Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Guaranteed ATAR: 45.00
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online * | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
* This course offers reduced fees for international students studying online from outside Australia. See Fees and Scholarships below for details.
Course information
Download course brochure
The Diploma in Health and Social Care (Counselling) provides foundational theoretical knowledge and introductory skills in counselling. Whether you're currently working in the health and social care sector and are looking to complement your skills-based experience with a tertiary qualification, or you're considering a future career in the field, this course will give you the knowledge and practice skills you need to succeed.
Why study the Diploma in Health and Social Care (Counselling) with UNE?
Our course focuses on the professional identify of the counsellor within an interprofessional practice context. You will gain an understanding of the health system and the social determinants of health, while developing your ability to find, evaluate and present health-related evidence and information. This course will help you to develop culturally responsive counselling skills, as well as self-reflection, professional self-awareness and interprofessional communication skills.
UNE has the longest heritage of any Australian university in offering distance and online courses. We’re also highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.
What makes our course different?
Grounded in evidence-based counselling practice, this course teaches you how to apply empirically validated interventions and specialised interpersonal skills to bring about change and empower your clients. When you study this course with UNE, you will have opportunities to:
- Explore core counselling theories and develop foundational counselling skills, developing your identify and self-awareness as an ethical, culturally responsive counselling practitioner.
- Choose two interdisciplinary units that build essential skills in communication, interprofessional practice, information and evidence, or the contexts and roles of health and community services.
- Build critical thinking, self-reflection and communication skills which are lifelong, transferable, and will always be in high demand across a variety of sectors.
- Set yourself up for future study. The Diploma in Health and Social Care (Counselling) can be used as an entry pathway to a variety of UNE bachelor degrees, such as the Bachelor of Counselling, Bachelor of Community Services or Bachelor of Social Work. You can start with the diploma and then choose to advance your studies even further – you may also be eligible for credit for some of your previous studies.
- Choose to study when it suits you. The course is available online, allowing you to fit study around your busy lifestyle, not the other way around, no matter where you are in the world. Study part-time or full-time, and move between the two as your circumstances change.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
There are ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE can automatically award additional points as adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants for this course without the need for an additional application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Foundation Program
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online program designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Foundation Program
TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a foundation program run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.
36 credit points
Complete the following units:- The Contemporary Counsellor (HSCS100) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Counselling Theories (HSCS101) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Counselling Skills (HSCS102) – 6 credit points
- Counselling in Practice I (HSCS103) – 6 credit points
- Culturally Responsive Counselling (HSCS200) – 6 credit points
- The Craft of Academic Writing (WRIT101) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Information and Evidence in Health and Social Care (HLTH101) – 6 credit points
- Interprofessional Practice in Health and Social Care (HLTH102) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Health Professionals (HLTH103) – 6 credit points
- The Context of the Health and Community Services (HLTH104) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Study Online for International Students | $20,000# |
| Study On-campus for International Students | $33,312* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $16,042* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
# This course is one of a select number of courses offered online at a reduced annual fee for international students studying from outside Australia. The reduced fee applies to full-time study (two-trimesters) or part-time equivalent.
Please note that only international students studying online from outside Australia are eligible for this reduced fee. International students residing in Australia on a visa other than a student visa are eligible to enrol in the online mode at UNE at the standard international online tuition fee.
If you move to Australia, your study will be charged at the standard international online tuition fee. All fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to adjustment.
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
The Diploma in Health and Social Care (Counselling) offers a comprehensive pathway to a range of fulfilling career outcomes within the health and social care sector. This course equips graduates with a strong foundation in evidence-based, interdisciplinary practice, complemented by theoretical knowledge and introductory counselling skills. Whether you are already engaged in the sector and seeking to enhance your practical experience with formal qualifications, or if you are embarking on a new career journey, this diploma will provide you with the essential competencies needed to excel. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in various settings, including:
- community health organizations,
- mental health services,
- social care agencies.
The Diploma in Health and Social Care (Counselling) provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits. Students who complete this diploma may be eligible for advanced standing, which could allow them to receive credit towards related bachelor's degree programs such as a Bachelor of Counselling, Bachelor of Social Work, or other relevant degrees. This pathway can significantly shorten the time required to obtain a bachelor's degree, providing a seamless transition to higher education and advanced career opportunities in counselling and social care fields.
Course outcomes
- find, evaluate and present health-related evidence and information;
- demonstrate an understanding of interdisciplinary practice, the health system and of the social determinants of health;
- discuss core Counselling theories, foundational counselling skills, and the professional identity of the Counsellor within the context of interprofessional practice;
- apply an understanding of culturally responsive counselling; and
- understand the importance of engaging in self-reflection as part of ongoing professional development and practice.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
When working as a professional in mental health care the practitioner aims to promote mental health, improve self-awareness and address concerns identified by the client. Grounded in an evidence base, this course involves the application of empirically validated interventions and specialised interpersonal skills to bring about change and empower clients.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have developed fundamental communication skills that enable them to form positive therapeutic relationships. These skills are vital in the workplace, and will be taught, incorporated and practised in tutorials, online activities and intensive schools.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will demonstrate their ability to develop solutions to case-based problems by working with authentic case study analysis or scenario-based assessments throughout the course. Learning in this way will help students to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will showcase their ability to identify key evidence-based literature. Instruction and guidance will be provided for students on how to locate recent, reliable and relevant resources to support their discussions.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Adhering to ethical practice and engaging in social responsibility is critically important as a health professional. Students are provided an overview of ethical professional practice, including common ethical dilemmas and the process of ethical decision-making.
- Lifelong Learning
Critical thinking skills and self-reflection will be cultivated in graduates through a combination of lectures, unit materials, guiding reading and online activities. The completion of assessments will equip graduates with essential lifelong skills, enabling them to skillfully engage in research, articulate ideas in writing and discuss issues pertinent to mental health practice.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be nurtured to cultivate independent learning skills while also being encouraged to work collaboratively. Teamwork actively fostered through interactive tutorials and online discussion where students partake in responding to reflections and sharing ideas in cooperation with both peers and instructors. Consequently, graduates will have acquired the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse settings.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
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- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
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Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
