Health

Bachelor of Community Services

CRICOS 111741F

What is a Bachelor of Community Services?

The Bachelor of Community Services equips you with theory and practical 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.

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.

Download course guide Start online application

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

19 Feb 2024

3 June 2024

16 Sep 2024

View all key dates

Fees & scholarships

Learn more

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

*For more details on international student study options.

When you study with us, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in world-class clinics making a difference to real patients.

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

Learn more about careers in Health

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

This subject covers the principles of social, emotional and psychological health, as well as how they relate to health behaviours. You will analyse the role of capacity building and the promotion of wellbeing through mindfulness, positive behavioural change and resilience.
Professional Communication and Collaboration | HSC101

Professional Communication and Collaboration will introduce you to the skills required by health professionals to enable effective interactions within a wide variety of inter-personal and inter-professional workplace settings. You will work on developing practical skills to assist in the building, maintenance, and endings of professional relationships with clients, other professionals, and members of the community across multi-modal communication settings. You will be introduced to frameworks promoting change, compliance, self-efficacy, goal-setting and collaboration. This subject will also cover those foundational counselling skills that are applicable to a wide variety of health professions, such as core counselling behaviours, listening skills, and communication micro-skills. Sessions facilitate your understanding of the importance of ethical communication, diversity and inclusion considerations, professional expectations and the development of professional behaviours including self-reflection and self-care. Agile and adaptable communication skills to support working with clients and with other professionals collaboratively and inclusively, allowing for conflict resolution and appropriate endings of relationships.
Case Management and Understanding Community Services | HCCSSD101

This subject examines the practice and skills required for case management and program development in community services. It includes an overview of the theory and practice of program planning, development and evaluation that address the diverse and varied needs of clients. You will be introduced to appropriate professional standards in case management and learn to develop a case management plan that helps you advocate for and empower clients within an ethical framework. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a community services setting.
Person-Centred Practice | HCCSSD102

In this subject, you will learn the key tenets of person centred practice beginning with a philosophical understanding of what it means to be a person including values, knowing self, and flourishing as a human. You will learn the underpinning skills necessary for professional practice including communicating clearly navigating systems, appreciating contexts, and engaging authentically while being empathetically present. In addition, you will learn the principles of person centred practice including the skills it takes to be a good communicator and the core conditions required of the professional. You will learn core micro skills for effective communication and practice effective means to action these skills in everyday and professional contexts
Mental Health | HCCSSD103

This subject provides you with a foundational understanding of mental health, including definitions of mental health, mental health theories, risk factors and disorders. You’ll also learn about the impact of mental illness on the individual and develop skills in crisis management, particularly as it relates to clients with mental health issues.
Lifespan Development | HCCSSD104

This subject introduces you to the field of developmental psychology and explores what drives or motivates human behaviour. It examines the key life stages from birth to death, taking into account social and cultural contexts. You will be introduced to scholarly work about human development and models for critical self-reflection. Drawing on a range of disciplines, topics include theories of attachment, cognitive and social development, trauma responses at various stages of development, and the role of families and communities in supporting healthy development. You will be required to reflect on your own lifespan development.
Theories of Counselling | HCCSSD105

In this subject, you are introduced to the core skills required for counselling. The subject provides you with theoretical and practical learning opportunities to develop their counselling skills in an interactive and supportive learning environment with feedback from others. Practising throughout the subject increasingly complex counselling skills in small groups, they begin to develop their preferred counselling style. The interrelationships between counselling theories, modalities, and related macro and micro skills are explored. This subject also includes a focus on research into counselling outcomes and effective change processes. Face-to-face students develop the practical skills in their weekly classes whereas online students achieve this outcome by participating in a compulsory weekend residential.
Professional Practice and Industry Placement | HCCSSD106

Two hundred hours of industry placement will be undertaken in this subject. With both theory learning and industry placement, you will gain valuable experience of being involved in an organisation that offers counselling or other relevant community services to clients/consumers of their services. You will also be introduced to the purpose of supervisory relationships. You will learn how ethical and legal frameworks are applied to community services and counselling-related organisations.

