Build the skills to have an impactful career in community development
Community development is an important aspect of social cohesion and skilled professionals who can motivate groups to take collective action for the greater good are highly sought after by employers. With an increase in technological advances that are aiding community development, professionals who can embrace these changes will be at the forefront of this multidisciplinary field.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in community development designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to have an enormous impact on the communities you will work with in the future. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults prepare ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our community development courses focus on community organising, social justice, policy analysis, urban planning, project management and more, to ensure you are future-fit to adapt to the challenges that the world’s populations and environments are facing.
A significant portion of our students select online learning, where they join a community of adults who use their life and work experiences to develop tangible networks for the future. On-campus learners have access to housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
With UNE, you’ll graduate with the confidence to make a difference to the sustainable and equitable development of the world in which we live, whether you choose to pursue careers in local or global communities. Our track record of readying adults for the ever-changing job market speaks for itself. We are an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the community development courses and specialisations on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Business and economics make a powerful combination. Graduates with skills in both disciplines are highly sought after for a range of roles in business, government and non-profit organisations. Studying the combined Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The world's economies, living standards, commercial and political systems are at the heart of the study of economics. Economics involves weighing up choices and alternatives and seeing how they impact upon businesses, societies and…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
With economics and law influencing almost every aspect of society, the UNE Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws will equip you with a valuable portfolio of knowledge and skills relevant to a wide range of careers. You will graduate with knowledge…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The environmental problems that we face in a rapidly changing world require solutions developed by skilled scientists and innovators. UNE's Bachelor of Environmental Science gives you a broad foundation in the theories and practice that underpin …
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Work with people to build a better world and make a real difference with the Bachelor of Sustainability at UNE. Our degree integrates the social sciences and humanities with environmental sciences and natural resource management to…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Urban and regional planners develop strategies and design communities in which we all live, work and play. Planning helps balance community, environmental and economic needs, while recognising cultural significance in order to improve our quality of …
- 2.5 or 3 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Designed to provide an opportunity for first-time university study, UNE's Diploma in Town Planning will open doors to a career in planning with employment potential across all Australian regions. This online course provides you with foundation…
- Up to 2 or up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
This course is not offered in Trimester 3, 2024. We encourage you to consider our Diploma in Arts as an alternative. The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more…
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Not Offered - Pending Review
- Online
This course is not offered in Trimester 3, 2024. We encourage you to consider our Diploma in Town Planning as an alternative. Be prepared to meet nationwide industry shortages with UNE’s Undergraduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning.…
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
Planning integrates environmental, economic and social aspects of development with the competing needs of communities, companies and governments. This complex and dynamic field requires planning professionals to maintain up-to-date knowledge and…
- 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Communities and regions face complex challenges as they work towards improving living standards and wellbeing. Economists play a critical role in community and regional development by informing the decisions of government and non-government agencies …
- 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Economics influences almost every aspect of business, government and society. Policy makers and leaders in all organisations need to understand the economics interactions of global political and commercial systems, whilst considering living…
- 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Planning experts work strategically, often with competing stakeholders, to achieve the best social, environmental and economic outcomes. UNE's Master of Urban and Regional Planning offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive course that…
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Greg KemmettFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Community Development
As global economic and climate resources fluctuate, demand for community development professionals is rising. UNE’s study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes. Strengthen your position as an empowering leader. Explore the community development study options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities…
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities and enduring sustainability practices.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Sustainability | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop visions, goals and plans that make communities more liveable and sustainable with UNE's expert planners. Learn skills in social analysis, research and communication and use advancing technology and practical strategies for future…
Develop visions, goals and plans that make communities more liveable and sustainable with UNE's expert planners. Learn skills in social analysis, research and communication and use advancing technology and practical strategies for future community development in our rapidly changing world.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's esteemed economics academics will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills to succeed in the rapidly changing field of economic development. Learn about current trends using emerging tech and stay up-to-date with…
UNE's esteemed economics academics will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills to succeed in the rapidly changing field of economic development. Learn about current trends using emerging tech and stay up-to-date with best practices for a sustainable career in the field.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Economics | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Master of Economic and Regional Development | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Master of Economics | Major | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Learn from UNE's highly regarded environmental and rural science team and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to secure your career. Learn about emerging tech and be future-fit to work in a world that is…
Learn from UNE's highly regarded environmental and rural science team and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to secure your career. Learn about emerging tech and be future-fit to work in a world that is constantly seeing new environmental challenges.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Economics | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
The experts at UNE will prepare you to tackle the global challenges that face our population today and in the future. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to meet growing demand for specialists who can assess and…
The experts at UNE will prepare you to tackle the global challenges that face our population today and in the future. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to meet growing demand for specialists who can assess and mitigate the impacts of our globalised society on the earth.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of International Studies | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experts will help you develop the geographic, research and communication skills to analyse the economic, demographic, social and ecological forces which influence human activity in Australia. Use up-to-date research methods and be…
UNE's experts will help you develop the geographic, research and communication skills to analyse the economic, demographic, social and ecological forces which influence human activity in Australia. Use up-to-date research methods and be future-fit to contribute to the field of human geography.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Understanding how people and the environment interact with each other is becoming more important as our population grows and our climate changes. Develop skills in communication and collaboration, research and analysis, and planning and policy.…
Understanding how people and the environment interact with each other is becoming more important as our population grows and our climate changes. Develop skills in communication and collaboration, research and analysis, and planning and policy. Advance your career with UNE.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Environmental Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Meet rising demand for professionals with the knowledge and adaptability to plan and design a sustainable future. UNE will help you to hone your understanding of planning theory and practice, and develop skills in site analysis, data analysis,…
Meet rising demand for professionals with the knowledge and adaptability to plan and design a sustainable future. UNE will help you to hone your understanding of planning theory and practice, and develop skills in site analysis, data analysis, mapping, plan drawing and code writing.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Master of Urban and Regional Planning | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Diploma in Town Planning | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Whether you are already established in your field or looking to break into a new one, strengthen your skillsets with UNE's experts in planning and sustainability. Hone your research, analysis, problem solving and communication skills to meet…
Whether you are already established in your field or looking to break into a new one, strengthen your skillsets with UNE's experts in planning and sustainability. Hone your research, analysis, problem solving and communication skills to meet employer needs for a sustainability-focused future.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-fit yourself for a career in politics, business, social sectors or the law with UNE's widely published and engaging teachers. Develop an understanding of the political issues that concern Australian and international governments. Protect…
Future-fit yourself for a career in politics, business, social sectors or the law with UNE's widely published and engaging teachers. Develop an understanding of the political issues that concern Australian and international governments. Protect your role in a global economy that is ever-changing.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of International Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Community Development
By studying community development with UNE, you will develop the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of government and non-government organisations in a range of careers and industries. With the need for community development professionals who can empower communities and help them create change will be highly employable in a variety of settings.
- Community organiser
Bring people together to advocate for action on particular causes. - Urban planner
Develop plans for the infrastructure for cities and towns that consider the needs of communities. - Grant writer
Research, write and apply for grants on behalf of individuals or community organisations to secure funding. - Policy analyst
Develop, implement and analyse policies for government or commercial operations and programs. - Non-profit manager
Oversee the business workings of a non-profit organisation. - Public health officer
Work with stakeholders in the community to ensure public health outcomes, both general and specific. - Social worker
Provide support and advocacy services to individuals and families facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence. - International development specialist
Work in government or NGO roles with developing countries to set up long-term, sustainable solutions to systemic problems.
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 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Humanities and Arts
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.