Community services & care courses
Help improve people’s quality of living
Choose a speciality to explore your study options
Learn how to advance social justice
People are at the heart of community service careers. If you’re naturally compassionate, want to make a real difference, and keen to learn more about the human experience, studying community services and care could be perfect for you.
You'll gain a mix of evidence-based theory and practical knowledge, which will help you land your ideal role in the industry. Start comparing your choices across the different specialisations.
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Popular community services & care degrees
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing
UndergraduateUNE-CMW-DIP
Contemporary skills for a future-proof career in community care
Gain hands-on skills in communication, casework and interprofessional practice. Build your confidence to work in welfare, advocacy and community roles. Support vulnerable people, particularly in rural and regional areas.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work
PostgraduateSCU-SSW-GCE
Prepare for a career change to social worker
Build a foundation in social sciences to prepare for postgraduate study in social work. You’ll explore human behaviour, justice, and policy. Set yourself on the path to a rewarding career. Work towards positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Community and Human Services
UndergraduateECU-CHS-DEG
Empower communities, champion diversity, and create meaningful change
Connect with and support people, families and communities. You’ll explore social change, cultural diversity, and human rights. Build real-world experience and networks through field placements. Graduate ready to make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Diploma of Health and Wellbeing
UndergraduateTUA-HWB-DIP
Build a foundation for a career helping others
Grow a strong understanding of physical, mental and social wellbeing. You’ll learn how to promote healthier lifestyles and support positive health outcomes. Develop the skills and confidence for roles across health and community services.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Popular community services & care subjects
Active Ageing and Falls Prevention
UndergraduateTUA-HWEL2009
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 14 Sep 2026
Next enrolment closes 6 Sep
Professional Communication and Collaboration
UndergraduateTUA-HSC101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 14 Sep 2026, 2 Nov 2026
Next enrolment closes 6 Sep
PostgraduateTUA-EEDUSD400
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 14 Sep 2026
Next enrolment closes 6 Sep
UndergraduateTAS-FXA101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Nov 2026
Prompt, convenient, unbiased advice at no cost
During your Study Discovery Consultation, your dedicated advisor will offer support for:
- Clarity on whether study is the right step for you at this point in time
- A clear, simple explanation of how higher education works
- A greater sense of direction and an actionable next step
Schedule a time for your Study Discovery consultation now.
Schedule a time to chat about your future now.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
How Open Universities Australia (OUA) works
We partner with leading universities to make higher education easier for everyone to access. We're here to:
- Offer you guidance on your course choices
- Unlock more flexible study options for you with your university
- Ease your mental load by supporting you with your student admin
Why study community services & care online through us?
Get in no matter what
Access quality university courses without needing an ATAR
Make study work for you
Learn all your course theory online before completing any practical placements at a location close to you
Get industry recognition
Choose from courses that are approved by professional bodies, such as the Australian Association of Social Workers
Community services & care careers
There’s a constant need for skilled community services workers, all over the country. Your qualifications could see you supporting those in need across urban, rural, or remote areas.
Industries where graduates work:
Studying a community services and care course can set you up to work in a range of settings, including as a one-on-one carer, in group homes, prisons, community agencies and government departments.
What is it like to pursue a career in the community services?
Roles in community services and care tend to be at once enriching, challenging, and fulfilling. You’ll develop genuine relationships with people from many different walks of life which, in some cases, could change the way you see the world.
You’ll find consistent job opportunities – with demand only set to rise as Australia’s population ages.
You might also be interested in these study areas:
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