Entry Requirements
18yrs old or older
Study Mode
Flexible
Pathway
Bachelor of Counselling
Duration
1 year full-time
or part-time equivalent
Career Options
Counsellor, Case worker/manager, Family support worker, Group facilitator, Pastoral support worker/carer, Education/psychosocial support worker, Prevention and early intervention worker
AQF level
Level 5
Course at a glance
RTO: 46482 | CRICOS Course Code: 119246A
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling at Perth Bible College (PBC) is a nationally recognised qualification. It has been designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and core counselling skills applicable in both professional and pastoral contexts. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the course acknowledges humans as relational beings created in the image of God, emphasising their intrinsic value.
Students will engage with holistic counselling frameworks that consider various aspects of human functioning; relational, physical, emotional, volitional, rational, and spiritual. The curriculum integrates established counselling modalities while reflecting on theological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human challenges. In addition to practical skills, the program emphasises spiritual formation and personal growth, essential for those aiming to support others effectively.
Work based learning lets you
Why choose this course?
What you’ll learn?
Discover More
Explore the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling in three easy steps:
- Course Essentials: Snapshot of the 17 competencies, entry requirements, and RPL options.
- Study & Assessment: How the course is delivered and assessed.
- Fees, Pathways & Apply: Costs, study options, career outcomes, and enrolment.
Ready to start? Click Apply Now for full-time or part-time study!
Course Structure
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is made up of 17 competencies (13 Core and 4 electives).
1. CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
Develop the skills to respectfully engage with people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusion and understanding in all interactions.
2. CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
Understand and apply legal and ethical frameworks to ensure professional, compliant, and responsible practice in community services.
3. CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Use self-reflection and feedback to continually grow and improve as a professional practitioner.
4. CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
Enhance relationships through effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies across a range of settings.
5. CHCPAS001 Plan for provision of pastoral and spiritual care
Develop and document care strategies to meet individuals’ pastoral and spiritual needs.
6. CHCPAS002 Provide pastoral and spiritual care
Deliver sensitive, person-centred spiritual and pastoral support across diverse settings and needs.
7. CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
Support individuals through grief and loss using compassionate, informed approaches.
8. CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Build trust and establish clear boundaries to begin a supportive counselling relationship.
9. CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
Use targeted counselling and communication techniques to support client wellbeing.
10. CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
Guide clients through structured counselling processes with empathy and professionalism.
11. CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality and development theories
Apply psychological and developmental theories to understand and support client needs.
12. CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling
Use learning theory principles to guide behavioural change in counselling practice.
13. CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies
Choose and implement appropriate counselling approaches based on client goals.
14. CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
Assist clients to make informed, autonomous decisions through guided exploration.
15. CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Identify crises and respond appropriately to ensure client safety and support.
16. CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
Coordinate and monitor client care plans across services to support holistic outcomes.
17. CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Foster respectful, culturally safe practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to enrol an applicant must:
- be 18 years or over
- have a government-issued Unique Student Identifier (USI) number or be willing to obtain one
- submit a Letter of Endorsement from a current church leader or workplace
- be able to read and write English to a sufficient standard to work with the supplied course materials (equivalent to ACSF level 3).
- read and comply with PBC’s policies and procedures
You may also need to provide a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) to participate in work placement.
Important information for international students
Our VET courses are not currently offered to international students wishing to obtain a student visa. Please contact us if you would like advice on alternative study options.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
This is a type of assessment that recognises the skills and knowledge you’ve collected through work and life experiences and then analyses them against course requirements. It requires you to provide evidence of your competency to determine if you meet the required standards that may be used to award credits towards a qualification. You will find more information about RPL in the student handbook.
PBC recognises and accepts Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other educational providers. Direct Credit Transfer (DCT) will be given to any student who has successfully completed units in any of our courses with another nationally recognised provider. Prior to the commencement of studies, students must produce evidence of qualifications or give permission for PBC to view their USI transcript online.
Process of applying for RPL or Credit Transfer:
- PBC will assess your application and inform you of the outcome, including any credits granted towards your course.
- Complete an “Application for Recognition of Prior Learning” form (pbc.wa.edu.au/forms)
- Collect certified copies of academic transcripts, course outlines, and any other evidence that supports your application.
- Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to PBC’s administration office by the specified deadline.
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face, online, and work-based learning.
Face-to-face:
- On campus
Online
- Technology requirements
- Access to computer including word processing software and Internet browser
- Internet
- Basic computer knowledge to browse the Internet, upload and download documents, word processing and email
- Access to a recording device such as a mobile phone with a camera
Work-based learning
Work-based learning is an essential component of our vocational courses. This may be a paid or voluntary position. If you do not have access to a work-based learning opportunity, you can apply to one of PBC’s industry partners. Work-based learning has many benefits including:
Collaboration with industry partners ensures our training programs meet current standards and address real-world needs, benefiting both learners and employers.
Hands-on, work-based learning caters to individual student needs, improving skill acquisition and refinement through relevant training
Work-based education improves job readiness, making VET students more appealing to employers and easing workforce transitions
Employers gain a skilled, adaptable workforce through workplace learning, promoting productivity and innovation
Integrating learning with daily tasks promotes ongoing development, knowledge sharing, and creative problem-solving within organisations.
Assessment Methods
Assessments are focused on practical problem-solving, application of well-defined theoretical knowledge, development of responsibility and independence, and effective communication and collaboration in a team or workplace setting.
Assessment evidence for each unit listed above in the course structure includes:
- A set of Knowledge questions
- Third-party reports from work-based supervisor(s) and
- Skills observations of practical tasks
- Projects/portfolio
Course Fees
Fees
- Total course fee: $9,000
- Payment schedule: you may pay your fees in fortnightly or monthly instalments depending on an arrangement with the Business Manager.
Your first trimester fees must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the trimester. For the following trimesters, you may pay your fees in fortnightly or monthly instalments, depending on an arrangement with the College Business Manager.
Payment methods
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Bank transfer |
Credit Card |
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Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Account Name: Perth Bible College Swift Code: CTBAAU2S BSB: 066-157 Account: 10499644 |
If paying via credit card, you may pay:
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PBC’s VET courses are not currently eligible for VET Student Loans/VET FEE-HELP.
Course Duration:
- Three trimesters/12 months full-time
- Six trimesters/24 months part-time
Academic Calendar:
- Trimester One – February to April
- Break
- Trimester two – June to August
- Break
- Trimester three – September to November
- End of year break
Intake:
PBC provides a rolling intake; enrolment may happen at the commencement of any trimester.
Course Pathways
Completing this course equips graduates with foundational knowledge and skills in Christian ministry, theology, and leadership, opening up career and further training pathways.
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Careers |
Further training |
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Graduates can pursue roles in diverse settings, including:
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The Diploma serves as a foundation for advanced studies, such as:
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How to Apply
Please fill out this form to the best of your ability. If you need help, please call 08 9243 2000 or email us at college@pbc.edu.au. To complete the form, you will need to include the following:
- Contact details for two references, one of which should be a current pastor
- A digital passport-sized photo of yourself
- A copy of your birth certificate/passport
- Secondary ID such as a Driver’s Licence
- USI
- Visa Evidence (if applicable)
- Academic Transcript(s) and certificate(s)
- IELTS Score documents (if applicable)
Aza T. [Bachelor of Counselling-International student]