Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This program combines theory and practice to develop skills in assessment, case management, counselling techniques, advocacy, and interagency collaboration. Core topics typically cover foundations of human services, communication and counselling skills, social policy and welfare systems, ethics and professional practice, research methods, working with diverse populations (including Indigenous perspectives), mental health, family and child welfare, and issues such as family violence, substance use and homelessness.

The degree emphasises experiential learning: students undertake sequential supervised field placements in community agencies, health services or government programs and complete applied projects that integrate practice and research. Elective choices commonly allow specialisation in areas such as disability services, youth work, ageing and community development.

Entry requirements

Admission is available to applicants who hold a recognised senior secondary qualification (or equivalent). Alternative entry pathways include vocational qualifications in community services or related fields, recognised prior learning, or relevant work and volunteer experience. Mature-age applicants and those with professional experience are considered through ACU’s recognised pathways.

Applicants must meet ACU’s English language and other standard university admission requirements; some campuses or placements may also require background checks, immunisation documentation and compliance with placement provider standards. Selection may include consideration of a personal statement and referees for some entry routes.

Career prospects

Graduates work across a broad range of human services settings in the non‑government, government and health sectors. Typical roles include community support worker, case manager, intake and assessment worker, youth and family support worker, disability support coordinator, advocacy worker, and residential or outreach worker. With experience, graduates may progress to team leader, program coordinator or policy and planning roles, or continue study in specialised postgraduate programs such as social work, counselling, community development or management.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises practice‑based learning with strong links to community organisations, ensuring students gain supervised placement experience that is valued by employers. The university offers small class sizes, supportive academic staff with professional experience, and learning that foregrounds ethical, culturally safe and person‑centred approaches. ACU’s campuses provide access to student support services and networks across metropolitan and regional locations, and the program is designed to prepare graduates for work in diverse community contexts both locally and nationally.