Health

Bachelor of Community Services

CRICOS 111741F
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What is a Bachelor of Community Services?

The Bachelor of Community Services equips you with theory and skills necessary for a career in community and public sectors. You'll cover counselling, social justice, advocacy and welfare, and gain practical experience working with individuals and communities. This course is currently seeking accreditation by the industry peak body.

This course focuses on practical training while providing a solid grounding in the relevant communication, counselling and policy theory. You'll be able to choose from our extensive range of elective subjects to focus your study on what you're passionate about. This degree includes fieldwork placements, ensuring that you graduate with valuable experience and industry contacts.

More

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate respectful and effective communication skills with the diverse cultures in which we work.
  • Exercise critical judgement in advocating and empowering clients within a social justice context.
  • Implement and apply community services competencies and professional practice within appropriate moral, ethical, legal and professional standards.
  • Implement and evaluate interventions to support clients with diverse needs and experiences.
Study mode
Online, On campus
Campus locations*
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Online
Student
Domestic
International
Course duration
3 years full time, part-time options available
Start date
3 June 2024
16 Sep 2024
Fees & scholarships

This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

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Ultimate flexibility
With the option to study full or part time and all your course materials online, you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle.

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Designed to fit in with you
With a range of electives on offer, you can tailor your course to work towards your career goals.

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40+ years of counselling experience
Our heritage with the Jansen Newman Institute ensures you’re learning from more than 40 years of counselling experience.
When you study with us, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in world-class clinics making a difference to real patients.
Career Opportunities |Community Services| Torrens University

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Community Services has been designed to prepare you for employment in a role that leverages advocacy, social policy and community development to improve and support the lives of others. You will be ready to begin working in the dynamic field of community services in a career that makes a difference.

Potential career paths

  • Community Worker
    Average salary: $59,000 - $100,188
  • Welfare Worker
    Average salary: $70,863 - $93,029
  • Community Development Officer
    Average salary: $77,584 - $96,137
  • Youth Worker
    Average salary: $66,258 - $92,241
  • Case Manager
    Average salary: $78,610 - $114,408
  • NDIS Support Coordinator
    Average salary: $71,875 – 84,556
  • Mental Health Support Worker
    Average salary: $62,400 - $84,060
Natalia Londono - Bachelor of Applied Science Community Services student testimonial
I’m very passionate about helping people in disadvantaged communities. With the knowledge I’m getting at Torrens University, I can now plan what can be done to help a community.
Natalia Londoño
Bachelor of Applied Science (Community Services)

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Electives

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

  • Social and Emotional Wellbeing | HWEL2006
  • Professional Communication and Collaboration | HSC101
  • Case Management and Understanding Community Services | HCCSSD101
  • Person-Centred Practice | HCCSSD102
  • Mental Health | HCCSSD103
  • Lifespan Development | HCCSSD104
  • Theories of Counselling | HCCSSD105
  • Professional Practice and Industry Placement | HCCSSD106

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Evidence-based Practice | EBP107A
  • Understanding Health | HWEL2002A
  • Health Systems and Community Services in Action | COM201
  • First Peoples Cultures, History and Health | FPH201
  • Policy Activism, Planning and Management | HCCSSD204
  • Diversity and Inclusion | HCCSSD202
  • Social Justice | HCCSSD205

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select two electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Health Education and Communication | HEC306
  • Advanced Industry Placement | HCCSSD302
  • Empowerment and Advocacy | HCCSSD309
  • Community Development | HCCSSD304
  • Working with Complex Clients | COU202
  • Critical Literature Review | CLR308A
  • Applied Ethical and Professional Practices in Community Services | HCCSSD306 

Requirements

Choose one elective subjects below in year two and two elective subjects below in year three.

Year 2 - one 200 level 

Year 3 - one 300 level

Elective subjects

  • Mediation and Conflict | HCCSSD203
  • Chronic Illness and Disability | HCCSSD206
  • Health Promotion | HPR200A
  • Environmental Change and Resilience | HCCSSD207
  • Healthcare in the Digital World | HDW204
  • Positive Ageing | POA304
  • Understanding Addictions | HCCSSD301
  • Entrepreneurship, Professionalism and Business Skills in Health | EPR307
  • Child Protection | HCCSSD308
  • Grief, Loss and Death | HCCSSD310
  • Mediation and Conflict | COU201

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Study pathways

Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate students with flexible entry options and study pathways. Whether you prefer a full program or a modular approach, we can tailor your studies to your needs. Start your journey with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree, or grow your career with a postgraduate qualification.

Need more help?

Let us customise a study plan and pathway for you.

Postgraduate

  • Graduate Certificate courses ( 2 options )
    • Graduate Certificate of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course

      Complete just four subjects to expand your knowledge in a specific area, or take the first step towards your Masters.

    • Graduate Certificate of Public Health

      CRICOS 097405K

      View course

      Complete just four subjects to expand your knowledge in a specific area, or take the first step towards your Masters.

  • Graduate Diploma courses ( 2 options )
    • Graduate Diploma of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course

      Complete four more subjects to expand or deepen your knowledge in a specific area.

    • Graduate Diploma of Public Health

      CRICOS 097406J

      View course

      Complete four more subjects to expand or deepen your knowledge in a specific area.

  • Master courses ( 2 options )
    • Master of Public Health

      CRICOS 097404M

      View course

      Become a specialist in your field, or take the first step towards your Doctorate degree.

    • Master of Public Health Advanced

      CRICOS 095594E

      View course

      Become a specialist in your field, or take the first step towards your Doctorate degree.

Industry partners and work placements

Work placements and Work-Integrated Learning programs provide a valuable resource for you to develop hands-on practical experience to ensure you graduate confident and job-ready.

Work placement hours

As part of your course, you’ll get to undertake 400 hours of work placement with approved external organisations.

Entry details

  • Domestic
  • International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.

Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.

The below is an alternative option.
Work and life experience that demonstrates skills and knowledge gained through paid or unpaid employment, formal learning and/or non-formal learning (presented on a current resume with attached cover letter).

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent; AND

 Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

  • What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
  • What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
  • Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
  • Can I get course credit for previous experience?
  • What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
  • How do I apply for a scholarship?

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Want to find out more?

Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.

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