Build the skills to secure a career addressing the needs of communities
Community services is a rapidly evolving field which is constantly changing to meet the ongoing needs of communities. With the rapid emergence of technology and online platforms that are used to manage health and social issues, professionals who can adapt to these changes will be in high demand.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in community services designed to teach you how to empower individuals, marginalised groups and communities in complex and rapidly changing community and health settings, enabling you to secure your future as a professional in the critical community welfare sector. With our proven success in equipping adults for the constantly changing job market, our community services courses focus on promoting social justice and improving equality and social inclusion, and ensure that you are future-fit to adapt to changes and advancements in the field.
Our students mostly prefer online learning, where they join a community of adults and combine their life and work experience to create practical networks for the future. On-campus learners can benefit from housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
Our commitment to creating future-fit community services graduates is reflected in our commitment to professional fieldwork placement and practical experience. You’ll graduate prepared to promote positive change and improve social outcomes, whether you choose to pursue a career working with individuals, families or community groups. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with 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 services courses and specialisations on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
At the heart of community services is a desire to help people – to promote social justice and inclusion, and enable people to flourish. UNE's flexibly delivered Bachelor of Community Services will enable you to develop the skills to empower individuals, marginalised groups and communities in complex and rapidly changing community and health settings.
This course integrates real-world practice and contextual knowledge with an understanding of the theories and methods underpinning the effective practice of community services, as well as policy issues, and legal and ethical responsibilities that guide this practice.
- 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Do you want to understand more about what drives human behaviour? Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific study of human behaviour, as well as research and analytical experience, with UNE's innovative Bachelor of Psychological Science. Delivered flexibly online or on campus, our accredited three-year undergraduate degree is designed to give you a balanced education with a psychology focus. Along with completing a mandatory minor in Psychological Health and Wellbeing, you will have the freedom to choose electives from any unit offered by UNE. With opportunities to focus your study with a Counselling major or Criminology minor, our course allows you to future proof your career by developing transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace and opens doors to further advanced study in psychology.
- 1.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 5 or up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Become an agent of positive change in diverse communities with UNE's Bachelor of Social Work. With an emphasis on social work in rural and complex community environments, our flexibly delivered course will equip you with the practical skills to work with and empower individuals, groups and communities who experience marginalisation, isolation or discrimination. In our complex world, skilled social workers are valued and in high demand. You'll be choosing a rewarding profession, with the qualifications to work in a range of professional environments.
This course is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and graduates are eligible to become a member of the AASW.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- On Campus
- Online
Explore the social contexts of welfare, community service and health work with UNE’s Diploma of Community Welfare and Wellbeing. Build on your existing industry experience, vocational qualifications, or interest in welfare and community service work and healthcare with this course — you’ll be future proofing your career and ready to adapt to changes in the workplace.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
This course is not offered in Trimester 3, 2024. We encourage you to consider the following courses as alternatives:
Supporting those in need is one of the most rewarding career pathways you can pursue. Along with a wide range of job options, working in health and social care can bring a sense of fulfilment, especially if you want to make a difference to the lives and wellbeing of vulnerable people and communities.
Our new Undergraduate Certificate in Health and Social Care is specifically designed to develop your knowledge and skills as a contemporary, adaptable and self-aware health and social care practitioner.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
This course is not offered in Trimester 3, 2024. We encourage you to explore our suite of undergraduate courses for an alternative course that meets your goals.
The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and industry changes brought about by COVID19, it can help you develop knowledge and skills in a range of disciplinary areas. This program is available fully online and includes a core unit to help you articulate your career goals. For students in Tamworth there are options for face-to-face learning and the chance to undertake work experience with a local employer in some specialisations.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
This course is not offered in Trimester 3, 2024. We encourage you to explore the following courses as alternatives:
Youth and community work is a rapidly growing sector in Australia and working in this field provides the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Our new Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work is designed to help you become a highly skilled professional who supports individuals, families and communities to prosper.
The course helps you to gain foundational skills in client-centred care, interprofessional practice in community health work and working with children and young people at risk.
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1
- Online
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.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
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 career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.
Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
One Health recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, and the need for collaboration among multiple sectors to promote optimal health outcomes for all. By recognising the interconnectedness of these three fields, One Health seeks to improve the prevention and control of diseases that can spread between animals and humans (zoonotic diseases), as well as environmental factors that can impact health.
UNE’s fully online Graduate Certificate in Public Health (One Health) prepares you to build a career in population health, health promotion, epidemiology and leadership roles in public and private health, with a focus on this emerging health practice.
Enhance your skills and knowledge and elevate your long-term career prospects by studying with UNE’s experts in health practice.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Whether you are new to professional counselling or want to safeguard your career with an industry-recognised qualification, UNE's Graduate Diploma in Counselling gives you real-world skills and knowledge, underpinned by a strong philosophical framework. Our course equips you to support and empower people, building relationships and fostering personal growth in a diverse range of contexts. With flexible delivery, our accredited course integrates theory with skills-based practical experience and supervision to allow you to practice in this dynamic, person-centred field.
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- 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 with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations. You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
The One Health concept focuses on the holistic, connected approach to health, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Today, we understand much more about infectious diseases than we did pre-2020. We know that developing a One Health approach to problem solving, using a trans-disciplinary methodology, we can identify the root causes of complex infectious diseases and develop strategies to prevent them.
With UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Public Health (One Health), gain a thorough knowledge of the One Health approach and the skills to elevate your career in this emerging and significant field of public health. Delivered fully online, you can choose a specialisation and focus your study to give you a distinct advantage in the field.
