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CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling

Progress your career while helping others, with this advanced qualification that will give you the communication skills you need to work as a counsellor.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Darling Downs and South West North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$12,920
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Take the next step in your career in community services with this advanced qualification. This course will give you the expert counselling and communication skills you need to help others in a variety of different settings.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as counsellors is forecast to experience very strong growth in the future. Job prospects in this industry are strong with over 22,000 job openings expected over the next five years. 

You will learn how to establish counselling relationships, know the right questions to ask, conduct yourself within ethical and legal frameworks, and to recognise and respond to crisis situations. Our highly-skilled and intuitive teaching staff are the best in the business, and will give you the guidance you need to succeed in your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a counsellor, a case worker, in leisure and health industries and in case management. You will also have a solid foundation for further tertiary study.

What can I do?

  • Counsellor
  • Case Worker
  • Health and leisure worker
  • Case Manager
  • Support Worker

Course outcome:

CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling

Pathways to study

TAFE Queensland's partnerships with Australia's top universities means you will be credited for your time with us if you decide to upgrade your qualification. Successful completion of your diploma means you will also be able to work while you study.

World-class teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCCS019
    Recognise and respond to crisis situations
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCCS019
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Recognise and respond to crisis situations

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL001
    Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL001
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency's counselling model.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish and confirm the counselling relationship

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL002
    Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL003
    Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL003
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate the counselling relationship and process

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL004
    Research and apply personality and development theories
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL004
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Research and apply personality and development theories

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL005
    Apply learning theories in counselling
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL005
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply learning theories in counselling

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL006
    Select and use counselling therapies
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Select and use counselling therapies

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSL007
    Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSL007
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support counselling clients in decision-making processes

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCSM005
    Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCSM005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV002
    Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV002
    Unit description :

    The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCLEG001
    Work legally and ethically
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCLEG001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work legally and ethically

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRP003
    Reflect on and improve own professional practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRP003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Ways to study
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ipswich
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
18 months
Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

18 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ipswich
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ipswich
On campus with some online
22 Apr 2025
18 months
Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

22 Apr 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

18 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ipswich
On Campus
22 Apr 2025
1 year
Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

22 Apr 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Toowoomba
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
18 months
Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Toowoomba

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

18 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Toowoomba
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Toowoomba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Toowoomba
On campus with some online
22 Apr 2025
18 months
Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Toowoomba

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

22 Apr 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

18 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 virtual class per week Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1 on campus block week per term 8.30am - 3.15pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Toowoomba
On Campus
22 Apr 2025
1 year
Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Toowoomba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

22 Apr 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 days per week on campus 8.30am - 3.15pm
Monday, Tuesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (South Bank)
28 Jan 2025
2 years
Part time 2 nights per week
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online with on campus practical training (South Bank)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 nights per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Online self-directed
28 Jan 2025
2 years
Part time
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
Online self-directed
14 Jul 2025
2 years
Part time
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $12,920

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

Download Brochure

Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $18,097 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Important information

This course requires you to undertake role plays. Role plays will cover sensitive topics such as trauma, domestic violence, cultural diversity, mental health, and children at risk.

Online self-directed
You will need to act out, record, save, and upload role plays to TQ Connect using compatible technology. You must source participants for your role plays, with some requiring more than one participant.
Numerous role plays are required for your online course, varying in duration and complexity.
Most subjects will require you to organise consenting participants to fully address the assessment criteria in each role play to achieve a satisfactory grade.

You are expected to engage in additional personal study to meet the course requirements. Online self-directed and online virtual classroom students will need to balance work and family commitments with your studies, which may include studying on weekends and outside of normal business hours.

Each assessment task will have specific criteria that you need to meet, which will be clearly outlined in your assessment instructions.
If you are studying via the online self-directed program there will be specific open and close dates for each unit, and each assessment task will have a due date. This forms the structured part of your online course.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more