Bachelor of Community Development

Make a difference with this Community Development course by aiming for an ethical and worthwhile career building strong, sustainable communities in Australia.  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 career.

To attain the Bachelor of Community Development students will be required to complete 288 credit points in total consisting of:

• 96 credit points First Year Core units;
• 144 credit points Professional Core studies including 24 credit points of Capstone studies;

• 1 x 48 credit points of Minor studies.

Course structure and units

First Year Core Units

• Young People in a Global Community Unit code AEB1804 Credits12
• Aboriginal History and Political Movements Unit code AEK1204 Credits12
• Community Development from the Local to the Global Unit code ASA1023 Credits12
• Applied Human Rights Unit code ASA1024 Credits12
• Working in Human Services Organisations Unit code ASW1000 Credits12
• Youth and Community Contexts Unit code AYW1002 Credits12
• Youth and Community Programs Unit code AYW1003 Credits12
• Global Environmental Issues Unit code RBF1150 Credits12

Year 2

Professional Core Units

• Holistic Practice With Young People Unit code AEB2803 Credits12
• Professional Practice 1 Unit code AEB3803 Credits12
• Management in Non-Government Organisations Unit code ASA2033 Credits12
• Project Design and Implementation Unit code ASA2034 Credits12
• Change and Community Justice Unit code ASC2005 Credits12
• Criminal Justice Systems 2 Unit code ASL2002 Credits12

Plus

24 credit points from one Minor studies

Year 3

Professional Core Units

• Professional Culture and Collaboration Unit code AEB3802 Credits12
• Research in the Community Unit code ASC3007 Credits12
• Conflict Resolution in Groups and Communities Unit code ASC3095 Credits12
• Rights, Advocacy and Discrimination Unit code EDI3001 Credits12

Plus

Capstone Unit

• Youth and Community Industry Preparation Unit code ECY3003 Credits12
• Youth and Community Industry Placement Unit code ECY3004 Credits12

Plus

24 credit points from one Minor studies

Minors

• Gender Studies Unit code AMIGEN
• International Development Unit code AMIINT
• Political Science Unit code AMIPOL
• Student Welfare Unit code EMISWF
• Aboriginal Yulendj (Knowledge) and Community Unit code EMIAGL

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

• Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
• an Australian or overseas equivalent or
• an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

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.

ATAR profile

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).OR:Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

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.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

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).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Pathways to further study

Find out more about our study pathways to VU

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: