Overview
Learning Objectives Overview
The nationally recognised CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling equips you with relationship building tools to advance your career in the healing industry. Come and develop your communication skills and emotional intelligence through role-play to work as a social worker or a case coordinator counsellor.
Whether you are new to professional counselling or want to safeguard your career with an industry-recognised qualification, IHNA’s CHC51015 Diploma in Counselling gives you real-world skills and knowledge, underpinned by a strong philosophical framework. Our course equips you to support and empower people, building relationships and fostering personal growth in a diverse range of contexts. With a person centred focus our accredited course integrates theory with skills-based practical experience and supervision to allow you to confidently start your practice or work with other agencies.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is your pathway to an exciting career as an early counsellor or psychotherapist. In this higher education diploma, you will study the nature of the human mind from a variety of disciplinary perspectives both within psychotherapy and counselling traditions, and outside these traditions through engagements with relevant scientific, philosophical and spiritual disciplines.


Nurturing growth, fostering positive change.
Comprehensive study programs to advance your career, giving you the competitive edge in the global job market! has context menu Compose
Course Duration
12 Months
AQF Level
5
Study Mode
international
Delivery Locations
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
Course Start Dates
13
January
2025
03
March
2025
05
May
2025
07
July
2025
01
September
2025
03
November
2025
Additional Details
Course Overview
The Diploma of Counselling provides individuals with the skills to offer professional support and guidance to people experiencing personal or psychological challenges. This course covers vital communication techniques, counselling methodologies, and ethical practice. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Counsellor or Support Worker, providing care and advice in community services, healthcare, or educational settings.
Why study Diploma of Counselling at IHNA?
- Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
- Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
- Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments
Course Structure
17 units of competency are required for this qualification.
- 13 core units
- 4 elective units
CORE UNITS
CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship |
CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
CHCCSL003 | Facilitate the counselling relationship and process |
CHCCSL004 | Research and apply personality and development theories |
CHCCSL005 | Apply learning theories in counselling |
CHCCSL006 | Select and use counselling therapies |
CHCCSL007 | Support counselling clients in decision-making processes |
CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate, and review all aspects of case management |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
ELECTIVE UNITS
CHCFAM003 | Support people to improve relationships |
CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support |
CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence |
CHCAOD001 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context |
Mode of Delivery
Students are required to attend 20 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, applicants should demonstrate the ability to perform tasks as required by the industry.
IHNA Admission requirements
- 21 years of age and above at the time of commencement of the course
- Successful completion of the Australian Year 12 or equivalent
- IELTS Test Score of 6.0 overall (General or Academic) /TOEFL iBT Test Score of 60 /PTE Academic Test Score of 52 /Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 169 /IELTS test score of 5 or equivalent with at least 10 weeks ELICOS/IELTS test score of 4.5 or equivalent with at least 20 weeks ELICOS/Successful completion of a General English course with an Upper Intermediate outcome.
- You may be exempted from providing evidence of English Language competence if/ you have studied for 5 years in an English-speaking country/you have completed at least 6 months of a Certificate IV / higher-level course in an Australian Education Provider under a student visa/You have successfully completed a foundation course in Australia /You have successfully completed your high school or higher tertiary qualification in the English Language.
- Students will undergo language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) to identify Language, Literacy and Numeracy capabilities during Orientation (before commencing the courses).
- Students must meet the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements for student visa applications, which may differ from the above course entry requirements.
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)
All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.
How is the Course Assessed?
The course is assessed using the following 3 methods.
- Questions
- Projects
- Simulations
The questions or knowledge-based assessments are made up of a series of relevant short to medium length questions and multiple-choice options for learners to respond.
The projects assessments require learners to respond to relevant scenarios, case studies and tasks. These can include, writing short or medium length reports or proposals. Analysing data and preparing reports. Templates are provided to assist learners to write policies and produces. Composing appropriate business style emails, preparing notes for meetings, presentations and reflecting on the learning.
The simulation assessments are supervised, in-class or online (real time) simulated activities consisting of various methods. They may include the following: Group and individual projects, role plays, individual and group activities including presentations.
RPL & credit transfer
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
Credit Transfer(CT)
We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.
If you are eligible for RPL or CT, you may be able to finish the course faster and reduce the total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.
Ready to Apply?
- Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Apply Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
- Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
- Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
- Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
- Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.
Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.
Pathways
Relevant Courses for Comprehensive Learning.
Bachelor of Counselling

- Advanced Diploma in Counselling
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health
- Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Explore opportunities
-
Case Worker
-
Intake Counsellor
-
Family and Marriage Counsellors
-
Rehabilitation Counsellors
-
Addiction Counsellors
-
Business and Life Coaches
Fees
Know about Fee Structure and Fundings in
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for the CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling is AUD 16,000.00 for international students.
$16,000.00
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for the CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling is AUD 16,000.00 for international students.
$16,000.00
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for the CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling is AUD 16,000.00 for international students.
$16,000.00
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for the CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling is AUD 16,000.00 for international students.
$16,000.00
Attention Students
We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.
Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.
For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.
Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.
For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.
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