Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Course code O13
Why study at ECU?
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A great student experience
As an ECU undergraduate, you can expect the best overall student experience of any of the 38 public universities in Australia. More about QILT.
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The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 19 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
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One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
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About this Course
Do you have a deep understanding of others, strong ability to connect with vulnerable people and are passionate about supporting people and communities to enhance their wellbeing?
This degree will give you the community and human services skills, knowledge and capacity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and diverse communities. Through a social science and human rights lens, you’ll study how communities work, develop and change over time. You’ll explore concepts of social change, gender equality, cultural diversity, sustainability, child development, and policy development.
You will have opportunities to develop your networks, meet industry professionals and apply your knowledge through 400 hours of field placement to become work ready upon graduation. It’s your time to shine.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
O13Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $36,050
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | ||
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| South West | ||
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Do you have a deep understanding of others, strong ability to connect with vulnerable people and are passionate about supporting people and communities to enhance their wellbeing?
This degree will give you the community and human services skills, knowledge and capacity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and diverse communities. Through a social science and human rights lens, you’ll study how communities work, develop and change over time. You’ll explore concepts of social change, gender equality, cultural diversity, sustainability, child development, and policy development.
You will have opportunities to develop your networks, meet industry professionals and apply your knowledge through 400 hours of field placement to become work ready upon graduation. It’s your time to shine.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
O13CRICOS code
118074BEntry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $81,950
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | ||
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| South West | ||
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete:
- Learning Units: 360 credit points of comprising 255 credit points core units and 105 credit points of electives from any other combination of minor or other elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete the recommended electives.
- Assessment Units: 6x0-credit point core units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS1801 | Introduction to Community Work | 15 |
| CHS1802 | Children and Families | 15 |
| COU1803 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
| YWK1820 | Youth Issues | 15 |
| CHS1850 * | O13 Assessment 1A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS1811 | Community Development | 15 |
| CHS1823 | Working with Groups | 15 |
| SWK1807 | Introduction to Australian Society | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| CHS1860 * | O13 Assessment 1B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS2808 | Culture, Equity and Diversity | 15 |
| CHS2809 | Working with Vulnerable and Marginalised Communities | 15 |
| SAH2805 | Decolonising Perspectives: Understanding Self and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| CHS2850 * | O13 Assessment 2A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS2813 | Community and Human Services Placement 1 | 15 |
| CHS2803 | Designing Support Programmes | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| CHS2860 * | O13 Assessment 2B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS3816 | Case Management and Ethics | 15 |
| SWK3813 | Human Services and Mental Health | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| CHS3850 * | O13 Assessment 3A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS3813 | Community and Human Services Placement 2 | 30 |
| CHS3814 | Service and Program Evaluation | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| CHS3860 * | O13 Assessment 3B |
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
| SWK1815 | Social Inclusion, Diversity and Equity | 15 |
| YWK1801 | Principles of Youth Work | 15 |
O13|2
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
All students, including those who elect to study online, are required to complete 5 days of face-to-face classroom-based learning. These days will be run consecutively in one week in the break between semester 1 and semester 2. This is a requirement set by Community Work Australia (CWA) for accredited programs. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to CWA.
-
Students are required to complete professional placement units during the course. Further information regarding Professional Placement can be found at:
https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placementAttendance requirements
Students are required to validate the Practice Guidelines as set out by Community Work Australia (CWA). Host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Risk Management Assessment is negotiated with the agencies and ECU under agreement arrangements.
Prior to placement students must upload into SONIA a current National Police Clearance. The Unit Coordinator may discuss the contents of the National Police Clearance with the student if there is any potential risk to student, agency and ECU. Agencies may request a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) before commencing placement.Professional practice rules
Prior to placement students are required to complete the associated unit material and weekly activities (on campus or online). During placement students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Students are required to comply with Community Work Australia (CWA) and ECU Codes of Conduct along with any agency requirements.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply specialist and interdisciplinary knowledge of social, cultural and ethical theories and frameworks relevant to community and human service organisations and practice.
- Interpret, critically analyse, research, and evaluate established theories, practices and issues arising in community and human service work independently and collaboratively.
- Apply creative thinking and interpersonal skills to develop and implement holistic, inclusive and ethical responses to complex community and human service challenges, including in professional practice contexts.
- Use digital literacy skills to access, evaluate and synthesize relevant information from multiple sources, and engage critically, ethically and productively with existing and emerging technologies.
