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
Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Mental Health
PostgraduateGRF-CMH-GCE
Support people with injuries, disabilities, and mental illness
Develop your human service or rehabilitation practice. You’ll build skills and knowledge to manage programs and work with clients. Explore person-centred planning and communication. Grow your connections and look forward to new opportunities.
- Study method
- 100% online
Undergraduate Certificate of Community Services
UndergraduateTUA-COS-CTF
Build skills for meaningful support work
Study the basics of client support, communication and community systems. Learn how to work ethically with diverse people. Prepare for further study or entry-level opportunities in the sector. Get ready to make a difference for people and communities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Graduate Certificate in Human Services
PostgraduateGRF-HSS-GCE
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
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
Popular community services & care subjects
Promoting Health and Wellbeing
UndergraduateTAS-ZAC104
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Introduction to Community Development
UndergraduateMUR-COD125
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 27 Jul 2026
Introduction to Human Rights and Social Care
UndergraduateMUR-SOC103
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Aboriginal Resilience and Community
UndergraduateUNE-OORA100
- Study method
- 100% online
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.
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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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