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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

University of New England

Bachelor of Community Services

UndergraduateUNE-CSV-DEG

Empower lives, shape futures and transform communities

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Tasmania

Bachelor of Dementia Care

UndergraduateTAS-DMT-DEG

Study Australia’s first degree in dementia care

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Ageing Studies and Services Major
Griffith University

Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies

PostgraduateGRF-AUS-GCE

Bring a whole-of-life approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Explore more degrees

Popular community services & care subjects

University of South Australia
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Contemporary Disability Practice

UndergraduateTAS-ZAC118

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of New England
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 20 Oct 2025
Macquarie University
Study method
100% online
Explore more subjects

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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

Read more about how OUA works

Anna studied food and nutrition with La Trobe University through Open Universities Australia

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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If you’re drawn to a career that sees you making a difference in people’s lives every day, disability services could be your perfect fit, even if support work isn’t your goal. 

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