The Bachelor of Community Services is an accredited Australian undergraduate degree designed to equip students with essential competencies for ethical, culturally responsive practice in human services. This comprehensive program prepares you to work effectively with diverse populations across various community welfare settings.
1 Program Overview
This undergraduate degree provides specialized training in community welfare practice, encompassing critical areas including child protection, palliative care services, youth justice systems, and community advocacy. Students develop a strong foundation in human services theory, professional ethics, and management capabilities essential for effective practice in contemporary community services environments.
The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for immediate employment in the sector while establishing a solid foundation for advanced studies at the postgraduate level.
2 Learning Framework
Teaching Methodology: The program employs a blended learning approach featuring instructor-led sessions through lectures and interactive tutorials. Standard unit delivery includes a two-hour lecture component complemented by a one-hour tutorial session weekly.
Academic Calendar: The course operates on a trimester system with three academic terms annually, enabling accelerated completion pathways. Units are delivered concurrently within each trimester, allowing dedicated students to complete the full qualification within a three-year timeframe.
Curriculum Design: The degree comprises 24 core units distributed across eight trimesters, covering essential domains including community service practice, counselling methodologies, policy frameworks, service coordination, specialized intervention techniques, and supervised fieldwork experience.
Professional Experience: Students undertake two mandatory field placements in approved community welfare organizations, totaling 400 hours of supervised practice. These placements meet professional standards established by the Australian Community Workers Association, ensuring industry-relevant practical experience.
3 Academic Requirements
Degree Completion: Students must successfully complete 24 units equivalent to 360 credit points to graduate with the Bachelor of Community Services qualification. Each trimester involves enrollment in three units, maintaining steady progression through the program.
Class Format: Standard units feature weekly two-hour lectures and one-hour tutorials, requiring attendance typically two to three days per week depending on individual timetabling. Some campus locations offer evening class options to accommodate working students.
Study Commitment: Beyond scheduled classes, each unit requires approximately seven hours of independent study weekly for readings, assignments, and exam preparation. This ensures comprehensive understanding and mastery of course material.
Placement Coordination: Field placement units (FLD202 and FLD304) require students to arrange work schedules collaboratively with host agencies and the institutional placement coordination team, ensuring compliance with ACWA professional standards.
4 Graduate Outcomes
Professional Recognition: Successful graduates become eligible for full membership with the Australian Community Workers' Association, providing professional credibility and networking opportunities within the sector.
Career Pathways: This qualification opens diverse employment opportunities across the community services sector, including:
- Welfare Center Management
- Community Program Coordination
- Community Development Officer
- Counseling Services
- Case Management Specialist
- Youth Support Worker
- Juvenile Justice Officer
- Child and Family Practitioner
- Community Development Specialist
- Community Health Worker
Graduates gain the professional competencies, ethical framework, and practical skills required to create positive change in diverse community settings, supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening community resilience.
Your Success Partner
AI Global provides comprehensive support for community services students throughout their educational journey. From selecting the right university and program through to graduation and career planning, our experienced team ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to your goals.
Contact us today to explore your options for studying Bachelor of Community Services in Australia and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in community welfare and social support.