
Introduction to Community development
If you have a strong social justice streak and are passionate about helping others, you could build a great career in community development.
In a community development course, you’ll gain the skills needed to help shape stronger communities, whether that’s across Australia or around the globe.
You’ll be ready to make a genuine and lasting impact through your work, by facilitating community projects, advising on public policy, working with young people, or perhaps even landing a role at a leading non-government organisation (NGO).
Start browsing online community development courses available from leading Australian universities right here.
Explore community development courses
Discover community development courses
Online community development subjects and short courses
Introduction to Community Development
Undergraduate
MUR-COD125- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 28 Jul 2025
Enrolments open until 7 Aug
Social Policy and Community Action
Undergraduate
MUR-COD214- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 28 Jul 2025
Enrolments open until 7 Aug
Undergraduate
LTU-DST2CTD- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Community Health and Wellbeing
Undergraduate
TAS-ZAC201- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online community development degrees
Bachelor of Community Services
Undergraduate
UNE-CSV-DEGEmpower lives, shape futures and transform communities
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Undergraduate
MUR-BAR-DEGA practical arts degree for a better world
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Community Development,
- International Aid and Development,
- Sustainable Development
Graduate Certificate in Social Justice and Community Practice
Postgraduate
GRF-SJC-GCEHelp people from different backgrounds and communities
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Community Services
Undergraduate
TUA-COS-DEGHelp people in communities connect and thrive
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
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Community development study FAQs
What is community development, and why is it important?
Community development professionals work with communities to run projects and programs that make them stronger and healthier.
Working in this field, you could find yourself based in an Indigenous community in Australia’s top end, delivering projects for better education outcomes; or working with a local council to help young people feel safer in their community; or even overseas, helping a village run environmentally sustainable projects.
It’s crucial that community members are involved in the development process and your key job will be to support them.
What will I learn in a community development course?
Working with different, sometimes vulnerable communities can be complex. In your community development course, you’ll learn how to interact with people in constructive, respectful, and culturally safe ways.
Depending on your course, you may study topics such as:
Counselling
Social justice
Advocacy
Policy
Welfare
Foreign aid
Human rights
Sustainability
Working with Indigenous communities
If you’re not yet sure if community development is quite right for you, browse other study options:
What are the entry requirements for studying community development?
The entry requirements for online community development courses will vary depending on the study level you choose. Check individual course pages to find out more.
Luckily, even if you don’t think you meet the entry requirements, Open Universities Australia may be able to help you find a pathway into your chosen field of study. Contact us to find out how.
How long is a community development course?
It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:
Course | Duration |
---|---|
Single subject | 10-18 weeks |
Short course | 10-18 weeks |
Undergraduate certificate | 6 months (if full time) |
Diploma | 1 year (if full time) |
Associate degree | 2 years (if full time) |
Bachelor degree | 3 years (if full time) |
Graduate certificate | 6 months (if full time) |
Graduate diploma | 1 year (if full time) |
Masters degree | 2 years (if full time) |
If you study a degree in community development through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.
Can I study community development online while working full or part-time?
Absolutely. Studying online through Open Universities Australia will give you the flexibility you need to balance your studies and life commitments.
Opting for an online community development course means you can build your skills at a pace that suits you. You’ll be able to study where and when you want, and fit your study around existing work commitments, while accessing all the study support you need.
Will I have the chance to work on practical projects or go on work placements?
Yes—many community development courses offered through Open Universities Australia include practical, hands-on learning experiences as part of the curriculum. This often takes the form of work placements, community-based projects, or internships that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
These experiences are designed to help you develop industry-relevant skills, build professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of how community development theory translates into practice.
The exact nature of the practical components—such as the number of hours, type of organisation, or whether they're optional or mandatory—will depend on the course and the university delivering it. For the most accurate information, it’s best to check the course details or speak with a student advisor who can guide you based on your interests and goals.
What career opportunities can I explore after studying community development?
After graduating your community development course, you could land a role as a:
Community service officer
Project coordinator
Community health worker
Youth engagement officer
Policy officer
Support worker
International aid worker
Researcher
Which sectors hire community development graduates?
As a community development graduate, you could find work in the:
Not-for-profit sector, working for an NGO
Public sector, for a government agency or local council
Private sector, as a consultant for a private company
How do I enrol?
Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:
1. Find your course
Browse the options on this page.
Use our comparison tool to explore the different choices.
Need help? Book a free phone consultation with a student advisor for personalised guidance.
2. Start your enrolment
When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.
Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.
You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:
Proof of identity
Your tax file number
3. Wait for confirmation
Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.
Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.
For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
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