Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Guaranteed ATAR: 72.55
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
View full entry requirements- 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Not Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
At the heart of community services is a desire to help people – to promote social justice and inclusion, and enable people to flourish. UNE's flexibly delivered Bachelor of Community Services will enable you to develop the skills to empower individuals, marginalised groups and communities in complex and rapidly changing community and health settings.
This course integrates real-world practice and contextual knowledge with an understanding of the theories and methods underpinning the effective practice of community services, as well as policy issues, and legal and ethical responsibilities that guide this practice.
Why study the Bachelor of Community Services with UNE?
Community workers practice across the full spectrum of human services and play a vital role in empowering individuals, families, marginalised groups and communities who face disadvantage and societal problems.
Whatever your career aspirations, whether you want to become a community welfare worker, case manager or service coordinator, you'll find community work rewarding, challenging and diverse. To succeed in today's complex, rapidly changing community and health settings, you'll need the skills to provide socially inclusive, culturally appropriate support to individuals and groups.
Future-proof your career by developing transferable knowledge and skills. With UNE's Bachelor of Community Services you will understand the relevant social, economic and legal contexts of community services and become an agent of change, ready to provide help and support to enable people to flourish.
What makes our course so different?
UNE is uniquely placed to focus on the issues faced in regional and remote areas, particularly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical experience you need to thrive in multidisciplinary health and community settings.
Our Bachelor of Community Services is an online course with fieldwork placements that allows you to study when and where it suits you. Our inclusive online teaching environment is a supportive learning community with active engagement between students and academic staff. Some units have mandatory intensive schools that enable you to engage in practical exercises, tutorials and lectures and meet with your peers on campus in Armidale. With this course you get to:
- Study flexibly — we know the value of fitting study in with work and lifestyle commitments.
- Gain the knowledge and practical experience you need to thrive in multidisciplinary health and community settings.
- Equip yourself with transferable skills, ready to respond to the challenges of a career in community services and the welfare sector.
- Focus on what interests you most with six different minors in specialist areas including Aboriginal community care, mental health, health information management, health and social care, leadership, and community development.
- Our Aboriginal Community Care minor explores intergenerational loss and trauma, low intensity interventions for family and community violence, and child and adolescent development in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts.
Students consistently award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so no matter whether you study online or on campus, you are in good hands.
Minors
- Aboriginal Community Care
- Aged Care
- Children and Young People
- Disability
- Mental Health
- Criminal Corrections.
Professional fieldwork placements will help you develop your professional skills. This degree incorporates 400 hours of supervised professional fieldwork, via two placements: the first placement is 150 hours, the second is 250 hours. If you are currently working in a recognised community service setting, one placement can be in your workplace — but not in your current role. Previous community service work experience/employment may be recognised as advanced standing for the first placement. You are required to have a Working with Children Check and we recommend you have up-to-date vaccinations prior to commencing your first field placement.
Advanced Standing
If you hold a recognised Vocational Education and Training qualification you can expand your expertise and fast-track your Bachelor of Community Services with advanced standing. For example, if you have a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Care, Community Services, or Nursing, you may be eligible for advanced standing for some units.
You can commence this course in Trimester 1.
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 form a community of adults who share the same challenges and priorities. They bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Entry requirements
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 Rule B. Please see the Rule B 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 two ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course. You can receive a maximum of five points in addition to your ATAR result. It is possible to be considered for either the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme OR the Educational Access Scheme, but not both.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE automatically offers an additional five points of adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants from regional, rural and remote locations without the need for an 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.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: 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 Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed the UNE Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing from 2022 onwards.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C 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.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Diploma (AQF Level 5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6) from a VET Community Services Training Package or Health Training Package in one of the following areas:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Care
- Nursing
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule D: Allambi Care Employees only - You are a current employee of Allambi Care and you have also completed both: the Allambi Care training package; and a CHC52021 or CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Rule D 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.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
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)
Special 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 Rule B. Please see the Rule B 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.
Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course
TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course 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.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
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 resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
-
If you are applying for admission under Rule D then you must provide both: a copy of your completed Diploma; and a Statement of Service from Allambi Care confirming. The Statement of Service should contain at least the following information:
- Details of your employment with Allambi such as: confirming all position/s held (with a brief description of the position’s key responsibilities); how long you were in the position/s including the start and end date and the number of hours worked each week; and
- Confirmation of your completion of the Allambi Care training package; and should detail any other relevant information about your qualifications, training and professional experience.
