Semester 2 starts 4th of August
Apply Now
Counselling & Social Science

Undergraduate Certificate in Community Services

Imagine transforming lives through compassionate care and support when people need it most. The Undergraduate Certificate in Community Services at Alphacrucis University College is your first step to a fulfilling career in community service, equipping you with foundational skills in psychology, counselling, and social work.

Course Duration
1 Semester, up to 1.5 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face, Online Intensive
Study Locations
Online, Sydney*
* Some subjects are available on campus, see the timetable to confirm location and mode.
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2), November (Summer)
Fees
$2,850 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
4

What is the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Services?

The Undergraduate Certificate in Community Services is a four-subject program designed to introduce you to key concepts in psychology, counselling, and social work. This short course includes two core subjects: the Psychology of Emotion and Skills for Counselling, and offers elective subjects in areas such as Community Work, Case Management, Chaplaincy, and Pastoral Care. In just one semester, you will gain a solid foundation in community services, preparing you for various roles in this rewarding field. This certificate also offers flexibility for those who may wish to start with a short course before committing to a full Bachelor program.

Who is this for?

Are you looking to begin a career in community services, counselling or social work and need foundational knowledge and skills?

Do you want to enhance your existing skills and gain formal recognition through an accredited program?

Are you passionate about integrating your Christian values with a vocation that makes the lives of people better?

Do you seek to explore the fields of community services, counselling and social work through a short, flexible program that could lead into a Bachelor’s degree?

Outcomes

Pathways to further study: Use this course to open up opportunities to gain the qualifications you need for your dream job.

Ministry or Church-Based Organisations: Lead and support faith-based community initiatives.

Not-for-Profit Organisations: Drive mission-driven initiatives and support teams in non-profit environments.

Underpinned by a Christian worldview and presented in a dynamic learning environment, it will help you gain skills, strategies, and confidence, and enrich the lives of others.

Paul Bartlett, National Leader - ACC Community Engagement

Accreditation & Partnerships

The Diploma of Community Services is endorsed by the ACC NSW President Pastor Paul Bartlett, and is based on the TGIM Community Engagement Model, outlining the latest best practice in community engagement. It is specifically designed for experienced community workers and those who have experience in church based community services work.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
1 Subjects
10 Credit Points
Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing SSC110

This is a core subject that introduces students to the fields of psychology, social science and the importance of emotions in human identity. It forms the basis for other more advanced psychology subjects. This subject will allow students to develop a better understanding and management of their emotions. This knowledge is then applied to a professional context, enhancing students' abilities to identify and work appropriately with the emotions of clients in an empathetic and professional manner.

