Provide a diverse range of people with support and the tools to make significant changes in their lives. Develop your communication skills and work in counselling or case management roles in community services organisations.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Micro-counselling and interviewing skills
Selecting and implementing counselling theories and therapies
Establishing counselling relationships
Effective communication
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
Credit towards further training and pathways, including a Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Community Services, Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Psychology
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 the ability to empower others
Relevant employment or experience in the community services industry, which can be useful
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.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
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.
The Diploma of Counselling does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Counselling does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
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
There are a total of 4 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Community and Youth Services