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Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services)

Improve People's Quality of Life

Working in community services requires skills in various disciplines such as sociology, applied psychology, social work and counselling. Gain these necessary skills and more through this accredited course from Jansen Newman Institute (JNI).

This specialist course includes a minimum of 350 hours of fieldwork, ensuring that you gain valuable practical experience.

Upon graduation, you'll be ready to work with individuals, groups and communities to improve their well-being and social functioning. Possible roles include:

  • Alcohol and drug worker
  • Case worker
  • Client service officer
  • Community social worker
  • Community programs officer
  • Contact supervisor
  • Family support worker
  • Rehabilitation officer

As a graduate of this course, you'll also be able to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers.

Quick Course Guide
Qualification Undergraduate degree Start dates 3 start dates a year - enquire now about upcoming start dates
Course length 3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Pre-requisites School leavers: minimum ATAR 63.4 or equivalent
Mature age students: over 21 years of age with relevant work experience
Delivery method On campus or online Assessment Exams, assignments & report writing
Delivered by Jansen Newman Institute (JNI) Finance options FEE-HELP available

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Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) Course Structure

There are 24 units in this course.

Level 100 Units

  • Understanding societies: An introduction to social analysis
  • Introduction to social theories: Sociological theory and practice
  • Introduction to social research methods
  • Developing social policy
  • Understanding human behaviour across the lifespan: An introduction to psychology
  • Theories of counselling
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Health and well-being

Level 200 Units

  • Applied counselling practice 1
  • Mediation and conflict management
  • Advanced social research methods
  • Applied counselling practice 2
  • Community services and welfare
  • Managing the needs of diverse client groups
  • Fieldwork for community service workers 1
  • Elective

Level 300 Units

  • Ethics, professionalism, and reflective practice
  • Action based research project
  • Case management and program development
  • Community development
  • Human rights and social advocacy
  • Fieldwork for community service workers 2
  • Two electives
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Early Exit Qualifications

If you leave this course after completing all Level 100 units, you may be eligible for the Diploma of Applied Social Science qualification.

If you leave this course after completing all Level 100 and Level 200 units, you may be eligible for the Associate Degree of Applied Social Science (Community Services) qualification.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more details.

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Skills You'll Gain

You'll develop a wide range of skills, including in:

  • Advocacy
  • Counselling
  • Conflict management
  • Group work
  • Case management
  • Community capacity building

Graduate Job-ready

JNI focuses on experiential learning, so you gain both theoretical and practical skills during your course.

This community services course includes workshops where you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice. This workshop is compulsory and is held in Sydney (at the JNI campus) and Brisbane, giving you a valuable opportunity to meet your lecturers and other students face-to-face.

To complete this course, you will need to undertake at least 350 hours of fieldwork - so you gain practical experience and establish industry contacts even before you graduate.

JNI has clinics across Sydney and has partnerships with a range of external organisations where you can complete your fieldwork. JNI also has a full-time Clinical Placement Coordinator who may be able to assist you in securing placements. Those living outside Sydney can undertake fieldwork in their local area, subject to JNI's approval.

For more information, contact a SEEK Learning consultant now.

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Flexible Study

This course is delivered on campus in Sydney and online, and can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or 6 years part-time.

There are three start dates each year. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant now for upcoming start dates or for more information.

If you're studying online, you'll receive all your study materials by mail before your course begins. These are designed to let you learn anywhere, while you schedule your study times to suit your needs.

Units are delivered through a state-of-the-art learning portal that has been purpose built for JNI. Each unit is facilitated by a dedicated online lecturer who guides the learning process and provides academic support.

Please note that you will need to attend a number of workshops in Sydney or Brisbane during the course of your study.


Study Now, Pay as You Earn

Almost every Australian citizen is eligible for Government assistance through the FEE-HELP program. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront, but can pay for your course as you earn.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant to find out more about how you can study now and pay as you earn with FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible for Austudy or Abstudy.

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Outstanding Support and Resources

JNI offers a high level of support to assist you in reaching your goals. Course advisors and mentors are on hand to provide you with personalised support.

You learn in a supportive, nurturing environment, with classes led by dedicated lecturers who are recognised specialists in their chosen field.

Online students receive:

  • Personalised support via email or telephone throughout your course
  • One-on-one support to help you establish goals, create study plans and develop sound study skills
  • Extensive guidance resources

All students have access to one of the largest online libraries in Australia, with over 70 million articles available.


About Jansen Newman Institute (JNI)

JNI enjoys a strong reputation within the counselling and psychotherapy sectors, producing graduates who are highly qualified and ready to change lives.

The Institute is renowned for encouraging personal development, giving you the confidence you need to start a fulfilling career helping others.

Jansen Newman Institute (JNI) is a trading name of Think: Colleges Pty Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEEK Ltd.

Find out more about JNI.

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Enquire now for more course details, including fees and career options.

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Free Call 1800 89 1011
9am - 5:30pm AEST Mon - Fri. to speak to a SEEK Learning consultant

Affordable Study

This course qualifies for FEE-HELP, meaning you can study now and pay as you earn. Enquire now.


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