Overview
Make a difference with a career building strong communities, by studying a Bachelor of Community Development at Victoria University.
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 and ethical career.
NGO & community placements
During your study, you’ll benefit from valuable work placements. In fact, you’ll undertake several hundred hours of work in relevant organisations. This gives you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career when you graduate.
You’ll have the chance to work with non-government organisations (NGOs), community groups, and government. You may contribute to real campaigns, and learn the different ways in which community organisations operate.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
A campus with everything
Footscray Park has everything you need, all set within a pleasant stroll from the Maribyrnong River and parklands.
Facilities include:
- aquatic and fitness centre
- childcare services
- learning common spaces with WiFi, tables and chairs
- restaurants and café
- state-of-the-art lecture theatres.
The library gives you constant access to online resources from wherever you are. It also has the following for your use:
- 14 group study rooms
- 15 laptops for loan
- 296 PCs and six Apple Macs
- printing, copying and scanning
- WiFi access.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call back
Samantha Suendermann conducting community development activities in India through a VU volunteer program.
Careers in community development
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.
Salaries & employment prospects
Find the average salary and predicted job growth for community-development professionals on the government employment data site, Labour Market Insights.
Course structure
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.
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- AEB1804
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEK1204
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA1023
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA1024
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASW1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AYW1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AYW1003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBF1150
- Credits
- 12
Professional Core Units
-
- Unit code
- AEB2803
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEB3803
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA2033
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA2034
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASC2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASL2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEB3802
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASC3007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASC3095
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EDI3001
- Credits
- 12
Capstone Units
-
- Unit code
- ECY3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECY3004
- Credits
- 12
Minors
-
- Unit code
- AMIGEN
-
- Unit code
- AMIPOL
-
- Unit code
- EMISWF
-
- Unit code
- EMIAGL
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
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. |
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.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
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.
ATAR profile
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human Services or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Pathways to further study
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
