Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) equips you with the theory and practical skills necessary for a career in community and public sectors. The course covers counselling, social justice, advocacy and welfare, giving you hands-on experience working with individuals and communities. It is not currently accredited but is awaiting the outcome of accreditation by the industry peak body.

This course focuses on practical training while providing a solid grounding in relevant communication, counselling and policy theory. You can also choose from an extensive range of elective subjects to focus your study on the areas you are most passionate about, and the program includes fieldwork placements, ensuring you graduate with valuable experience and industry contacts.

Learning outcomes include the ability to demonstrate respectful and effective communication skills with the diverse cultures you will work in, exercise critical judgement in advocating for and empowering clients within a social justice context, implement and apply community services competencies and professional practice within appropriate moral, ethical, legal and professional standards, and implement and evaluate interventions to support clients with diverse needs and experiences. This course has a requirement of 400 hours of fieldwork placement.

This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, available on campus in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, or via blended study.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

1 Chambers Rd, Leura, NSW 2780

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Entry details (Domestic and International)

Domestic students — Admission criteria (must meet one):

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent
Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4) or above
Successful completion of at least 0.5 EFTSL at AQF Level 5, 0.25 EFTSL at AQF Level 6 or above, or equivalent
Alternative: Year 10 completion plus a minimum of three years' full-time relevant work experience, demonstrated via a current resume and cover letter

Fees can be checked on the domestic fee schedule, and eligible Australian students may defer some or all of their tuition through FEE-HELP. A range of health scholarships (Health, Alumni, Industry) is also available.

International students — Admission criteria (must meet one):

0.5 EFTSL at AQF Level 5, or 0.25 EFTSL at AQF Level 6 or above, or equivalent
Australian secondary school certificate (Year 12) or equivalent Senior Secondary qualification or Baccalaureate Diploma
Academic IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), or equivalent; alternative entry may be available via assessment of prior study or a readiness assessment

Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based or blended study options. Course fees are paid across three study periods, with each instalment due before the relevant census date, and a range of financial scholarships is available.

Applicants who have already completed a qualification or gained relevant life or work experience may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning or Course Credit transfer, with additional study pathway options also available.

Note: this course is listed on the live Torrens page as not currently accredited but awaiting the outcome of accreditation by the industry peak body.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Community Services are prepared for employment in roles that leverage advocacy, social policy and community development to improve and support individuals, families and communities.

Potential career paths (average salary, AUD):

Community Worker / Welfare Worker: $61,808 - $114,373
Youth Worker
Case Manager
NDIS Support Coordinator
Mental Health Support Worker

Most salaries are sourced from au.talent.com/salary and payscale.com and are current as of April 2025.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units22 units

Interpersonal Communication

Community Health and Wellbeing

Case Management and Community Services Understanding

Person-Centred Practice

Mental Health

Lifespan Development

Theories of Counselling

Diversity and Inclusion

First Peoples Culture, History and Healthcare

Mediation and Conflict

Health Systems and Community Services

Working with Complex Clients

Professional Practice and Industry Placement

Includes 200 hours of industry placement.

Social Justice

Social Research Methods

Understanding Addictions

Applied Ethical and Professional Practices

Trauma Informed Practice

Social Policy and Activism

Advanced Industry Placement

Includes 200 hours of industry placement.

Community Development

Empowerment and Advocacy

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) take to complete?

The course has a duration of 156 weeks as listed in the CRICOS registry.

Does the course include a work placement component?

Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component totalling 400 hours, structured as 20 hours per week over 20 weeks.

How much does the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) cost for international students?

The estimated total course cost is AU$87,990 in tuition fees, with no additional non-tuition fees listed.

At which campuses can I study the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services)?

The course is available at three campus locations: 1-37 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010; 90 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006; and 82-98 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000. All locations are owned and operated by Torrens University Australia.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

This course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights as it is a bachelor degree (Skills Level 1 qualification) with a duration of 156 weeks (exceeding the 92-week threshold), and its narrow field of education (Human Welfare Studies and Services) would need to align with the Skills Level 1 priority list. Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at review time.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $80,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $80,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Community Support WorkerCase Manager / Case WorkerYouth WorkerDisability Support Worker / NDIS Support CoordinatorFamily Services Worker

Key Skills

Person-centred and strengths-based case managementClient needs assessment and support planningAdvocacy and community outreachCrisis intervention and risk assessmentEthical and professional decision-making

Full Course Overview

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