish and develop counselling relationships
use effective communication.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The ability to build safe and respectful counselling relationships.
The skills to engage with diverse people.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level.
A step towards accreditation with relevant professional associations.
Strong pathways to continue studies and enhance career opportunities.
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.
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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).
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.
This course includes topics and situations that might be upsetting. Think about how you might feel before starting the course or working in this area. If you need help getting ready to study, contact us to talk about your options.
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.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like: counselling roles within organisations, case manager, case coordinator, support worker and mental health support worker.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Counselling does not have any post-graduate courses.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
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.
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 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.
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