Secure your future in the burgeoning and fascinating realm of public health.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
At the heart of a career in counselling is a desire to help others. Build on the skills acquired in your previous degree or professional experience with UNE's accredited, flexibly delivered Master of Counselling. Underpinned by a humanistic philosophy that focuses on the person rather than the symptoms, our course equips you to support people in need with practical skills and advanced knowledge. Future proof your career as a registered counsellor, able to engage in professional, reflexive counselling practice in an environment of genuineness, acceptance, caring, compassion and empathy.
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
One Health is a rapidly emerging discipline in public health, representing a multidisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Examining these connections can help us to identify the root causes of complex infectious diseases and develop strategies to prevent them. In today’s world, one health is an increasingly important focus in both medical and veterinary science.
UNE’s Master of Public Health (One Health) offers you the opportunity to be at the forefront of this emerging and significant field of health and research. Delivered fully online, you can choose a specialisation and focus your study to give you a distinct advantage in the field.
Combine the theoretical and the practical by completing a real-world action research project and secure your future in the burgeoning and fascinating realm of public health.
- 0.5 or 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Build on your existing knowledge and passion for social justice and human rights with practical experience and flexibly delivered case-based learning. Gain the skills necessary to address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by marginalised and disadvantaged groups in Australia's socially and culturally diverse society. With a focus on rural and regional communities, UNE's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will provide you with the tools to thrive in this rewarding and rapidly-evolving profession.
This course is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and graduates are eligible to become a member of the AASW.
2024 Health scholarships
Starting a UNE Health course in 2024? Get up to $12,000 towards your studies. For more information about the range of health scholarships and subsidies available, register your interest now.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Online
- On Campus
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.
When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- 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 decision-making in your specialist area.
You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- 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 UNE's discipline areas.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- 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 subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award with UNE will help you to achieve.
Studying a Non-Award means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- 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 from 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?
![Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63320803472/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445005/e=never/k=805b79a7/Greg-Kemmett-1.jpg)
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 Services
With demand for community service and social welfare professionals strong and rising, UNE’s study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to the welfare industry. Strengthen your position as a socially conscious leader. Explore the community service study options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's community service experts will help you develop skills in counselling, community development, and crisis intervention and prevention. Be future-fit for the evolving field of community care for Indigenous people that is focused on…
UNE's community service experts will help you develop skills in counselling, community development, and crisis intervention and prevention. Be future-fit for the evolving field of community care for Indigenous people that is focused on culturally appropriate and community-led care.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's community care experts will help you develop the transferable knowledge and practical skills to prepare for a role in the aged care industry. Explore ageing from a theoretical perspective and learn to employ a person-centred framework in…
UNE's community care experts will help you develop the transferable knowledge and practical skills to prepare for a role in the aged care industry. Explore ageing from a theoretical perspective and learn to employ a person-centred framework in your practice, ready to succeed in this growing field.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young…
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young people in a caring profession.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Safeguard your career with the development of knowledge and skills related to community services, spanning various sectors such as sports, healthcare, and business. Benefit from the guidance of UNE's renowned experts in community services as you …
Safeguard your career with the development of knowledge and skills related to community services, spanning various sectors such as sports, healthcare, and business. Benefit from the guidance of UNE's renowned experts in community services as you expand your knowledge and capabilities.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop your ability to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with UNE's highly regarded social work and community teaching team. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of welfare that is forecast to focus on equity…
Develop your ability to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with UNE's highly regarded social work and community teaching team. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of welfare that is forecast to focus on equity and resilience.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Undergraduate Certificate in Health and Social Care | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development | Specialisation | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s established reputation in counselling and develop your listening and communication skills. Study recent, evidence-based, techniques and therapeutic approaches and be prepared for the challenges you’ll face in your counselling career. Explore the integration of tech into the field.
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 Psychological Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Master of Counselling | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Graduate Diploma in Counselling | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new…
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new initiatives in rehabilitation are researched.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Learn from UNE’s expert educators and develop the essential knowledge and nurturing skills required to apply a person-centred approach to assisting those with a disability, as well as their families and carers. Future proof yourself and prepare for…
Learn from UNE’s expert educators and develop the essential knowledge and nurturing skills required to apply a person-centred approach to assisting those with a disability, as well as their families and carers. Future proof yourself and prepare for a career in which you will be in high demand.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | 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
Experts in digital technologies and innovation are in high demand in the field of indigenous organisation management. The experts at UNE will help you to develop fundamental critical thinking, analysis and communication skills with a focus on the…
Experts in digital technologies and innovation are in high demand in the field of indigenous organisation management. The experts at UNE will help you to develop fundamental critical thinking, analysis and communication skills with a focus on the context of indigenous organisations.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Diploma in Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Community Services
By studying community service with UNE, you will develop the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of private, government and non-government organisations in a range of careers and industries. With the need for social workers and welfare professional set to rise, those with skillsets in community service can find work in a variety of settings.
- Community development officer
Plan and implement programs and initiatives aimed at improving communities and addressing social issues. - Youth worker
Work with young people to address their social, emotional, and developmental needs, often in educational or community settings. - Case manager
Coordinate services and support for individuals dealing with complex social or health-related challenges. - Social worker
Provide support services to individuals and families facing personal and social challenges. - Counsellor
Offer guidance, counselling, and therapeutic services to individuals dealing with emotional or psychological issues. - Mental health support worker
Provide assistance and support to individuals with mental health issues to help them lead fulfilling lives. - Aged care worker
Care for and support elderly individuals, either in their homes or in residential care facilities. - Disability support worker
Assist people with disabilities in daily activities, improving their quality of life and independence.
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 Social Sciences
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.