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

This subject provides you with an introduction to the essential components of evidence-based practice: health informatics, research and digital literacy, and critical thinking. You will develop the skills necessary to locate, critique and interpret a research article, and gain an understanding of how research evidence is translated into practice. You will become familiar with quantitative and qualitative evidence, research methodology, basic descriptive and inferential statistics and the foundational skills to evaluate and appraise evidence in healthcare.
Understanding Health | HWEL2002A

This subject provides students an introduction to the diversity of health theories and initiatives to improve health outcomes. Students will engage with key concepts including human right to health, social determinants of health, equality, equity and vulnerability. An introduction to Australia’s health system and intersectoral action will also be provided.
Health Systems and Community Services in Action | COM201

This subject introduces you to the Australian health care system and community services, and the policies, theories and practices applicable to the field. You will learn about various roles in community services, and the practices involved such as advocacy, lobbying, networking, and support and service coordination. This course will develop your understanding of community sector organisations in Australia, sources of funding, and the challenges and opportunities for accessing and providing relevant resources. You will explore community development through examples such as public housing, Indigenous community development and community engagement.
First Peoples Cultures, History and Health | FPH201

This subject equips you with specific foundational knowledge for understanding the Gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and provides key resources to support evidence-based culturally sensitive and accessible care that meets the needs of First Nations People. You will gain an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health from pre-colonisation to the present, examining health issues in historical, political and policy contexts. Learn how colonial history has determined power relations between healthcare professionals and First Nations People, and how that impacts health, demographic and socioeconomic trends and outcomes. Incorporate cultural awareness to improve interprofessional health practice and advocate for improved health outcomes and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Policy Activism, Planning and Management | HCCSSD204

In this subject you will examine the nature and practice of social policy development through a study of key public policy areas such as education, health, welfare, the family, crime and law and order policy. You will be introduced to the biopsychosocial model and how it impacts Australian social policy development. You will examine the theoretical underpinnings of policy development and the role of politics and lobby groups in influencing social policy. You will also be introduced to the policy process, and how policy decisions are monitored and evaluated. You will explore the role of Peak associations, not for profit and private sector organisations in monitoring the impact of government policy and advocating for vulnerable groups within society. This knowledge base is designed to enable you to consider how else polices can be informed and used effectively to catalyst change and improve people’s lives.
Diversity and Inclusion | HCCSSD202

This subject develops your understanding of diversity in Australia across a range of population groups. You will develop the skills to work ethically and effectively with LGBTQI+ groups, migrants, multicultural communities, people of different ages and social gradient, people with disabilities and First Nations people. Examine the various concepts of citizen, consumer, service user, client and consultant to understand how different agencies define the rights and responsibilities of people accessing services. Drawing on case studies, research and current affairs, you will gain an understanding of Othering in contemporary Australian society and demonstrate skills in cultural literacy.
Social Justice | HCCSSD205

This subject will introduce you to concepts of social justice and human rights through the analysis of national and international issues. In particular you will be asked to critically examine key debates in human rights discourse, ethical frameworks and the relevance of social justice for people who experience disadvantage. You will examine the effectiveness of legal responses and social change strategies. Social justice and the advocacy role of the professional will be explored. You will explore historical and contemporary challenges facing social justice issues.

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

This subject explores the philosophy and principles of health education and communication in a variety of settings. Students will gain practical skills in communicating in a culturally sensitive, ethical and professional manner using appropriate resources, technologies and techniques to translate scientific concepts and evidence-based information to a target audience. Students will apply health behavioural theories and health promotion strategies to advocate for improved health outcomes that are equitable and sustainable.
Advanced Industry Placement | HCCSSD302

You are required to engage in community services work totalling 200 hundred hours, during which you will develop your professional practice by working with individuals and groups. Your practical placement experience will be supported with supervision in a variety of formats, providing you with the opportunity to practice a range of activities such as case management, client services, program planning and development, individual and group assessment, advocacy and support work.
Empowerment and Advocacy | HCCSSD309

