Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Are you passionate about helping people in the community? Would you like to support and assist a range of individuals and families?
Course essentials
ATAR
Lowest Adjusted ATAR 50.00
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
On campus
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (flexible)
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (flexible)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Course overview
Are you passionate about helping people? Would you like to be able to provide support and assistance to a range of individuals, families and communities that are experiencing family violence, poverty, homelessness, mental health or living with disability? In this degree, you'll learn the important skills and ethics needed for helping to improve the lives of others. You'll spend time in the industry, putting your skills into practice and experiencing real-life situations. This degree will prepare you for a career as a counsellor, in social research, youth justice, family and disability support, aged care, community engagement courses and more.
You'll learn the professional skills needed to succeed in the workplace, like communications and interpersonal skills and the theories behind your practices. Your subjects include 'social policy', 'social issues and personal values ' and ' Australian indigenous societies'. You can also choose subjects from any other FedUni Arts degree, to learn a language, about public relations or politics.
Please note that this course contains compulsory online courses.
Field Placement
Students can expect to have placements in second year and third year. Placements are undertaken continuously not block mode. Please contact the University for more information.
This course will be offered in a blended learning approach with face to face tutorials every week, and some lectures and activities online.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Course co-ordinator
Sharon Sperling
Career paths
Professional recognition
Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) accreditation has been granted.
This course is also recognised by Community Corrections Services (CCS).
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Other study costs
Travel for field education, Working with Childrens Check, Police Check
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Ballarat (flexible)
Berwick (flexible)
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (flexible)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Ballarat (flexible)
Berwick (flexible)
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (flexible)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Ballarat (flexible)
Berwick (flexible)
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (flexible)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Flexible delivery means your course will have online and on-campus options. Some on-campus sessions may be compulsory. Testing
Contact hours
10-12 hours per week
Work integrated learning
This course requires a total of 650 placement hours, across 18 weeks.
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Introduction to Social Work, Community and Human Services15 credit pointsBSWUG1001
- The Sociological Imagination15 credit pointsBASOC1001
Minor
Elective
- Interpersonal Communication for Professional Practice15 credit pointsCHSUG1002
- Theories and Models for Practice15 credit pointsCHSUG1003
Minor
Elective
- Theories and Practices of Group Work15 credit pointsCHSUG2001
- Community Practice Approaches15 credit pointsCHSUG2003
- Reflecting on Work in the Human Services Organisations15 credit pointsCHSUG2101
- Field Placement15 credit pointsCHSUG2102
- Models of Case Management15 credit pointsCHSUG2004
- Social Policy and Social Change15 credit pointsCHSUG2005
- Lifespan Development Psychology15 credit pointsPSYCB2102
Minor
- Critical Practice Approaches15 credit pointsCHSUG3001
- Counselling for Individuals and Families15 credit pointsCHSUG3002
- Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Communities15 credit pointsCHSUG3003
- Research Methods in the Social Sciences15 credit pointsFEAFN3001
- Applied Ethics in Contemporary Societies15 credit pointsBAXDC3004
- Field Placement45 credit pointsCHSUG3005
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Admissions Criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past 2 years)
Prerequisites
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English.
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Guaranteed ATAR
This course has a guaranteed ATAR.
If you meet the course pre-requisites and any ‘Essential Requirements for Admission’, we will guarantee you a place in this course with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in subject adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.
Subject Adjustments
A study score of 35 in any Humanities, Literature, Media, Philosophy or Psychology equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application.
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as the Federation Access Studies Program (FAST).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS band score of 6.5 or equivalent
Extra requirements
Working with children check
Compulsory: Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements.
Police record check
Compulsory: Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3702410141 - Ballarat (flexible)
3702610141 - Berwick (flexible)
3701810141 - Berwick (on campus)
3702510141 - Gippsland (flexible)
3700710141 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700510141 - Mt Helen (on campus) - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- HC5
Pathways to this course:
Candidates seeking alternate entry to this course can consider the below options:
Defined TAFE pathway
A defined TAFE pathway course exists for this degree. Please note that additional essential requirements for admission may apply following completion of this pathway.
CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services | credit for 120 credit points
CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs | credit for 120 credit points
CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health | credit for 120 credit points
CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work | credit for 120 credit points
* 120 credit points is the equivalent of one-year full time study.
Other TAFE studies
Apply for a relevant TAFE course, at any TAFE provider, and then apply to articulate into this course. You may receive credit for TAFE studies undertaken, which will be individually assessed upon request, after you enrol in your bachelor level course.
Bridging courses
A bridging course can provide an excellent foundation to build upon in your bachelor degree studies:
Our one semester Federation Access Studies (FAST) program provides you an alternate entry into tertiary study, with a focus on building the more generic academic skills required for success at university. On successful completion of FAST, students can apply for the Bachelor of Community & Human Services for the next semester.
University studies
Enrolling in single subjects (courses) allows you to demonstrate your ability to succeed in study at this level. Re-apply with credit to the Bachelor of Community & Human Services for the next intake.
Successful completion of at least one (1) Australian university level (or equivalent) subject will be considered for admission. Additional units will enhance a student's application. Students are encouraged to consider units that relate to the arts or social sciences.
Credit will be considered if you have successfully completed higher education or TAFE studies relevant to this degree. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis, depending on your eligibility for credit transfer, prior experience and qualifications.
Pathways from this course:
Federation University Bachelor of Community and Human Services graduates are eligible for direct entry to the Master of Social Work(Qualifying) and will receive credit for one semester of study, reducing the length of study from 2 years to 1.5 years.