Diploma of Community Services Work

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Gain skills, knowledge and understanding to work in the community welfare sector in service delivery to clients. Learn to deliver services, provide programs and develop projects for people in a range of community-based settings.

Careers in community services/welfare work are demanding but rewarding, and our study programs are designed to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of the community.

Information sessions are being held for 2013 enrolment into this course. All interested students are encouraged to attend.

Skills Recognition Online Tool

Skills Recognition Online is available for this course, which means that you complete the process in your own time at your own pace, anywhere.

More information regarding Skills Recognition.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

Methods of applying:

  • You can apply direct to VU

Please note that part-time study may not be available at all campuses.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

Careers

  • community welfare worker
  • community worker
  • case manager
  • community services worker
  • program co-ordinator
  • co-ordinator
  • case worker
  • support facilitator
  • family support worker
  • welfare worker
  • senior youth officer/chaplain

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

Study pathways

There are recognised study pathways for this course. You may be able to get credit in a bachelor degree by studying this course.

TAFE to Undergraduate

You can get credit in the following degrees at VU if you complete the Diploma of Community Services Work:

Bachelor of Arts (Community Development)

  • You may get over a year of credit.

Bachelor of Arts - Kyinandoo

  • You may get up to a year of credit.

To find out more about the pathways available for this course, please contact the .

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Get credit for your work, study and life experience through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Graduate faster

If you've done previous study related to this course, you may be awarded credit. This means you can graduate in less time.

Completing this course also gives you a head-start on other at VU courses at a higher level of study.

We also award credit for relevant work and life experience. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Course Objectives

Students will develop skills required to deliver services, provide programs and develop projects for people in a range of community based settings. Programs are designed to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of the community.

Units and electives

To achieve this qualification a total of 18 units must completed including 11 core units and 7 elective units.

A wide range of elective units are available to address workplace requirements at this level or higher in the Community Services / Health Training Packages and other relevant national endorsed Training Packages approved by the School of Community Services.

Core Units

And one unit from each of the following groups of units

And

Or

Pre-requisite unit for CHCCS522A

Elective Units

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Admission Information

  • Year 12: Successful completion of VCE/VCAL or equivalent
  • International: IELTS 5.5
  • Mature: Direct or VTAC entry

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Admission requirements in your country

Find out if you meet the minimum academic (international qualification) requirements to be eligible to apply for this course by reviewing the academic entry requirements listed by country.

How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.