Name: CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
Price: 14100 AUD

Enquire now

What is a VET CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling?

The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course that will build a foundation of key counselling skills. Applying both theoretical and applied principles, you will learn to communicate effectively and work efficiently within a case management framework.

This course helps you take the first step towards a career in counselling, with the essential skills and knowledge you need to work as a counsellor in a wide variety of settings. Learn to implement basic counselling skills, apply learning theories, select and use counselling theories, and perform interventions. You will understand how to manage loss and grief, support people with mental health conditions, and implement vital counselling skills including self-reflection and growth.

More

Learning outcomes

Explore a range of theoretical perspectives in counselling and discover the drivers for human behaviour throughout the lifespan.
Learn how to evaluate different presenting issues to determine your best approach.
Study the core principles of case management and grief counselling.
Understand common mental health conditions, individual behaviours and thought patterns.

ACA accredited

This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online

Campus locations

Online

Student

Domestic

Course duration

1 year full-time 2 years part-time 

Start date

15 Sep 2025

Fee & scholarships

Learn more

This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

Ultimate flexibility

With the option to study full or part time and all your course materials online, you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle.

Learn from counselling experts

Our counselling academics understand where the mental health industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

40+ years of counselling experience

Our heritage with the Jansen Newman Institute ensures you’re learning from more than 40 years of counselling experience.

Career opportunities

This CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling will help further your study in counselling at a bachelor level and/ or prepare you with the skills to enter a career in a support role to assist clients with their well-being in a range of settings.

Potential career paths

Case Worker
Average salary: $77,086 - $98,179
Intake Counsellor
Average salary: $89,000 - $99,766
Family and Marriage Counsellor
Average salary: $101,500 - $101,500

Learn more about careers in Health

Subjects and units

Delivered online, the Diploma of Counselling comprises of 13 core subjects and 4 electives.

<

>

Requirements

These 13 core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select four electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship

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.
This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

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. This unit applies to all workers.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling

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.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship

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.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines.

This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations

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.

This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality and development theories

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.

This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

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

This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically

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.

This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

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.

This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Blackboard Collaborate Session, Class Discussion, Learning Activities, Role Play, Case Studies

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Requirements

Choose four elective subjects below.

Elective subjects

CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement.

This unit applies to workers in a range of community services and health contexts.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCCS014 Provide brief intervention

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess intervention needs, and then to implement and monitor brief intervention strategies for people at various stages of the change process.

This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCCCS015 Provide individualised support

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise, provide and monitor support services within the limits established by an individualised plan. The individualised plan refers to the support or service provision plan developed for the individual accessing the service and may have many different names in different organisations.

This unit applies to workers who provide support under direct or indirect supervision in any community services or health context.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues.

This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.

Assessment Tasks: Work-integrated learning activity

Delivery Mode: Online

Study pathways

Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate students with flexible entry options and study pathways. Whether you prefer a full program or a modular approach, we can tailor your studies to your needs. Start your journey with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree, or grow your career with a postgraduate qualification.

Need more help?

Let us customise a study plan and pathway for you.

Contact us

Undergraduate

Bachelor courses ( 3 options )
Bachelor of Community Services

CRICOS 111741F

View course

Bachelor of Counselling

Domestic students only

View course

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Domestic students only

View course

Entry details

Fees

Check the Domestic Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course.

VET Student Loans (VSL)

You can apply for VET Student Loan (VSL) if you are eligible. VET Student Loan (VSL) is a Commonwealth Government loan scheme that assists students to pay a part of their VET tuition fee.*

The maximum course fees are $14,800 AUD.

*Please note for VET Student Loans (VSL):

VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements.
VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continue to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

Learn more about fees and VSL

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.

Australian secondary school certificate, or equivalent

OR

Have completed a Certificate III or above

OR

Be of mature age which can be demonstrated by a candidate who is at least of 21 years old.

View full course admission information

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.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.
How do I apply for a course?

Domestic students:
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in and submit your initial application form online to begin your journey at Torrens University Australia.

If you have any difficulty, please contact our Future Student Advisors, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.

International students:

If you are an international student hoping to begin your studies in Australia, study online, or transfer from another university, you may choose to do so through our Education Agents. Our agents are located throughout the world and will make sure the enrolment process runs smoothly. View the full list of International Education Agents. You can also apply online. For anything else, please contact our International team.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Is a Diploma of Counselling worth it?

A Diploma of Counselling enhances employability in various settings such as community services, schools and healthcare. You will learn to implement basic counselling skills and select and use appropriate counselling theories to perform interventions. This diploma prepares you for a career as a Family and Marriage Counsellor.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.
What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
How much does a Diploma of Counselling cost in Australia?

The 1 year Diploma of Counselling VET costs an Australian domestic student $14,100. This course is currently only available to domestic students

View all FAQs

Similar courses

Graduate Certificate of Counselling

Explore the course

Bachelor of Counselling

Explore the course

CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling VET

What is a VET CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling?

Learning outcomes

ACA accredited

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Elective subjects

Study pathways

Need more help?

Undergraduate

Bachelor courses ( 3 options )

Bachelor of Community Services

Bachelor of Counselling

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Entry details

Fees

VET Student Loans (VSL)

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Frequently asked questions

Similar courses

Graduate Certificate of Counselling

Bachelor of Counselling

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling VET

What is a VET CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling?

Learning outcomes

ACA accredited

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Elective subjects

Study pathways

Need more help?

Undergraduate

Bachelor courses ( 3 options )

Bachelor of Community Services

Bachelor of Counselling

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Entry details

Fees

VET Student Loans (VSL)

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

How to apply

Get started

Apply

Offer

Frequently asked questions

Similar courses

Graduate Certificate of Counselling

Bachelor of Counselling

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia