Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills

As one of Australia’s fastest growing universities, we take a progressive approach to learning. Our courses are co-designed, developed and delivered with industry, giving you confidence that you’ll graduate job-ready.

During this course you will:

1. Explore an array of theoretical perspectives on counselling and discover the drivers for human behaviour.
2. Learn how to evaluate different situations to determine your best approach.
3. Study the core principles of case management.
4. Understand common mental health conditions, behaviours and thought patterns.

This course offers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in the community sector. You’ll develop an understanding of human behaviour at different stages, behavioural problems and strategies for positive behaviour management, and the impact of society and culture. You'll learn how to critically review a range of theories in counselling and relate them to issues in practice, take an ethical approach to counselling and develop skills to assess, manage and refer clients accordingly.

Tailor your study to your lifestyle thanks to our innovative digital learning system, accessible from anywhere with 24/7 personalised support. Participate in live classes, connecting with specialist lecturers and fellow students. When studying online, you’ll complete the same set of self-paced study modules as on-campus students, and graduate with the same qualification. Best of all, you get access to view live content on demand.

Course duration: 1 year full time, part-time options available.

Recommended study pattern

Award requirements

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $21,760

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle. Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.

Learn more about Torrens.

Explore Torrens courses.

Torrens University Australia offers flexible entry options and study pathways, whether you’re finishing school, pursuing career progression or looking for a change. Entry requirements for this course includes:

• Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.

Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above.

Standard English language requirements apply.

We have numerous pathway programs to get you started. Contact our Future Student Advisors to learn about alternative entry options.

Torrens University offers pathway opportunities to further your learning. If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against a degree with Torrens University, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning.

Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience.

Our Future Student Advisors will happily walk you through the application process.

This course has a requirement of 200 hours of fieldwork placement completed within subject HCCSSD106.