Electives
3 Subjects
30 Credit Points
Choose 3 of the following subjects
Community Engagement SSC116
Community Development SSC115
Field Placement – Youth Studies SSC312
Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential to effectively work with young people. This unit offers a 100-hour supervised youth studies placement through a specialised youth organisation. It allows you to apply prior learning and engage in reflective practice, enhancing your professional competence. This placement will also refine your ability to manage professional relationships and administrative tasks within a real-world counselling setting.
Youth Issues SSC345
Navigating youth issues effectively is essential for fostering supportive environments that address the unique challenges faced by young people. This unit delves into contemporary youth issues, exploring how they are perceived and affect both individual lives and broader societal dynamics. Students will develop non-judgemental, empathetic strategies for engaging with young people on critical topics whilst adhering to standards of best practice
Youth Work SSC343
This unit explores the skills and srategies required to understand and support adolescents through their unique challenges. Students will be introduced to the evolution of adolescence and its implications for both historical and contemporary youth work practices. Students will investigate local youth work sectors, and learn to apply an integrative approach to working with young people.
Engaging Families SSC340
Understanding family dynamics is pivotal for effective counselling. This unit offers a comprehensive exploration of family structures and their impacts on individuals. It blends modern and post-modern counselling theories with practical role-play exercises, providing insights into systemic approaches to therapy. You will not only learn to navigate complex family situations but also reflect on how your own family experiences might influence your professional practice.
Working with Children and Young People SSC339
Through this unit, students will be provided with an in-depth overview of developmental, psychological, and behavioural aspects crucial to understanding and supporting children and young people. Students will learn to apply theories in an holistic approach, within professional and ethical frameworks. They will also gain skills in working effectively within broader teams, referral networks and support structures to respond to the unique needs of children and adolescents.
Working with Relationships SSC338
Understanding relationships is foundational for effective therapy. Building on prior knowledge of personality and behaviour, you will delve into the complexities of relational dynamics, including the impact of family backgrounds and life changes such as separation or divorce. Through practical role-plays and evidence-based strategies, you'll learn to navigate and improve various relationship scenarios, preparing you to support clients effectively in maintaining healthy relationships.
Working with Addictions SSC337
Understanding addictions is pivotal for effective intervention. This unit equips students with knowledge of the dynamics and development of various addictions, from substance abuse to behavioural dependencies. Through examining causes, characteristics, and management strategies, students will learn to identify effective treatment approaches and community resources. They will also explore ethical considerations and develop self-care strategies to maintain their wellbeing in professional counselling settings.
Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Therapies SSC336
Gaining proficiency in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is highly beneficial for effective counselling as CBT is still considered the gold standard of evidenced based therapeutic intervention. This unit introduces the foundational theories and practices of CBT, offering students practical skills in applying these techniques across diverse counselling scenarios.
Culturally and Socially Diverse Practice SSC335
Navigating social and cultural diversity skilfully and considerately is vital in people-helping fields. This subject explores the competencies required to understand and respect diversity within communities, developing empathetic and effective strategies to provide care across socially and culturally diverse contexts. Students will learn to assess and enhance their own social and cultural awareness, whilst developing their social and cultural competence for professional practice.
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care SSC334
Effective chaplaincy and pastoral care requires an understanding of the diverse settings in which care may be required, as well as the pillars of best practice. By learning the foundational theories and skills needed for chaplaincy and pastoral care, students will develop competence in providing care across a range of circumstances and within a variety of social, cultural and spiritual or religious contexts.
Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology SSC331
Gaining proficiency in evidenced supported strengths based modalities is important in modern psychological practice. This unit introduces Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Positive Psychology, focusing on the methodology of these strengths based approaches and developing skills to implement these across various settings from individual to organisational applications. Students will have the opportunity to develop many specific skills in addition to increasing their ability to integrate techniques from aligned modalities to enhance client engagement and outcomes.
Professional Accountability SSC319
Professional accountability is crucial in developing ethical and effective practice as a counsellor or people helper. This unit is delivered in the same semester as students undertake their supervised field placements and offers weekly group supervision. Students will receive weekly support to help build their assessment and intervention skills, whilst working with actual client’s. The subject meets PACFA's experiential training requirements, focusing on real-world application through case conferences and peer review whilst preparing you to handle professional challenges ethically and effectively, integrating critical reflection and a Christian worldview.
Working with Trauma SSC318
Having a basic understanding of trauma and its effects is essential for any professional working within the community. This unit gives an introduction to understanding what constitutes trauma, along a continuum from acute to chronic presentations. Additionally, you will learn about self-care to manage the effects of trauma on the people helper, aiding in longevity and efficacy in this challenging field.
Field Placement – Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care SSC313
Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential to effectively work in chaplaincy and pastoral care. This unit offers a 100-hour supervised chaplaincy and pastoral care placement through a chaplaincy organisation. It allows you to apply prior learning and engage in reflective practice, enhancing your professional competence. This placement will also refine your ability to manage professional relationships and administrative tasks within a real-world counselling setting.
Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods SSC100
Build a foundation in research and writing in this pivotal unit designed to equip students with robust academic writing and research skills specific to the social sciences and counselling fields. Students will enhance their ability to critically assess literature, construct evidence-based arguments, and effectively communicate both orally and in writing, preparing them for advanced studies and professional effectiveness.
Field Placement – Counselling SSC310
Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential for effective counselling. This unit offers a 100-hour supervised counselling placement through the AC Wellbeing Centre and an external organisation. It allows you to apply prior learning and engage in reflective practice, enhancing your professional competence. This placement will also refine your ability to manage professional relationships and administrative tasks within a real-world counselling setting.
Professional Practice SSC300
Navigating the transition from theory to practice is critical in any professional field. This subject integrates academic learning with real-world application through a 100-hour supervised placement in a social science-oriented organisation. This experience will help to develop your professional practice skills and self-reflection to ensure continuous professional growth, under the guidance of a professional supervisor.
Ethical and Professional Issues SSC222
Understanding ethical and legal frameworks is vital for anyone entering the people helping profession. This subject helps students to understand the ethical principles and legal requirements within their field, in order to confidently manage complex ethical dilemmas. You will learn to apply ethical decision-making models, prioritise self-care, and appreciate the importance of ongoing professional development.
Foundations of Professional Practice SSC221
This subject helps to prepare you to work effectively with clients by learning advanced counselling micro-skills and techniques in. With an emphasis on applying micro-skills and evidence-based methods in counselling contexts, you'll learn how to respond to complex needs such as anxiety and stress. This unit aligns with professional practice standards, offering practical, experiential training, that includes role-plays, to continue the development of your interpersonal communication skills.
Applied Counselling Theories SSC217
Gaining a deep understanding of various counselling theories is essential for effective therapeutic practice. This subject provides a comprehensive overview of historical and modern counselling methodologies, from Freudian psychoanalysis to contemporary approaches such as Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology. Students will learn how to critically evaluate different models, reflect on their personal and professional implications, and apply them across diverse therapeutic contexts.
Mental Health SSC216
Gaining insight into mental health conditions is pivotal for providing effective support and intervention. Students in this subject will learn to recognise symptoms, deliver appropriate assistance, and understand the role of the community in supporting mental wellbeing. They will develop skills in treating individuals with empathy, respect, and compassion, while fostering a hopeful and supportive environment.
Group and Community Work SSC215
Understanding group dynamics and community leadership is essential for supporting effective change in group settings. This unit equips students with the skills to lead and develop communities while integrating both sociological and Christian perspectives. Through hands-on experiences, students will learn to manage ethical issues and apply professional standards, preparing them to positively impact community and group work settings.
Social Identity in Australia SSC213
Gaining insight into Australian society through a sociological lens is pivotal in understanding the complex influences shaping identity. This unit delves into how cultural and social factors shape personal and community identities. By examining the various structures and facets of society and social policy, students will learn to actively participate in the various social spheres with which they need to engage as practioners.
Grief and Loss SSC212
Supporting those experiencing grief and loss is crucial for effective counselling. This unit equips students with specialised skills to support individuals navigating these challenging experiences. Students will learn to distinguish between different types of grief and develop tailored intervention strategies, enhancing their ability to empathise and provide essential support within a self-care framework.
Principles of Psychology SSC211
Understanding the principles of psychology is essential for anyone interested in the human mind and behaviour. This subject offers a comprehensive introduction to various psychological models and theories, providing insights into how they shape individual perspectives. By studying topics from developmental to clinical psychology, students will develop advanced critical thinking and learn to integrate psychological concepts into their personal worldview.
Human Lifespan Development SSC210

