Build skills for a career addressing the needs of those with disabilities

Disability practice is a rapidly evolving field of study involving the exploration of issues related to disabilities, including their causes, impact on individuals and society, and strategies for supporting and empowering individuals. With changes to technology that help those with disabilities the demand for highly trained health and disability practitioners is strong and projected to rise well into the future.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in disability practice designed to help you upskill and safeguard your career in the disability industry. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults prepare themselves for changes in the workplace, our disability practice courses focus on theoretical knowledge, practical skills and ethical considerations necessary for working effectively with individuals with disabilities that ensure you graduate future-fit and able to adapt to advancements in the field.

Most of our students choose to study online, where they belong to a community of adults who bring their life and work experience together to build networks for the future. Our on-campus students take advantage of campus accommodation, sporting and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

By choosing to study with UNE, you’ll acquire the skills required to thrive in the dynamic future of disability support and care. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with 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 study options related to disability care and support on offer at UNE.

Courses by study level

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

Be ready to adapt to the challenges of the rapidly changing world of science and technology with UNE's Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Our course is an ideal foundation if you are interested in health and medical research, or you are fascinated…

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

Clinical exercise physiology uses exercise interventions to improve the health, wellbeing and clinical status of people with, or at risk of, medical conditions, injuries and disabilities. Demand is increasing for degree-qualified exercise…

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

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…

Duration
  • 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

With a blended delivery that allows you to study online or on campus, UNE is at the forefront of nursing education in Australia. Our Bachelor of Nursing is a professional entry degree, leading to eligibility for Registered Nurse status. Study a…

Duration
  • 2 or 2.5 or 3 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

Do you want to understand more about what drives human behaviour? Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific study of human behaviour, as well as research and analytical experience, with UNE's innovative Bachelor of Psychological Science.…

Duration
  • 1.5 or 3 years full-time
  • Up to 5 or up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Constant technological disruption and new discoveries in science influence every aspect of our lives, meaning that there has never been a better time than now to safeguard your future career with scientific knowledge and practical skills. With 20…

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

Studying the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws at UNE will equip you with an extensive portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to write…

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

Become an agent of positive change in diverse communities with UNE's conditionally-accredited Bachelor of Social Work. With an emphasis on social work in rural and complex community environments, our flexibly delivered course will equip you with …

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

Explore the social contexts of welfare, community service and health work with UNE’s Diploma of Community Welfare and Wellbeing. Build on your existing industry experience, vocational qualifications, or interest in welfare and community service 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

Supporting those in need is one of the most rewarding career pathways you can pursue. Along with a wide range of job options, working in health and social care can bring a sense of fulfilment, especially if you want to make a difference to the lives …

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

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and…

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

Youth and community work is a rapidly growing sector in Australia and working in this field provides the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Our new Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work is designed to help you…

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
Mode
  • Online

Exercise interventions have been proven to boost the health, wellbeing and clinical status of people with complex medical conditions. By studying the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology with Honours, you can contribute to our knowledge of how…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Contribute to world class research by completing a Bachelor of Science with Honours at UNE. Position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change. Our honours course goes beyond the normal practical and field training and…

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

The Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience at UNE is ideal if you're looking for a postgraduate qualification that allows you to explore a rapidly developing field of neuroscience, upskill, prepare for the future and advance your career. Our…

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

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

One Health recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, and the need for collaboration among multiple sectors to promote optimal health outcomes for all. By recognising the interconnectedness of these three fields,…

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

Whether you are new to professional counselling or want to safeguard your career with an industry-recognised qualification, UNE's Graduate Diploma in Counselling gives you real-world skills and knowledge, underpinned by a strong philosophical…

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

Are you looking for a flexible, contemporary postgraduate course that will allow you to explore the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience?   In addition to being one of the fastest growing fields of human physiology, neuroscience has many…

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

The One Health concept focuses on the holistic, connected approach to health, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Today, we understand much more about infectious diseases than we did pre-2020. We know that…

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

Whether you want to upgrade your expertise or pivot to another scientific speciality, UNE's Graduate Diploma in Science allows you to hone your skills and future fit your career. Flexibly delivered, and with a wide range of majors in diverse…

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

At the heart of a career in counselling is a desire to help others. Build on the skills acquired in your previous degree or professional experience with UNE's accredited, flexibly delivered Master of Counselling. Underpinned by a humanistic…

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

Embrace the world of neuroscience and human behaviour, and be ready to respond to challenges and new discoveries in this exciting field of research and therapy. Develop an advanced understanding of neural processes and how these drive behaviour and…

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

One Health is a rapidly emerging discipline in public health, representing a multidisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Examining these connections can help us to identify the root…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Build on your existing knowledge and passion for social justice and human rights with practical experience and flexibly delivered case-based learning. Gain the skills necessary to address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by marginalised and …

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 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.

What our students say

Registered Nurse Sharne Bellia with her certificate of commendation at UNE graduation

My most rewarding experience while studying at UNE was being awarded the University Medal for High Achievement and being asked to deliver the Graduate Vote of Thanks speech at the graduation ceremony.

Sharne Bellia, Registered Nurse

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Disability

With demand for health professionals strong and rising, UNE’s disability study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to the health industry. Strengthen your position as a socially conscious leader in health and disability. Explore your options now.

Filter by:
Showing 19 of 9 results
Aboriginal Community Care
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's community service experts will help you develop skills in counselling, community development, and crisis intervention and prevention. Be future-fit for the evolving field of community care for Indigenous people that is focused on…

UNE's community service experts will help you develop skills in counselling, community development, and crisis intervention and prevention. Be future-fit for the evolving field of community care for Indigenous people that is focused on culturally appropriate and community-led care.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Aged Care
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's community care experts will help you develop the transferable knowledge and practical skills to prepare for a role in the aged care industry. Explore ageing from a theoretical perspective and learn to employ a person-centred framework in…

UNE's community care experts will help you develop the transferable knowledge and practical skills to prepare for a role in the aged care industry. Explore ageing from a theoretical perspective and learn to employ a person-centred framework in your practice, ready to succeed in this growing field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Children and Young People
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young…

Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young people in a caring profession.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social Work Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work Specialist Course Undergraduate
Community Welfare and Wellbeing
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your ability to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with UNE's highly regarded social work and community teaching team. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of welfare that is forecast to focus on equity…

Develop your ability to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with UNE's highly regarded social work and community teaching team. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of welfare that is forecast to focus on equity and resilience.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social Work Specialist Course Undergraduate
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Specialist Course Postgraduate
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Health and Social Care Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development Specialisation Undergraduate
Disability
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Learn from UNE’s expert educators and develop the essential knowledge and nurturing skills required to apply a person-centred approach to assisting those with a disability, as well as their families and carers. Future proof yourself and prepare for…

Learn from UNE’s expert educators and develop the essential knowledge and nurturing skills required to apply a person-centred approach to assisting those with a disability, as well as their families and carers. Future proof yourself and prepare for a career in which you will be in high demand.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Mental Health
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

Learn from UNE’s highly regarded mental health academics and be introduced to recent and future advancements in the study of emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. With UNE, you’ll build the practical and research skills needed in the fast-changing worlds of science, research and education.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Physiology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Discover the physiology of the human body with the experts at UNE. Develop knowledge of pathophysiology and integrated physiology and extend your critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific writing and technical laboratory skills. Be ready to…

Discover the physiology of the human body with the experts at UNE. Develop knowledge of pathophysiology and integrated physiology and extend your critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific writing and technical laboratory skills. Be ready to join a constantly evolving field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology with Honours Specialist Course Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Psychological Health and Wellbeing
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Psychological health and wellbeing is now acknowledged as relevant to all kinds of fields, from sports to health to business. Safeguard your career by developing advanced knowledge in areas such as behaviour modification, motivation, and emotion.…

Psychological health and wellbeing is now acknowledged as relevant to all kinds of fields, from sports to health to business. Safeguard your career by developing advanced knowledge in areas such as behaviour modification, motivation, and emotion. Learn from UNE's world-class psychology experts.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Psychological Science Minor Undergraduate
Sports Science
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology for inclusive and diverse classrooms. UNE’s expertise in sport science and teaching pedagogy will develop your technical and interpersonal…

Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology for inclusive and diverse classrooms. UNE’s expertise in sport science and teaching pedagogy will develop your technical and interpersonal skills so you succeed in a dynamic education sector.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours Specialist Course Bachelor Honours
Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development Specialisation Undergraduate
  • 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 Disability

By studying disability with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers focused on supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity. With the need for caring people who can make a positive impact on people’s lives set to rise, professionals with skillsets in disability-focused healthcare can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Disability support worker
    Provide direct assistance and support to individuals with disabilities in various settings.
  • Rehabilitation specialist
    Work with individuals with disabilities to help them regain skills, independence and improve their quality of life.
  • Disability advocate
    Work on behalf of individuals with disabilities, promoting their rights, access to services and inclusion in society.
  • Disability services coordinator
    Oversee and coordinate disability support services within an organisation or educational institution.
  • Special education teacher
    Provide tailored instruction and support to help students with diverse learning needs.
  • Assistive technology specialist
    Evaluate, recommend and implement technological solutions that can enhance the independence and abilities of individuals with disabilities.
  • Policy analyst
    Contribute to shaping disability-related policies, programs and legislation.
  • Social worker
    Work with individuals and families affected by disabilities to address their emotional, social and practical needs.

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.