Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification with specific GPA requirements.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification with specific GPA requirements. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Not Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Not Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
In the human and community services sector, research plays a critical role in identifying gaps in service delivery, evaluating program effectiveness, and developing evidence-based policies and interventions. Having a strong understanding of research is now essential for success, with employers increasingly seeking employees who are not only proficient in their field, but also possess research skills that can be applied to solve complex problems.
UNE's Bachelor of Human and Community Services with Honours offers a dynamic blend of theoretical and practical learning that prepares you to fill these needs, with the opportunity to work with industry partners and receive guidance from experienced supervisors. This comprehensive course will be your gateway to a career path focused on senior human and community services sector roles.
Why study the Bachelor of Human and Community Services with Honours with UNE?
This course offers the skills and knowledge needed to gain a competitive edge in the industry, opening doors to senior roles as a human and community services specialist in a range of diverse settings. In addition to providing a strong foundation in research methodology, our program offers you the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside our industry partners. You will have access to a dedicated and experienced supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout your research journey.
What makes our course different?
UNE's human and community services research emphasises optimal health outcomes for communities, particularly in rural and regional areas. Our research priorities reflect the key challenges facing these communities: growing, living and ageing well; healthy minds; and sustainable systems. When furthering your studies with our Honours degree, you will get to:
- Gain first-hand experience in developing research questions, designing studies, collecting and analysing data, and disseminating findings, such as articles and book chapters suitable for publication, industry-based reports or equivalent.
- Work directly with our industry partners, solving real-world problems while developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued in today's workplaces.
- Pursue high-quality scholarship and scientific enquiry to support innovation and improve health and social outcomes in the communities we serve. Your research will add to UNE's body of world-class research, improving the lives of regional and rural Australians.
- Deepen your understanding of the human and community services field, while also honing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued in today's workplaces.
- Complete an honours degree in a way that best suits your lifestyle with flexible, online delivery of the coursework component.
- Take advantage of the rich research culture of UNE, with a collaborative approach and excellent support from your supervisors.
Study with Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE, in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet BOTH of the following Academic entry requirements:
- You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent), in a Health or Allied Health discipline including, but not limited to:
- Community Services
- Counselling
- Social Work
- Psychology.
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE's English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in the Program of Study within the last ten years (including listed units), you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- HLTH499 Bachelor Honours Thesis
- HLTH400 Co-Creation and Participatory Research in Health and Social Care
You can apply for this course if you meet BOTH of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed a UNE Bachelor Degree, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent), in a Health or Allied Health discipline including, but not limited to:
- Community Services
- Counselling
- Social Work
- Psychology.
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in the Program of Study within the last ten years (including listed units), you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- HLTH499 Bachelor Honours Thesis
- HLTH400 Co-Creation and Participatory Research in Health and Social Care
Course structure
Candidates select the major that complements the Bachelor degree upon which they were admitted to the course.To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points with at least 36 credit points at 400-level and not more than 12 credit points at 500-level.