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.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule A or Rule D, you will be granted 36 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.
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.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you can apply for up to 60 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule C, you can apply for up to a further 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
-
If you are admitted Rule D, you can apply for up to a further 48 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- HLTH301 Community Services Fieldwork 2
- HLTH305 Capstone Project
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points.
144 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (a) or Rule (d)36 credit points
36 credit points specified Advanced Standing granted for candidates who hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a VET approved Community Services or Health Training Package.- Introductory Client Centred Casework (HDCW114) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Community Work (HDCW125) – 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
- Children and Young People at Risk (HDCW126) – 6 credit points
84 credit points
Complete the following units:
The following units have a Fieldwork Placement included:
HLTH201 Community Services Fieldwork 1
HLTH301 Community Services Fieldwork 2
- Optimising Outcomes in Complex Case Management (HDCM314) – 6 credit points
- Case Management in Community Services (HDCW213) – 6 credit points
- Information and Evidence in Health and Social Care (HLTH101) – 6 credit points
- Community Services Fieldwork 1 (HLTH201) – 6 credit points
- Community Services Fieldwork 2 (HLTH301) – 12 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS333) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS335) – 6 credit points
- Disadvantage and Service Provision B (HSSW300B) – 6 credit points
- Research Methods for Human Services (HSSW308) – 6 credit points
- Groups and Communities (HSSW311) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
- Leadership, Teams and Decision-Making (HSHM200) – 6 credit points
- Foundations for Mental Health Practice (HLTH310) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete ONE Minor from the following:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Working with the impact of Trans-generational Violence on our First Nations families and Communities (HSCS240) – 6 credit points
- Intergenerational Loss and Trauma in First Nations People (HSCS256) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Development in First Nations Context (HSCS261) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS372) – 6 credit points
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection (HSSW304) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (HSSW307) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- The Criminal Justice System (CRIM101) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
144 credit points
120 credit points
Complete the following units:
The following units include a fieldwork placement:
HLTH201 Community Services Fieldwork 1
HLTH301 Community Services Fieldwork 2
- Optimising Outcomes in Complex Case Management (HDCM314) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Client Centred Casework (HDCW114) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Community Work (HDCW125) – 6 credit points
- Children and Young People at Risk (HDCW126) – 6 credit points
- Case Management in Community Services (HDCW213) – 6 credit points
- 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
- Community Services Fieldwork 1 (HLTH201) – 6 credit points
- Community Services Fieldwork 2 (HLTH301) – 12 credit points
- Foundations for Mental Health Practice (HLTH310) – 6 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS333) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS335) – 6 credit points
- Leadership, Teams and Decision-Making (HSHM200) – 6 credit points
- Disadvantage and Service Provision B (HSSW300B) – 6 credit points
- Research Methods for Human Services (HSSW308) – 6 credit points
- Groups and Communities (HSSW311) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete ONE Minor from the following:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Working with the impact of Trans-generational Violence on our First Nations families and Communities (HSCS240) – 6 credit points
- Intergenerational Loss and Trauma in First Nations People (HSCS256) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Development in First Nations Context (HSCS261) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS372) – 6 credit points
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection (HSSW304) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (HSSW307) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- The Criminal Justice System (CRIM101) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
144 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (c)48 credit points
48 credit points specified Advanced Standing granted for candidates who hold the Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing at UNE from 2022- Introductory Client Centred Casework (HDCW114) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Community Work (HDCW125) – 6 credit points
- 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
- Children and Young People at Risk (HDCW126) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
72 credit points
Complete the following units:
The following units include a Fieldwork Placement:
HLTH201 Community Services Fieldwork 1
HLTH301 Community Services Fieldwork 2
- Optimising Outcomes in Complex Case Management (HDCM314) – 6 credit points
- Community Services Fieldwork 1 (HLTH201) – 6 credit points
- Community Services Fieldwork 2 (HLTH301) – 12 credit points
- Group Work: Theory and Process (HSCS333) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS335) – 6 credit points
- Case Management in Community Services (HDCW213) – 6 credit points
- Leadership, Teams and Decision-Making (HSHM200) – 6 credit points
- Foundations for Mental Health Practice (HLTH310) – 6 credit points
- Disadvantage and Service Provision B (HSSW300B) – 6 credit points
- Research Methods for Human Services (HSSW308) – 6 credit points
- Groups and Communities (HSSW311) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete ONE Minor from the following:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Working with the impact of Trans-generational Violence on our First Nations families and Communities (HSCS240) – 6 credit points
- Intergenerational Loss and Trauma in First Nations People (HSCS256) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Development in First Nations Context (HSCS261) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS372) – 6 credit points
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection (HSSW304) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS374) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
- Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (HSSW307) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- The Criminal Justice System (CRIM101) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH305) – 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
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $9,677* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
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 scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Your career
Expand your career opportunities with the Bachelor of Community Services and choose to practice in a wide range of community settings, including community development and care services, volunteer programs, residential facilities, correctional facilities, group homes, community agencies and government departments. Some careers you could consider include:
- community services — case manager or coordinator
- Aboriginal community care worker
- welfare support worker
- care coordinator
- youth worker
- mental health worker
- criminal corrections officer
The Bachelor of Community Services is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association.
