What is a Bachelor of Community Services?
Please be advised this course is now in teach-out. Please refer to the Bachelor of Community Services course page for the latest offering.
The Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) equips you with theory and practical skills necessary for a career in community and public sectors. You'll cover counselling, social policy, advocacy and welfare, and gain practical experience working with individuals and communities.
Learning outcomes
- Apply effective counselling interventions with people presenting with alcohol and/or drug addiction.
- Sharpen your communication to ensure suitable advice and support is offered.
- Establish a grounding in relevant theory, transferrable into real-life counselling scenarios.
- Explore the impact of mental illness on individuals and families.
ACWA accredited
This course is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association.
This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.
*For more details on international student study options.

Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Applied Social Science 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
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Family Services Worker
Average salary: $66,000 - $102,000 -
Case Manager
Average salary: $77,000 - $109,000 -
Community Development Officer
Average salary: $78,000 - $94,000 -
Disability Support Manager
Average salary: $81,596-$128,133

Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.
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Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Electives
Requirements
Core subjects
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Interpersonal Communication | COU101A
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Theories of Counselling | COU102A
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Human Development Across the Lifespan (F2F & Online) | COU103A
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Applied Counselling 1 | COU104A
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Understanding Societies: An Introduction to Social Analysis | SOC102A
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Developing Social Policy | SOC103A
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Introduction to Community Services | WEL101A
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Health and Well-Being | WEL102A
Requirements
Core subjects
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Mental Health and the Community | COU202A
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Applied Counselling 2 | COU203A
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Fieldwork 1 | FLD201A
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Mediation and Conflict Management | SOC201A
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Introduction to Social Research Methods | SOC202A
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Managing the Needs of Diverse Client Groups | WEL201A
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Ethics and Professional Practice | WEL202A
Requirements
Core subjects
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Qualitative Research Methods | SOC301A
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Community Development | WEL301A
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Working with Addicted Populations | COU301A
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Fieldwork 2 for Community Services | FLD301A
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Case Management and Program Development | WEL302A
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WEL303A Human Rights and Social Advocacy
Requirements
Elective subjects
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Relationship Counselling | COU201A
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Applied Counselling 3 | COU204A
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Counselling for Grief and Loss | COU302A
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Alcohol and Other Drugs | COU304A
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Narrative Therapy | COU306A
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Existential Psychotherapy | COU307A
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Focusing: Enhancing the Mind-Body Connection in Therapy | COU308A
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Introduction to Gestalt Therapy | COU309A
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Spirituality and Psychotherapy | COU310A
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Fieldwork 2 for Community Services | FLD301A
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WEL203A Chronic Illness and Disability
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Death and Dying | WEL304A
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Protection of Children | WEL305A
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. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. 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.
Industry partners and work placements
Work placement hours
As part of your course, you’ll get to undertake 400 hours of work placement with approved external organisations.
Entry details
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Domestic
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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.
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.
Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above
OR
Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.
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).
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.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.
Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
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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.