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Bachelor of Arts (Community Development)

Build Better Communities

To prosper, communities require effective systems and the people to administer them.

The course enables you to help build better communities, anywhere in the world. You'll learn to create the systems that make a difference.

Delivered by distance education through Open Universities Australia, this course allows you to study anytime, anywhere for a qualification that's identical to one received on campus.

Gain a Recognised Degree

  • Identical to on-campus qualification
  • Study anywhere, anytime
  • FEE-HELP available
Quick Course Guide
Qualification Bachelor Degree Enrolment dates Enrol anytime - start now!
Study time Max time for completion:
10 years
Pre-requisites None
Delivery method Distance education - online Assessment Assignments & exams
Delivered by Murdoch University Finance options FEE-HELP available

Make a Difference at the Community Level

Australia has a multitude of community institutions. These are often in need of qualified individuals to deal with an array of ever-changing issues, challenges and opportunities. A degree in Community Development enables you to address these challenges at a high level. You'll learn to put strong practical working knowledge and skills to good effect.

The Bachelor of Arts (Community Development) course provides you with an excellent understanding of community issues and how to confront them. You'll learn to think critically about issues of communication, ethics and social justice.

As a graduate, you'll enjoy a range of career options, and you'll be employable anywhere in the world. Typical employers include community services agencies, welfare groups, government departments and not-for-profit organisations.

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Course Structure

  • Total units: 24
  • Set units: 21
  • Electives: 3
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Course Units
  • Introduction to University Learning
  • Introduction to Community Development
  • Australian and Global Society
  • Social Sciences in Australia
  • Reinventing Australia
  • Australia in Asia
  • Foundations of Science: Life and the Universe
  • Contested Knowledges
  • Aboriginal Cultures
  • Contemporary Aboriginal Issues
  • Australian Studies: Images of Australia 1A
  • Introduction to Criminal Studies
  • Law, Government and Policy
  • News and Politics
  • Creating and Professional Writing
  • Australian Politics in a Global Context
  • Youth and Society
  • Overseas Aid and International Development
  • Australian Youth Culture
  • Community Work Across Sites
  • Methods in Social Research
  • Psychology of Crime
  • Sociology of Crime
  • Sociology of Identity
  • Creative Writing 1
  • The Politics of Inequality
  • Contemporary Australian Politics
  • Power, Difference and Recognition
  • Projects in Community Development
  • Community Participation and Engagement
  • Community and Social Policy
  • Crime Prevention: Developmental and Community Approaches
  • Human Services: Organisations, Structures and Policy
  • The Sociology of the Public Sphere
  • Policies and Structures of the Criminal Justice System
  • Introduction to Australian Politics
  • Criminological Theories - Individual Perspectives
  • Criminological Theories - Social Perspectives
  • The Urban Environment

Set Your Own Study Schedule

There are four study periods each year - so you can enrol anytime and start in the study period of your choice.

You're in control of your study schedule - study from home or wherever it's convenient, and in your own time. You can fast track your learning by studying during all four study periods, or take breaks in between.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more information.

Did You Know?

Survey results show that a Bachelor Degree increases earnings by about 30%.

Australian Council for Educational Research - Nov 08

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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.


Refresh Your Study Skills with Quick Skills Modules

New to university study or returning to study after a long break? You may want to consider taking Quick Skills Modules, short online courses that are designed to help you get the most out of your studies. There are 6 modules available:

  • An Introduction to Project Managing Your Studies
  • Setting Study Goals and Objectives
  • Managing Risks and Optimising Potential
  • Getting to Know Your Study Materials
  • Scheduling Tasks and Time
  • Preparing for and Sitting Exams

Each module can be completed within 3 hours. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant now for more information about these optional modules.

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Enjoy Comprehensive Support

Get all the support you need as you study towards your qualification. You have access to:

  • Student advisors
  • Online forums
  • Study groups
  • Online library resources
  • Online guidance on study skills and writing
  • A dedicated student association

About Murdoch University & Open Universities Australia (OUA)

This course is delivered by Murdoch University, in partnership with OUA.

About Murdoch University

Murdoch University is a highly-regarded 30-year-old institution that consistently earns a five-star rating for student satisfaction from the Good Universities Guide. It also ranks in the top three percent of the world's universities, according to the prestigious Shanghai Jia Tong University assessment.

These achievements stem from Murdoch's focus on balancing top quality educational opportunities with world-class research programs, and its commitment to a student-centred approach to learning and accessibility.

Learn more about Murdoch University.

About OUA

OUA offers a wide range of distance-based courses and units from Australia's leading universities. All OUA qualifications are identical to those gained on-campus - and all are FEE-HELP approved.

With OUA, you can enrol anytime, mix and match units, and study at your own pace, while enjoying comprehensive support services.

Learn more about OUA.

Enquire Now button

Enquire now to find out about course prices, FEE-HELP and more.

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Affordable Study

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

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