Build the skills to have an impactful career in community development

Community development is an important aspect of social cohesion and skilled professionals who can motivate groups to take collective action for the greater good are highly sought after by employers. With an increase in technological advances that are aiding community development, professionals who can embrace these changes will be at the forefront of this multidisciplinary field.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in community development designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to have an enormous impact on the communities you will work with in the future. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults prepare ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our community development courses focus on community organising, social justice, policy analysis, urban planning, project management and more, to ensure you are future-fit to adapt to the challenges that the world’s populations and environments are facing.

A significant portion of our students select online learning, where they join a community of adults who use their life and work experiences to develop tangible networks for the future. On-campus learners have access to housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

With UNE, you’ll graduate with the confidence to make a difference to the sustainable and equitable development of the world in which we live, whether you choose to pursue careers in local or global communities. Our track record of readying adults for the ever-changing job market speaks for itself. We are an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the community development courses and specialisations on offer at UNE. 

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Business and economics make a powerful combination. Graduates with skills in both disciplines are highly sought after for a range of roles in business, government and non-profit organisations. Studying the combined Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The world's economies, living standards, commercial and political systems are at the heart of the study of economics. Economics involves weighing up choices and alternatives and seeing how they impact upon businesses, societies and…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

With economics and law influencing almost every aspect of society, the UNE Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws will equip you with a valuable portfolio of knowledge and skills relevant to a wide range of careers. You will graduate with knowledge…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The environmental problems that we face in a rapidly changing world require solutions developed by skilled scientists and innovators. UNE's Bachelor of Environmental Science gives you a broad foundation in the theories and practice that underpin …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Work with people to build a better world and make a real difference with the Bachelor of Sustainability at UNE. Our degree integrates the social sciences and humanities with environmental sciences and natural resource management to…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Urban and regional planners develop strategies and design communities in which we all live, work and play. Planning helps balance community, environmental and economic needs, while recognising cultural significance in order to improve our quality of …

Duration
  • 2.5 or 3 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Designed to provide an opportunity for first-time university study, UNE's Diploma in Town Planning will open doors to a career in planning with employment potential across all Australian regions. This online course provides you with foundation…

Duration
  • Up to 2 or up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest. With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated …

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Be prepared to meet nationwide industry shortages with UNE’s Undergraduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning. State and local governments are increasingly seeking to employ paraplanners, or planning assistants, to start in the field while…

Duration
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Planning integrates environmental, economic and social aspects of development with the competing needs of communities, companies and governments. This complex and dynamic field requires planning professionals to maintain up-to-date knowledge and…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Communities and regions face complex challenges as they work towards improving living standards and wellbeing. Economists play a critical role in community and regional development by informing the decisions of government and non-government agencies …

Duration
  • 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Economics influences almost every aspect of business, government and society. Policy makers and leaders in all organisations need to understand the economics interactions of global political and commercial systems, whilst considering living…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Planning experts work strategically, often with competing stakeholders, to achieve the best social, environmental and economic outcomes. UNE's Master of Urban and Regional Planning offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive course that…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Community Development

As global economic and climate resources fluctuate, demand for community development professionals is rising. UNE’s study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes. Strengthen your position as an empowering leader. Explore the community development study options now.

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Showing 18 of 8 results
Economic Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's esteemed economics academics will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills to succeed in the rapidly changing field of economic development. Learn about current trends using emerging tech and stay up-to-date with…

UNE's esteemed economics academics will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills to succeed in the rapidly changing field of economic development. Learn about current trends using emerging tech and stay up-to-date with best practices for a sustainable career in the field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Economics Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Master of Economic and Regional Development Specialist Course Postgraduate
Master of Economics Major Postgraduate
Environmental Advocacy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's expertise will help you refine your professional knowledge and advocacy skills enabling you to manage natural resources effectively at the micro and macro levels. Be future-fit for a career that contributes to protecting global…

UNE's expertise will help you refine your professional knowledge and advocacy skills enabling you to manage natural resources effectively at the micro and macro levels. Be future-fit for a career that contributes to protecting global environments that are undergoing serious decline.

