Chaplaincy & Community Services

Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services provides an introductory body of knowledge and skills in the discipline area of community services. The program is designed to produce graduates who can apply integrated technical and theoretical community service concepts in a broad range of contexts from a Christian worldview, as well as embody integrity, professional knowledge and social skills, making a positive contribution to society.

Course Duration
1 year full time, up to 4 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Online Intensive
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2)
Fees
Please enquire about fees.
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
8

What is the Diploma of Community Services?

The Diploma of Community Services introduces students at a foundation level to the sources and content of the discipline of community services and provides training which emphasises vocational application in community-based work. Graduates will have cognitive and communication skills to identify and analyse a range of ideas and perspectives in community-based contexts, specialist technical and creative skills to express those ideas, and will be able to demonstrate an ability to apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts. Students will perform complex technical operations in real-life community work contexts with personal responsibility and autonomy, and will demonstrate an ability to plan, design, implement and evaluate approaches to chaplaincy problems and requirements.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
4 Subjects
40 Credit Points
Faith and Purpose ACA001

Discover the foundations of faith and how it relates to one's worldview and purpose. Students will explore the Christian story from Scripture and express ideas of their own faith, examine how faith shapes views on the meaning and purpose of life, the value of humanity and ideas of human flourishing. Expand your perspective in this core subject and understand the significance of faith in all areas of life.

Foundations of Community Services SSC020
Foundational Communication Skills SSC021
Professional Placement – Community Services SSC022
Electives
8 Subjects
40 Credit Points
Choose 4 of the following subjects
Case Management SSC111

Dive into a comprehensive overview of human services and its theoretical frameworks. This subject prepares students for diverse roles within case management, counselling, and support services, focusing on effective service delivery and client care. Students will learn the fundamentals of the case management process, explore various professional roles, and apply reflective practices to improve their proficiency and understanding of good practice.

Understanding Trauma SSC010

This valuable unit for professional chaplains and pastoral carers equips students with a trauma informed care framework when responding to people impacted by traumas such as domestic and family violence, disasters, health and life circumstances that have significantly impacted their current or past wellbeing and how to promote resilience, healing and recieve appropriate ongoing support as required.

Understanding Addictions SSC011

This comprehensive unit equips students with the necessary skills to address and support individuals facing various addictions. The subject also covers identifying community resources, implementing ethical practices, and understanding legal concerns. This training is essential for those preparing to offer holistic, informed support in chaplaincy or counselling roles.

Methods of Youth Work SSC012

Through this dynamic unit, students are prepared to effectively engage with young people across various social, historical, economic, legal, and political contexts. This subject teaches essential skills for chaplaincy within both church-based and community settings, emphasising relationship building, collaboration with other agencies, and comprehensive youth service provision.

Chaplaincy Ministry MIN013

In this unit, students will start their journey into providing pastoral and spiritual care and develop the skills and understanding of how the chaplain is formed and developed considering; ethical and legal considerations; learning effective communication skills; boundaries; and the value and importance of self care and professional supervision.

Group Work SSC015

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

  • General understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within chosen discipline area of community services, consistent with a Christian worldview; 
  • Technical and theoretical understanding of research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline area of community services.

Skills

  • Identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of community services; 
  • Examine a complex problem or management requirements using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of community services; 
  • Analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to the discipline area of community services;    
  • Communicate effectively and creatively ideas and perspectives to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts.

Application of knowledge and skills

  • Articulate questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the discipline area of community services to develop appropriate solutions; 
  • Work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional and community services contexts; 
  • Collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues; 
  • Undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development. 

Admission Criteria

Entry Requirements

HSC Completion (recommended)

A sound level of ability in written and spoken English. For prospective students from an English-speaking background, successful completion of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or its equivalent (including articulation from other AQF programs), including demonstration of competency in English is recommended.

Work and Life Experience – Applicants over 21 who do not meet academic requirements

If you are over 21: apply for admission and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

Work and Life Experience – Applicants under 21 who do not meet academic requirements

If you are under 21: apply for non-award study and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

Higher Education Study

Completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Applicants with a complete Certificate IV or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation are advised to seek provisional entry.

How to Apply

  • Get Started

    Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

  • Apply

    It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

  • Offer

    We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

Key Dates
Semester 1
Term 1
February / March
Term 2
April
Semester 2
Term 3
July / August
Term 4
November