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Overview

The Bachelor of Community Services provides graduates with accredited diplomas in community services opportunity to further their career in community service or welfare sectors. Studies provide students the knowledge and skills to pursue careers as support workers, case managers or service coordinators, or leaders across government and nongovernment settings in … For more content click the Read more button below. The course strongly focuses on the advanced skills of an effective practitioner including: relationship-building; psychosocial assessments; working with cultural diversity and advocacy; and navigation of policy, legal and ethical frameworks across a range of organizational contexts. Two rapidly growing fields of practice, disability and family violence, are covered in the final year. Graduates will make a contribution to the social wellbeing, needs and rights of individuals, groups and communities. The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

School

Allied Health, Human Services & Sport

Course coordinator

Maureen Long

Location(s)

Melbourne (Bundoora)

Course instance contact

Maureen Long

Course duration (full time)

2 years

Study level

Undergraduate

AQF level

Level 7 - Bachelor Degree

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

Completion requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Community Services students must complete 240 credit points consisting of: 120 credit points block credit awarded upon admission  AND 105 core credit points (AQF6); 15 core-choice credit points 120 core credit points  

Course structure
360 credit points

Level one 120 credit points
Level two120 credit points
Level three120 credit points

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Apply broad based knowledge and skills to professional practice in community service provision within changing practice environments
2.
Apply a broad range of technical and theoretical understanding of current practice across a range of welfare contexts
3.
Communicate effectively demonstrating technical and cognitive skills to convey information to multiple audiences in the community services sector
4.
Effectively interpret and problem solve common and sometimes complex problems in the community services sector
5.
Work across diverse practice contexts demonstrating ethical, socially just and inclusive practice
6.
Undertake effective and reflective practice independently as well as a team member within an inter disciplinary context in community services provision

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

Compulsory placements (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will participate in one or more supervised Work Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow you to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge while integrating theory with practice. The placements will immerse you in professional work culture, enabling you to develop and further enhance your skills. WBL provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience at one or more of our local, interstate or international industry partners or agencies. WBL placements will generally be arranged by the College based Placements Operation Team or Experiential Learning Team at La Trobe University. The number of hours undertaken can vary considerably, depending on the requirements of the course. Students may incur additional costs and it may be necessary to travel or relocate to complete a specific placement. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.

Work integrated learning opportunities

Industry informed curriculum

Other opportunities

Student exchange and overseas short programs offer a unique opportunity for a meaningful learning and educational experience abroad. La Trobe University encourages all students to make the world their campus by participating in an exchange or overseas short program that fits within your degree structure.

Career outcomes

Employment opportunities for graduates include migrant/refugee advocates, juvenile justice support workers, refugee liaison officers, welfare coordinators, community correction officers, youth workers.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Community Services Dandenong (Chisholm Institute) is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).  Professional registration may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree.  Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Internal course relationships

Nested

Associate Degree of Community Services

External pathways

External pathways into this course