Courses Type Level of Study
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Humanities and Community Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's recognised social science experts will help you develop the problem-solving skills to contribute to urban and regional development in our rapidly changing world. Be future-fit to work with government agencies and NGOs as they strive for…

UNE's recognised social science experts will help you develop the problem-solving skills to contribute to urban and regional development in our rapidly changing world. Be future-fit to work with government agencies and NGOs as they strive for stability and growth for communities globally.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of Economic and Regional Development Major Postgraduate
Planning and Design
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Meet rising demand for professionals with the knowledge and adaptability to plan and design a sustainable future. UNE will help you to hone your understanding of planning theory and practice, and develop skills in site analysis, data analysis,…

Meet rising demand for professionals with the knowledge and adaptability to plan and design a sustainable future. UNE will help you to hone your understanding of planning theory and practice, and develop skills in site analysis, data analysis, mapping, plan drawing and code writing.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Specialist Course Undergraduate
Master of Urban and Regional Planning Specialist Course Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning Specialist Course Postgraduate
Diploma in Town Planning Specialist Course Undergraduate
Political and International Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Future-fit yourself for a career in politics, business, social sectors or the law with UNE's widely published and engaging teachers. Develop an understanding of the political issues that concern Australian and international governments. Protect…

Future-fit yourself for a career in politics, business, social sectors or the law with UNE's widely published and engaging teachers. Develop an understanding of the political issues that concern Australian and international governments. Protect your role in a global economy that is ever-changing.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of International Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Rural Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Become equipped for the shift towards more sustainable approaches in the fast-changing field of rural development. UNE's experts will help you to hone the skillsets in business and economic analysis that employers need to prioritise policies and …

Become equipped for the shift towards more sustainable approaches in the fast-changing field of rural development. UNE's experts will help you to hone the skillsets in business and economic analysis that employers need to prioritise policies and agreements that will support rural development.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of Economic and Regional Development Major Postgraduate
Sustainable Organisations
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Sustainability is now at the forefront of most industries and organisations. UNE will provide you with skills highly sought after by employers, such as sustainable development, green marketing, and sustainable financial management, ready for an…

Sustainability is now at the forefront of most industries and organisations. UNE will provide you with skills highly sought after by employers, such as sustainable development, green marketing, and sustainable financial management, ready for an adaptable and dynamic career.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of Business Administration (International) Minor Postgraduate
Urban and Regional Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded economics experts will help you develop the analytical and planning skills in the rapidly changing world of urban and regional development. Ensure you're up-to-date with the trends and changes in the global economy,…

UNE's highly regarded economics experts will help you develop the analytical and planning skills in the rapidly changing world of urban and regional development. Ensure you're up-to-date with the trends and changes in the global economy, specifically in regards to sustainability and technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of Economic and Regional Development Major Postgraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Community Development

By studying community development with UNE, you will develop the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of government and non-government organisations in a range of careers and industries. With the need for community development professionals who can empower communities and help them create change will be highly employable in a variety of settings.

  • Community organiser
    Bring people together to advocate for action on particular causes.
  • Urban planner
    Develop plans for the infrastructure for cities and towns that consider the needs of communities.
  • Grant writer
    Research, write and apply for grants on behalf of individuals or community organisations to secure funding.
  • Policy analyst
    Develop, implement and analyse policies for government or commercial operations and programs.
  • Non-profit manager
    Oversee the business workings of a non-profit organisation.
  • Public health officer
    Work with stakeholders in the community to ensure public health outcomes, both general and specific.
  • Social worker
    Provide support and advocacy services to individuals and families facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence.
  • International development specialist
    Work in government or NGO roles with developing countries to set up long-term, sustainable solutions to systemic problems.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

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
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

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
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.