Course outcomes
- apply and adhere to the principles of ethical practice as defined by the Australian Community Worker Association Code of Ethics and professional Practice Guidelines;
- gather, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources and apply this to facilitate use of human and financial resources to achieve optimal outcomes at an individual and organisational level in a range of community service settings;
- apply a range of communication and problem solving skills in interprofessional and/or transcultural community services contexts to meet organisational and individual requirements and manage change;
- devise, coordinate and monitor innovative, socially inclusive and culturally appropriate strategies to engage individual and group clients and professional colleagues in a range of community service settings;
- demonstrate the linkage between theory and practice and how this is informed by evidence and the ability to critically reflect on their practice;
- develop a critical framework for effective practice, policy and organisational responses to meet individual, familial and group needs complex community settings; and
- apply specific knowledge and skills in Case Management to take leadership roles in a range of community service contexts.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Community Services as a collective discipline is taught from theoretical foundations through application in practice from a range of perspectives and across a range of contexts. Graduates will have been assessed on both generalised and specific knowledge through completion of a variety of assessment tasks. Transcultural awareness and associated culturally competent practice are taught as underpinning theory and contextualised in practice across a range of community services settings. Global perspective as this applies to professional practice is assessed as a focus in specific course units and as a part of modules within a range of units throughout the course.
- Communication Skills
Communication is taught, assessed and practised as a fundamental component of community services work. Students develop written, verbal and non-verbal interpersonal and inter-professional communication skills built upon strong theoretical foundations through sequential completion of coursework units having professional communication as their focus. Students' communication skills are developed progressively throughout the course and encompass generalised and specialised knowledge and skills appropriate for communicating with clients, co-workers, a range of interdisciplinary health professionals and members of the community.
- Problem Solving
Problem solving skills are taught progressively throughout the course. Students apply problem solving skills to case and workplace based scenarios which form the basis of a range of assessment tasks. Graduates are equipped with a breadth and depth of problem solving skills enabling them to undertake services coordination and/or case management roles in the community sector.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will have been taught how to recognise relevant information and use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, analyse and apply this information. As a focus of specific units and as an aspect of a number of others throughout the course, students are assessed on the development of their capacity to critically evaluate information and its sources and apply information critically and appropriately.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Ethical conduct and social responsibility are the focus of specialised course units as well as being unifying themes throughout the course. Students are taught both generalised and context specific legal and ethical principles and demonstrate the application in the community services sector. Social responsibility is the focus of a number of unit assessment tasks and a component of a range of others.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have developed the knowledge and skills to apply their learning to a range of contexts, and to adapt to change from both within and from outside their workplace or organisation. These skills are taught as a focus of specific course units and as components of a number of others, and are assessed and practised through a range of case based activities. Graduates will have the capacity to apply these skills in an ongoing and self-reflective capacity throughout their professional and personal lives.
- Independence and Collaboration
Working independently and as a member of a team are taught as fundamental skills in community services contexts. Independent and collaborative skills are developed progressively as a focus of specific course units and as components of a range of other units throughout the course. Independent and collaborative work is practised in a range of workplace and related or simulated contexts beginning with theoretical foundations and progressing to more complex, case based scenarios.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
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
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
If I were to continue studying in the field of health, I would choose UNE again. I know that I'm in safe, respectful, kind and competent hands here.
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
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 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