- Communicate clearly, coherently and with academic integrity to support the needs and expectations of communities, organisations and people across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate a global outlook and self-awareness with respect for culture and diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural responsiveness.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, integrity, initiative, judgement and feedback literacy in own learning and professional practice.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete:
- Learning Units: 360 credit points of comprising 255 credit points core units and 105 credit points of electives from any other combination of minor or other elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete the recommended electives.
- Assessment Units: 6x0-credit point core units
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS1801 | Introduction to Community Work | 15 |
| CHS1802 | Children and Families | 15 |
| COU1803 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
| YWK1820 | Youth Issues | 15 |
| CHS1850 * | O13 Assessment 1A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS1811 | Community Development | 15 |
| CHS1823 | Working with Groups | 15 |
| SWK1807 | Introduction to Australian Society | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| CHS1860 * | O13 Assessment 1B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS2808 | Culture, Equity and Diversity | 15 |
| CHS2809 | Working with Vulnerable and Marginalised Communities | 15 |
| SAH2805 | Decolonising Perspectives: Understanding Self and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| CHS2850 * | O13 Assessment 2A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS2813 | Community and Human Services Placement 1 | 15 |
| CHS2803 | Designing Support Programmes | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| CHS2860 * | O13 Assessment 2B |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS3816 | Case Management and Ethics | 15 |
| SWK3813 | Human Services and Mental Health | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 2 | 30 |
| CHS3850 * | O13 Assessment 3A |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CHS3813 | Community and Human Services Placement 2 | 30 |
| CHS3814 | Service and Program Evaluation | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| CHS3860 * | O13 Assessment 3B |
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
| SWK1815 | Social Inclusion, Diversity and Equity | 15 |
| YWK1801 | Principles of Youth Work | 15 |
O13|2
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
All students, including those who elect to study online, are required to complete 5 days of face-to-face classroom-based learning. These days will be run consecutively in one week in the break between semester 1 and semester 2. This is a requirement set by Community Work Australia (CWA) for accredited programs. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership to CWA.
-
Students are required to complete professional placement units during the course. Further information regarding Professional Placement can be found at:
https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placementAttendance requirements
Students are required to validate the Practice Guidelines as set out by Community Work Australia (CWA). Host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Risk Management Assessment is negotiated with the agencies and ECU under agreement arrangements.
Prior to placement students must upload into SONIA a current National Police Clearance. The Unit Coordinator may discuss the contents of the National Police Clearance with the student if there is any potential risk to student, agency and ECU. Agencies may request a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) before commencing placement.Professional practice rules
Prior to placement students are required to complete the associated unit material and weekly activities (on campus or online). During placement students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Students are required to comply with Community Work Australia (CWA) and ECU Codes of Conduct along with any agency requirements.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply specialist and interdisciplinary knowledge of social, cultural and ethical theories and frameworks relevant to community and human service organisations and practice.
- Interpret, critically analyse, research, and evaluate established theories, practices and issues arising in community and human service work independently and collaboratively.
- Apply creative thinking and interpersonal skills to develop and implement holistic, inclusive and ethical responses to complex community and human service challenges, including in professional practice contexts.
- Use digital literacy skills to access, evaluate and synthesize relevant information from multiple sources, and engage critically, ethically and productively with existing and emerging technologies.
- Communicate clearly, coherently and with academic integrity to support the needs and expectations of communities, organisations and people across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate a global outlook and self-awareness with respect for culture and diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural responsiveness.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, integrity, initiative, judgement and feedback literacy in own learning and professional practice.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $36,050 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course prepares you for working with people and communities, and being able to specialise in community work, community development and family support. Your job title could be Community Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Officer, Family Support Officer, Parent Education Coordinator , Project Officer, Case Management Worker, Event Coordinator, Advocacy Worker
Possible future job titles
Community Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Officer, Family Support Officer, Parent Education Coordinator, Project Officer, Family Violence Worker, Advocacy Worker, Child Protection Worker, Case Management Worker
Similar courses to consider
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $81,950 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course prepares you for working with people and communities, and being able to specialise in community work, community development and family support. Your job title could be Community Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Officer, Family Support Officer, Parent Education Coordinator , Project Officer, Case Management Worker, Event Coordinator, Advocacy Worker
Possible future job titles
Community Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Officer, Family Support Officer, Parent Education Coordinator, Project Officer, Family Violence Worker, Advocacy Worker, Child Protection Worker, Case Management Worker
Similar courses to consider
Need some help deciding what to study?
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Discover what it's like to study at ECU
Hear from students, graduates, academics and industry professionals as they share their experiences and insights.
Discover what it's like to study at ECU
Hear from students, graduates, academics and industry professionals as they share their experiences and insights.
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Community and Human Services?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.