48 credit points
Complete ONE Approved Major:42 credit points
Complete the following units:- Co-Creation and Participatory Research in Health and Social Care (HLTH400) – 6 credit points
- Bachelor Honours Research Study (HLTH499) – 24 credit points
- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units, or any other 400-level, 6 credit point unit approved by Honours supervisor. Enrolment is subject to meeting pre-requisites or via permission from the Unit Coordinator.- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
- Assessment and Management of Issues with Substance Use and Dependence (HLTH425) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health (HLTH426) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health and Older Adults (HLTH427) – 6 credit points
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing (HLTH428) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Disadvantage and Service Provision (HSSW400) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Intervention Models and Skills (HSSW410) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights, the Law and Social Justice (HSSW413) – 6 credit points
42 credit points
Complete the following units:- Co-Creation and Participatory Research in Health and Social Care (HLTH400) – 6 credit points
- Bachelor Honours Research Study (HLTH499) – 24 credit points
- Foundations of Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH500) – 6 credit points
- Methods for Inquiry in Health and Social Care (HLTH501) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units, or any other 400-level, 6 credit point unit approved by Honours supervisor. Enrolment is subject to meeting pre-requisites or via permission from the Unit Coordinator.- Foundational Mental Health Assessment Skills (HLTH421) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Mental Health Care (HLTH422) – 6 credit points
- Focused Psychological Strategies in Mental Health (HLTH423) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health Promotion (HLTH424) – 6 credit points
- Assessment and Management of Issues with Substance Use and Dependence (HLTH425) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health (HLTH426) – 6 credit points
- Mental Health and Older Adults (HLTH427) – 6 credit points
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing (HLTH428) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS435) – 6 credit points
- Applied Counselling Theories (HSCS452) – 6 credit points
- Child and Adolescent Counselling (HSCS472) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Loss and Grief (HSCS474) – 6 credit points
- Counselling for Trauma (HSCS478) – 6 credit points
- Disadvantage and Service Provision (HSSW400) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Intervention Models and Skills (HSSW410) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights, the Law and Social Justice (HSSW413) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| International | $32,256* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $16,320* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Research and industry partnership experience will provide you with specialist knowledge in your chosen area of study, value-adding to your professional role, and can lead to more senior roles in:
- Organisational education and program development
- Human and Community Services policy analysis
- Leadership and organisational development
- Human and Community Services research.
The Bachelor of Human and Community Services with Honours can also be a pathway to postgraduate study. Find out more about Higher Degree Research with UNE's School of Health.
As an Honours graduate, your advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in human and community services, combined with excellent communication skills and the ability to solve complex problems, will give you a competitive edge when pursuing a career path in senior roles as a human and community service specialist in a range of diverse settings.
Course outcomes
- Critically evaluate literature in health and human services, identifying gaps in existing knowledge and potential areas for future research;
- demonstrate the ability to design and conduct research, including identifying research questions and selecting appropriate study designs;
- apply a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and theories in health and human services research, including research methodologies, data collection and analysis techniques, and ethical considerations to practical and professional issues;
- effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences using a range of communication modes;
- demonstrate the application of research skills to address complex human and community human services' needs, such as developing evidence-based policies, interventions, and programs to address professional issues;
- collaborate effectively with peers, supervisors and other stakeholders in the human and community services field to conduct research that can be translated into practice.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in human and community services, as well as highly developed knowledge of research principles and methods, and an advanced comprehension of a specialised area of study that the student has selected to research. Supervisors will guide students to identify important resources that will be used as the basis for their research. This knowledge will then be assessed throughout the degree through a range of assessment tasks to be determined by the relevant discipline.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have high-level communication skills, oral and written, and be able to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences. Guided by their supervisor, these communication skills will be developed by students when completing, for example, ethics applications, contacting potential research participants, conducting empirical and other research, and communicating their ideas in oral and written form. The honing of these skills will stand students in good stead for the workplace.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence. With initiative and judgement, these skills will enable students to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. Student will need to locate, evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner and will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct relevant literature and to integrate theoretical and critical approaches into their work.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to recognise pertinent information and will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have the cognitive skills to exercise critical and creative thinking and judgement in developing new understanding of a subject.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Ethical, professional and social responsibility is at the heart of human and community services. Students' capabilities in this attribute will be enhanced through their engagement with the research project process, peers and supervisor.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have the research and critical thinking skills, as well as intellectual capacity, to enable them to continually further their learning. These attributes will be fostered throughout the honours program. Through completing the coursework and assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to, with a degree of independence, write about and discuss critical issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, will be useful in any career and are essentially lifelong competencies.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters. Students will be required to participate in professional, respectful and ethical discussions with relevant stakeholders at their participating organisation, their supervisor, and with other students on areas associated with their area of study.
A five-star experience
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
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
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
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 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 Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
If I were to continue studying in the field of health, I would choose UNE again. I know that I'm in safe, respectful, kind and competent hands here.
Why study with us?
UNE provides excellent learning experiences, and a wide range of social and personal services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Not offered | Not offered |
| Trimester 2 | 25 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
