Course Overview

About This Course

Make a difference with a career building strong communities, by studying a Bachelor of Community Development at Victoria University. Our Bachelor of Community Development gives you the skills and knowledge for various roles in local community development. The course units are focused on practical skills to help you become an effective community worker. You'll contribute to building the capacity of local communities to make them stronger and be an advocate for change. You’ll also benefit from extensive placements in community development organisations, with opportunities to travel overseas. We also have a number of university partners which enable study abroad, providing you with excellent opportunities to broaden your world view, build your capacity as a community worker and learn to work in diverse communities.

This combination of knowledge and practical experience will have you job-ready for a rewarding, exciting and ethical career. During your study, you’ll benefit from valuable work placements. In fact, you’ll undertake several hundred hours of work in relevant organisations. This gives you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career when you graduate. You’ll have the chance to work with non-government organisations (NGOs), community groups, and government. You may contribute to real campaigns, and learn the different ways in which community organisations operate. Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$17,399 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): AU$18,025 per year

Duration

3 years full time or longer for part time

Study Mode

Hybrid

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Applicants with recent secondary education: Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). OR: Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study: Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR: Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies. OR: Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience: Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human Services or similar. OR: Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago. PLUS: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

International students:

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent). OR: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). PLUS: IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). OR: Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

community development/liaison officer
project coordinator
advocacy campaigner
policy officer
international aid worker
researcher

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

AEB1804

Young People in a Global Community

12 credit points

AEK1204

Aboriginal History and Political Movements

12 credit points

ASA1023

Community Development from the Local to the Global

12 credit points

AYW1004

Critical Inquiry in Community Contexts

12 credit points

ASW1000

Working in Human Services Organisations

12 credit points

ASA1024

Applied Human Rights

12 credit points

ACU1002

Creativity, Communication and the Digital Age

12 credit points

RBF1150

Global Environmental Issues

12 credit points

AEB2803

Holistic Practice With Young People

12 credit points

AEB3803

Professional Practice 1

12 credit points

ASA2033

Management in Non-Government Organisations

12 credit points

ASA2034

Project Design and Implementation

12 credit points

ASC2006

Creative Change and Social Justice

12 credit points

ASA2007

Community Development Theory to Action

12 credit points

AEB3802

Professional Culture and Collaboration

12 credit points

ACW2024

Gender in Public Life

12 credit points

ASC3095

Conflict Resolution in Groups and Communities

12 credit points

AEK2206

Blak Healing – Policy & Practice

12 credit points

ASS3050

Migration, Mobility and Globalisation

12 credit points

AEK3204

Aboriginal Political and Reflective Learning

12 credit points

ASC3007

Research in the Community

12 credit points

ASA3000

Everyday Activism and Community Organising

12 credit points

ECY3003

Youth and Community Industry Preparation

12 credit points

ECY3004

Youth and Community Industry Placement

12 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credit points do I need to complete the Bachelor of Community Development?

To attain the Bachelor of Community Development, students are required to complete 288 credit points in total, consisting of 96 credit points of First Year Core units, 168 credit points of Professional Core studies, and 24 credit points of Capstone studies.

Will I get work placement experience during this course?

Yes, during your study you'll benefit from valuable work placements — you'll undertake several hundred hours of work in relevant organisations, including non-government organisations (NGOs), community groups, and government. This gives you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career when you graduate. You may also contribute to real campaigns and learn the different ways in which community organisations operate.

What are the indicative fees for the Bachelor of Community Development in 2026?

The course is available as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for eligible students (Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens). The indicative fee for a full-time student in 2026 is AU$17,399 per year. This fee is a guide only, based on a typical full-time study load, and does not include materials such as textbooks, or the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Can I study part of this degree overseas?

Yes, at VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas while gaining credits towards your course. VU has a number of university partners which enable study abroad, providing you with excellent opportunities to broaden your world view, build your capacity as a community worker, and learn to work in diverse communities.

Are there pathway options into the Bachelor of Community Development if I don't meet the entry requirements?

Yes, if you don't meet the entry requirements there are pathway options available. For example, completing the Diploma of Community Services guarantees entry with 96 credit points recognised, and completing the Diploma of Youth Work guarantees entry with 48 credit points recognised. Foundations at VU and International Foundations at VU also provide guaranteed entry pathways.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $88,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $88,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Community Development OfficerCommunity Engagement OfficerCommunity Development WorkerYouth Development OfficerSocial Policy Officer

Key Skills

Community needs assessment and analysisCommunity organising and mobilisationSocial policy analysis and advocacyProject planning, management, and evaluationCross-cultural communication and cultural competency

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Community Development

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students