This subject examines concepts of empowerment and advocacy in the context of individuals, communities and cultural and structural institutions. Topics include theories of power and oppression, social movements, vulnerable populations and anti-oppressive practice. You will examine the link between human rights and health and wellbeing; the rights of citizens, workers and vulnerable groups; and the practice of advocacy in promoting social change. You will also develop an understanding of the role of government, the non-government sector and the business sector in relation to community services work.
Community Development | HCCSSD304

This subject introduces you to the theory, principles and skills of community development practice as a way of building capacity in community groups. You will examine the philosophical basis of community development as a method of social change and social action through building consensus, participation, advocacy and democracy. You will explore examples of innovative community development programs in public housing, First Nations people, disadvantaged geographical areas and cultural communities, acknowledging the diversities within communities and the possibilities for collaboration, advocacy and strategic community planning in initiating change.
Working with Complex Clients | COU202
This subject teaches six key therapy modalities: person-centred therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness and somatic awareness. In this advanced practice subject, the facilitation of change is taught using skills modelling and practice sessions. Practice feedback is provided by facilitators and peer students in a supportive learning environment. You will be trained to integrate the six approaches into your unique way of working, choose suitable approaches for crisis intervention, and understand the limitations of each of the approaches. You will also learn to understand and set boundaries, and to apply self-care.

Practical Intensive Workshop requirement for online delivery:

When this subject is studied online, these Practical Intensive Workshops will be required attendance at our Surry Hills campus. They are designed to be interactive and deliver experiential practical skills training. All students will be expected to participate to get the most out of the workshops and support readiness for the final placement in the program that will entail 40hrs of individual face‐to face counselling with clients.

There are two weekend sessions that students are required to attend.

These are held over the weekend (Saturday & Sunday) at the end of Weeks 6 and Week 12 of each trimester.

Each session will run from 9.00am to 6.00pm AEST on both days (with breaks).

When these subjects are delivered as on campus, the subject will instead have a 3h weekly attendance requirement across the Trimester that will include this experiential practical skills training.
Critical Literature Review | CLR308A

This subject builds on established knowledge of literature search methods and critical appraisal skills to culminate in a review that conforms to publication standards. You will have an opportunity to critically examine the current literature to answer a chosen research question that will inform clinical decision-making. You will write a literature review that appraises the current knowledge base, highlighting strengths, weaknesses and omissions in existing literature.
Applied Ethical and Professional Practices in Community Services | HCCSSD306

Employability in the community services workforce, requires an ability to evaluate complex and multi-faceted scenarios that will challenge workers ability to determine appropriate course of action while supporting an ethical human rights decision-making framework.

This subject theoretically examines the practices and requirements of the community services workforce through an ethical, evidence-based and human rights integrated lens. It will enable the development of an advanced applied reasoning skillset through the examination of the ethics theory and legal frameworks that have been covered in previous subjects within contemporary scenarios of the sector.

Case studies will allow theoretical ethical examination of the core challenges experienced by community services workers in the workforce within a broad range of contemporary settings and within the context of authentic employment opportunities, community and key population groups. Topics include ethical theories, professional codes of ethics, ethics for research, public health, disability and vulnerable groups, restrictive practices, internal reporting and whistleblowing, and the ethics of self-care.

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

This subject looks at the nature of interpersonal conflict, and explores strategies for resolution such as mediation, conferencing and restorative justice. It begins by considering the nature of conflict, theories about causes, and how conflict manifests in different relationships and communities. You will be introduced to key conflict management strategies, learning to reduce unhealthy forms of conflict and create positive relationships based on empathy and understanding. You will also consider anger management strategies in addressing entrenched, high-conflict situations.
Chronic Illness and Disability | HCCSSD206

This subject begins with a constructivist analysis of disability, exploring a range of approaches for working with disabled people. You will explore the ways people with chronic illnesses and disabilities experience their embodiedness via the social, medical and somatic models. You will also be introduced to advocacy and support skills appropriate to working with people with disabilities and those with chronic illness in the community services and counselling fields, and gain an understanding of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Health Promotion | HPR200A

This subject provides you with knowledge and understanding of health promotion concepts in various settings within Australia. You will be introduced to the key theories and concepts around behavioural change as it relates to health status. This subject will also give you the opportunity to use your knowledge to devise and assess health promotion interventions.
Environmental Change and Resilience | HCCSSD207

