BACHELOR OF
COMMUNITY SERVICES
CRICOS Course Code: 116233H
The Bachelor of Community Services (B CS) is a comprehensive three-year full-time program designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills in community services. Accredited at AQF level 7, the BCS integrates theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience through work integrated learning and practicum placements. Students engage in a supportive environment, fostering personal growth and professional development essential for effective community service work.
40%
Employment of community and personal service workers have grown by almost 40% over the past 10 years.
ABOUT
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
CREDIT FOR
PRIOR LEARNING
COURSE STRUCTURE
AND CONTENT
MODES OF STUDY
ASSESSMENT
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of community service knowledge, including:
- Ethical and professional practice
- Social and community sustainability
- Diversity and inclusion
- Counselling and support skills
- Leadership and collaboration in community settings
Each unit is meticulously designed to meet AQF level 7 standards and ACWA specifications, ensuring graduates are proficient in addressing contemporary challenges in community services.
THE WAY YOU WILL STUDY
At CIHE, learning is facilitated through small class sizes and interactive workshops rather than traditional lectures. This student-centered approach encourages active participation and deeper engagement with course content. Assessment methods include case studies, practical demonstrations, reflective writing, and oral presentations, providing a holistic evaluation of student learning. The program also emphasizes ethical conduct, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning skills essential for sustained professional development.
Guaranteed entry
ATAR Score 50
(for Domestic students only)
Duration
Full time: 3 years
(or equivalent part time for Domestic students only)
Start dates
S1 2025: MAR 10
S2 2025: JUL 25
NOV 2025: NOV 25
Study options
Full Time
Part Time (for Domestic students only)
Fees
FEE-HELP applicable
(for Domestic students only)
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
- A graduate of Crown Institute of Higher Education will possess comprehensive knowledge in their discipline area and be able to apply that knowledge effectively in the workplace.
- They will be able to identify problems and work pro-actively and creatively to develop solutions and to generate, analyse and interpret different types of information to inform and support decision-making processes.
- They will be able to think logically and critically to analyse and solve problems; be independent thinkers; engage with others proactively and collaboratively for continued personal and professional development; and act ethically and with an awareness of cultural diversity.
- They will also be able to communicate effectively to level required at the professional level.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the B CS program from CIHE are prepared for diverse professional roles in community services, including:
- Welfare worker
- Community worker
- Disability support officer
- Family support officer
- Residential care officer
- Youth worker
- Managerial positions within these fields
The program aligns with industry standards and prepares students for accreditation with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), ensuring they meet the demands of a growing sector with significant job opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
CIHE’s Bachelor of Community Services course is yet to be recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). CIHE has submitted an application for professional accreditation and its current status is “pending approval”.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS:
- Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent, or
- Successful completion of an equivalent secondary qualification either interstate or overseas (in English), or
- Successful completion of an Australian qualification recognised as at least AQF Certificate IV (minimum period of study of 1 school year within the last 2 years), or
- Satisfactory completion of an accredited Tertiary Preparation Program or a Foundation Year Program offered by an Australian university that would enable students to gain entry to an Australian university, or
- Satisfactory completion of one year of accredited full-time study at a registered institute of tertiary education at AQF level 4 or above, or
- Admission to candidature for an undergraduate degree at an Australian university.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in the English language. English proficiency can be demonstrated by providing proof of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall test result (or equivalent alternative test result as defined by regulation) that meets the specified level of English proficiency for the course: IELTS 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0, Pearson PTE Academic 56 overall with no individual communicative skill below 46, or recognised equivalency. All candidates will be required to undergo an online interview to provide a second layer of assurance of English competence and vocation for study and the profession associated with their degree. Other acceptable evidence of English proficiency includes:
- Completion of secondary education/undergraduate qualification via the medium of English, or
- Successful completion of Year 12 secondary schooling in Australia (minimum of 1 school year to be completed in Australia within the last 2 years), or
- Successful completion of an Australian qualification recognised as at least AQF Certificate IV (minimum period of study of 1 school year within the last 2 years), or
- Successful completion of a Tertiary Studies Foundation Program (minimum period of study of 1 school year).
- International students who do not meet the specified English proficiency requirements may undertake an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program prior to undertaking the course.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
The Bachelor of Community Services is a 3-year, 6-semester degree.
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS100 | Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| CS101 | Psychology and Community Services |
| CS102 | Sociology and Community Services |
| CS103 | Introduction to Community Services in Australia |
Level 1 SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS104 | Indigenous Perspectives in Community Services |
| CS105 | Ethics for Professional Practice (Pre-Req: CS100 Introduction to Community Services in Aust) |
| CS106 | Social Policy (Pre-Req: CS103 Introduction to Community Services in Australia) |
| CS107 | Working with Diversity |
Level 2 SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS200 | Legal Aspects of Community Services |
| CS201 | Basic Counselling Skills (Pre-Req: CS100 Interpersonal Communication Skills) |
| CS202 | Group Work in Community Service Settings |
| CS203 | Radical Social Action in Community Services |
Level 2 SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS204 | Case Management in Social Services (Co-Req: CS205 Placement 1) |
| CS205 | Placement 1 (Pre-Req: CS105 Ethics for Professional Practice, CS100 Interpersonal Communication Skills, CS101 Psychology and Community Services, CS102 Sociology and Community Services, CS103 Introduction to Community Services in Australia, CS104 Indigenous Perspectives in Community Services) |
| CS206 | Promoting the Welfare of Older Australians |
| CS207 | Working with People with Disability |
Level 3 SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS300 | Mental Health and Community Services (Pre-Req: CS205 Placement 1) |
| CS301 | Alcohol and Other Drugs (Pre-Req: CS204 Case Management in Social Services, CS300 Mental Health and Community Services) |
| CS302 | Child, Youth and Families |
| CS303 | Family Domestic Violence |
Level 3 SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS304 | Placement 2 (Pre-Req: CS105 Ethics for Professional Practice; CS205 Placement 1) (20 Credit Point) |
| CS305 | Research for Practice |
| CS306 | Leadership and Management (Pre-Req: CS304 Field Placement Two) |
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Crown Institute of Higher Education (“CIHE”) grants credit towards a course of study on the basis of prior learning, whether from formal studies or professional work experience to ensure that students commence study at a level appropriate to their prior learning experiences so that they are not required to repeat prior learning.
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MODES OF STUDY ASSESSMENT
At CIHE we provide workshop-based engaged learning.
All our units involve participation in 3 hours of on-campus workshop per week for 12 weeks. Each week’s workshop will require preparation – reading, activities and online work.
All our units are supported by an online learning management system – Moodle.
We use a range of assessment tasks at CIHE to help you monitor your learning – quizzes, group work, case-studies and scenario-based activities, reports and exams.
Throughout the course, achievement of unit and course learning outcomes will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment activities.
Lecturers will aim to provide timely and constructive feedback to support the success of students in the achievement of learning outcomes and to acquire the necessary attributes that will distinguish them as a graduate of the Institute.