What is a Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills?
The Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills builds a foundation of key counselling and communication skills through a combination of theoretical and practical components. Upon completion, you’ll have the opportunity to build a career in the industry or enrol in the Bachelor of Counselling and receive credit from this counselling diploma.
Learning outcomes
- Explore an array of theoretical perspectives on counselling and discover the drivers for human behaviour.
- Learn how to evaluate different situations to determine your best approach.
- Study the core principles of case management.
- Understand common mental health conditions, behaviours and thought patterns.

ARCAP professional registration access
Upon completion, you’re eligible to join the Australian Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists.
This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

Career opportunities
This course will prepare you with the skills to enter a successful career in corporate health or aged care, or to further your study in health at bachelor’s level.
Potential career paths
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Family Services Worker
Average salary: $73,330 - $114,495 -
Disability Support Manager
Average salary: $81,596-$128,133 -
Health Promotion Officer
Average salary: $80,769 - $99,500

Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.
Requirements
Core subjects
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Social and Emotional Wellbeing | HWEL2006
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Counselling and Communication Skills | CCS103A
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Case Management and Understanding Community Services | HCCSSD101
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Person-Centred Practice | HCCSSD102
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Mental Health | HCCSSD103
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Lifespan Development | HCCSSD104
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Theories of Counselling | HCCSSD105
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Professional Practice and Industry Placement | HCCSSD106
Industry partners and work placements
Work placement hours
During your degree, you’ll undertake 120 hours clinical experience at an external organisation.
Entry details
Fees
Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.
FEE-HELP
Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
Scholarships
If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:Admission criteria
Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.
Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above
OR
Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
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Want to find out more?
Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.