Based on social ecology, ecofeminism and ecopsychology, this subject provides you with the theories and practices to facilitate ecological consciousness and the ability to live psychosocially and ecologically sustainable lives. This subject is grounded in scientifically supported recognition that the world’s population is increasingly impacted by the effects of climate change, reduced mental health and resilience, and a decline in physical health and immunity against microorganisms. You will explore your own issues with sustainable living and be introduced to ecologically aware techniques designed to facilitate resilience.
Healthcare in the Digital World | HDW204

Digital competence is an essential part of any career in the contemporary health sector. This subject will develop your digital fluency and introduce you to current and emerging health care technologies and data science, the role of telehealth, health applications for mobile phones, wearable technology, social media and the internet of things. You will cover the use of health informatics, such as telemedicine in rural communities and developing countries, and managing and monitoring information technology operations. You will also discuss the legal and ethical issues of using of these technologies in your practice as a health professional, and create an ethical and professionally appropriate online presence.
Positive Ageing | POA304

This subject provides an overview of the ageing process and how it impacts individuals and societies. You will examine the cultural, political, theoretical and practical psycho/social/physical aspects of ageing. You will explore how to extend purpose, meaningful life, health, community participation and wellbeing in the transition to post-retirement life. The subject also explores the role of professional carers and support staff in helping individuals to remain well, independent and engaged in self-determination as they age.
Understanding Addictions | HCCSSD301

This subject provides you with an overview of addiction theories and research across different forms of addictive behaviours that present in the community. The subject adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the biological, psychological and social factors associated with addictive behaviours. You will critically reflect on the shift from the disease model to approaches that draw on behavioural and social scientific theories; investigate the controversies and social stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use; and discuss the contrasting ideologies underpinning harm minimisation, risk and abstinence. The subject also covers policy informing programs, and the dominant models for drug and alcohol counselling.
Entrepreneurship, Professionalism and Business Skills in Health | EPR307

Entrepreneurship, Professionalism & Business Skills in Health will introduce students to the concepts of small business management, entrepreneurship and how to identify the professional requirements of their healthcare discipline. This subject will explore the topics necessary to establish and run a successful healthcare practice and maintain their professional status in the healthcare sector. Students will also explore their professional identity to support the understanding of the ethical conduct, liability, legal and regulatory requirements that are pertinent to their specific modality. This subject will initiate the development of a Business plan using entrepreneurial practices and innovative design thinking. This will include exploring business strategies such as operating policy and procedures, marketing and branding, networking strategies, leadership, administration and financial issues necessary for the operation and management of a contemporary healthcare practice.
Child Protection | HCCSSD308

The subject examines the concept of the protection of children and broadens the debate to include societal factors such as poverty, unemployment, family violence, culture and ethnicity, class and gender as part of the broader picture. You will examine the origins of the professional regulation of child welfare, as well as the moral imperative surrounding child protection issues. You will also address challenges of the care and protection of children, as well as the professional challenges in developing a best-practice approach.
Grief, Loss and Death | HCCSSD310

In this subject you will be introduced to the idea of death as a part of the life process. You will learn stages of grief models and relevant approaches to working with clients, including crisis intervention and bereavement counselling. The subject explores cultural differences and diversity in attitudes toward death and dying, and culturally sensitive communication with clients and their significant others. Important aspects of this topic are the concept of dying a good death, the challenges of working with clients who are vulnerable, the spiritual elements of death and the potential for developing resilience in the process of loss. You will critically reflect on processes for self-care and boundary management.
Mediation and Conflict | COU201

This subject looks at the nature of interpersonal conflict, and explores strategies for resolution such as mediation, conferencing and restorative justice. It begins by considering the nature of conflict, theories about its causes, and how conflict manifests in relationships, groups, communities and internationally. You will be introduced to key conflict management strategies and steps to reduce unhealthy forms of conflict and arrive at positive, healthy relationships based on empathy and understanding. You will also consider anger management strategies in addressing entrenched, high conflict situations.

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.

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

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

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

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Bachelor of Community Services

What is a Bachelor of Community Services?

Learning outcomes