This subject explores the developmental journey and processes that an individual goes through over a lifespan, from conception to death. It introduces various theories and milestones associated with each life stage and includes multicultural and critical perspectives on development. It will enable students to help individuals understand normal developmental processes, whether in health, education, minstry or people helping fields.

Interpersonal Communication Skills SSC113

Enhance your ability to communicate effectively in professional people-helping settings. This subject will equip you with learning foundational interpersonal communication skills. Through practical exercises, you will develop your counselling micro-skills including conflict management responses, within a culturally sensitive framework. This unit is designed to meet PACFA and ACA training requirements.

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.

Psychology of Emotion and Wellbeing SSC110

This is a core subject that introduces students to the fields of psychology, social science and the importance of emotions in human identity. It forms the basis for other more advanced psychology subjects. This subject will allow students to develop a better understanding and management of their emotions. This knowledge is then applied to a professional context, enhancing students' abilities to identify and work appropriately with the emotions of clients in an empathetic and professional manner.

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.

Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

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.

What people say

  • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Knowledge of fundamental issues and practices within the discipline area of community services from a Christian worldview.
    • Technical and theoretical knowledge of the foundational concepts and methods used in the discipline area of community services.

    Skills

    • Acquire thinking skills to identify and critically evaluate approaches to solving problems and meet practice requirements in the discipline area of community services.
    • Acquire personal and people skills necessary for communicating effectively ideas and proposing solutions to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts.

    Ability

    • Apply fundamental concepts and thinking skills to a range of situations in the discipline area of community services from a Christian worldview.
    • Apply the knowledge and skills gained within the discipline area of community services to develop appropriate solutions to a range of issues;
    • Apply personal and people skills to work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected in the discipline area of community services.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Essential Requirements – Pre-admission Interview

    The Program Director will conduct a pre-admission interview (either face-to-face or phone or via online) with all applicants seeking entry into the course on the basis of a Certificate III qualification. This interview aims to assess academic suitability and preparedness of the applicant for undergraduate level study.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5 in any of the four skills areas)

    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.

    Higher Education Study

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

    Vocational Education and Training (VET)

    Completion of a Certificate III or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

    Recent Secondary Education (with the past 2 years)

    Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or the completion of an International Baccalaureate or the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification).

    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