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.

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

1. Evaluate community development approaches in both international and local contexts;

2. Design community development interventions relating to social and cultural contexts;

3. Analyse theory and practice of community development;

4. Develop a scholarly approach to researching in community development;

5. Exhibit effective communication, advocacy and community organising skills for social change; and

6. Interrogate the policy contexts of government and non-government organisations.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply for work in not-for-profit, community or government sectors.

Job titles include:

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

Employment prospects for welfare, recreation and community workers are expected to grow strongly over the next few years

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).

IELTS (Academic module): Overall score of 6.0 (no band less than 6.0)

TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 67 (Listening 12, Speaking 18, Reading 15, Writing 21)

Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 50 (no section score less than 50)

University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169. No individual band less than 169.

VU English - English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (Level 4): achieved.