Lincoln Institute of Higher Education (LIHE) trading as Lincoln Education Australia (LEA)
Course Description
The Bachelor of Community Services is designed for individuals passionate about fostering social justice, inclusion, and empowerment. This program prepares student to support individuals, marginalised groups, and communities in navigating complex and evolving community and health settings. Students will gain the practical skills and theoretical foundations necessary to create meaningful change in the lives of others.
This course combines real-world practice with a deep understanding of the theories, policies, and ethical frameworks that guide community service work. As a fully accredited Higher Education degree, it equips students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical, competent, and culturally responsive practice. Graduates will be well-prepared to engage with individuals, families, and communities at the intersection of social structures and lived experiences.
Duration : 36 Months Subjects : 23
Level : AQF 7 CRICOS Course Code : 117351E
Upon successfully completing the Bachelor of Community Services Course, graduates will be able to demonstrate the following Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
CLO 1: Acquire a broad and coherent knowledge base integrating key theories, principles, and concepts of community services.
CLO 2: Demonstrate competence in applying theoretical and technical knowledge in community services, assessing intricate scenarios through an entrepreneurial lens to empower individuals, groups, and communities.
CLO 3: Apply advanced cognitive skills in critical thinking and problem-solving to recognise, evaluate, and address complex problems in the field of community and human services.
CLO 4: Utilise research and evaluation skills to assess the effectiveness of community services initiatives, making data-driven decisions and recommending improvements.
CLO 5: Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams across professional, functional, and cultural boundaries, and effectively communicate with a broad spectrum of people and organisations.
CLO 6: Demonstrate a high level of cultural competence and sensitivity, applying knowledge and skills in diverse socio-cultural contexts, and working effectively with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
CLO 7: Combine and utilise an understanding of ethical principles, considerations, legal frameworks, policy concerns, and regulatory standards pertinent to community services across various professional contexts, demonstrating comprehension of their influence on the provision of services.
CLO 8: Exhibit a commitment to continuous professional development in the field of community services, responding adaptively to emerging trends, issues, and innovations in the sector.
CLO 9: Utilise evidence-based practices and innovative solutions to address complex issues in community services, demonstrating the capacity to conduct relevant research and apply findings to improve service delivery and outcomes.
The Bachelor of Community Services equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career dedicated to advocacy, social policy, and community development. This program prepares students to make a meaningful impact by supporting and improving the lives of others, ensuring students are ready to step into the dynamic field of community services. Students will be adequately equipped for diverse career opportunities, such as:
- Community Worker
- Welfare Worker
- Community Development Officer
- Youth Worker
- Case Manager
- NDIS Support Coordinator
- Mental Health Support Worker
| Subject Code | Name of Subject | CP | Prerequisite | Corequisite | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | S1 | XXXX70100 | Academic Literacies | 0 | Nil | Nil |
| BCS5101 | Introduction to Community Services Work | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| BCS5102 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| BCS5103 | Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| BCS5104 | Introduction to Sociology and Politics | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| S2 | BCS5105 | Interpersonal Communication, Ethics and Practice | 4 | Nil | Nil | |
| BCS5106 | Health and Wellbeing | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| BCS5107 | Diversity and Community Services | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| BCS5108 | Social Policy | 4 | Nil | Nil | ||
| Subject Code | Name of Subject | CP | Prerequisite | Corequisite | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | S1 | BCS5201 | Working with Groups | 4 | BCS5105 | Nil |
| BCS5202 | Community Development | 4 | BCS5105 | Nil | ||
| BCS5203 | Counselling Skills | 4 | BCS5105 | Nil | ||
| BCS5204 | Mental Health and Community Services work | 4 | BCS5105 | Nil | ||
| S2 | BCS5205 | Social Research in Community Services | 4 | Nil | BCS5208 | |
| BCS5206 | Working with Youth | 4 | BCS5105 | Nil | ||
| BCS5207 | Aged Care and Community Services | 4 | BCS5105 | Nil | ||
| BCS5208 | Community Services Fieldwork 1 | 4 | BCS5203 | BCS5205 | ||
| Subject Code | Name of Subject | CP | Prerequisite | Corequisite | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 3 | S1 | BCS5301 | Disability and the NDIS | 4 | BCS5205 | Nil |
| BCS5302 | Case Management & Care Planning | 4 | BCS5205 | Nil | ||
| Elective | 4 | Nil | Nil | |||
| BCS5303 | Families and Child Wellbeing and Protection | 4 | BCS5205 | Nil | ||
| S2 | BCS5304 | Community Services Fieldwork 2 | 8 | BCS5205 | BCS5305 | |
| BCS5305 | Community Services (Capstone) | 4 | BCS5205 | BCS5304 | ||
| Elective | 4 | Nil | Nil | |||
| Subject Code | Name of Subject | CP | Prerequisite | Corequisite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elective* | BCS5306 | Working in the Justice Systems | 4 | Nil | |
| BCS5307 | Family and Domestic Violence | 4 | Nil | ||
| BCS5308 | Working Internationally | 4 | Nil | ||
| BCS5309 | Disaster Management & Recovery | 4 | Nil | ||
Intake:
There are three intakes each year in March, July and November.
Domestic Students:
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 with a minimum ATAR of 65 (or equivalent qualification), or alternative ATAR with interview;
- Successful completion of a recognised foundation studies program; and,
- One (1) year of university studies
Applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Assumed Knowledge
In keeping with the Australian university sector standards and comparator institutions, LIHE will require applicants for study in the Bachelor of Community Services course to have a mid-range level of assumed Social Science based knowledge as “Community Development and Social Change, or equivalent” for successful study. The academic requirements and English language requirements are shown below.
English language requirements:
English language requirements for admission into Bachelor of Community Service is:
Domestic Students
- A Unit 3-4 sequence in English with a study score of at least 30 in Units 3 & 4 English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in Units 3 & 4 English, Literature or English Language
- Student must provide evidence of English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 6.5 overall and no band less than 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or equivalent
Additional entry requirements
LIHE does not accept students under the age of 18. You are required to have turned 18 before the first day of Orientation week.
Application for admission into some LIHE courses may require you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio.
Equity measures
LIHE facilitates access to applicants from underrepresented and/or disadvantaged groups, including:
- Part or full-time carers
- Persons with disabilities
- Persons experiencing mental or physical health concerns
- Mature-age applicants
- Single parents
- People for whom English is a second language
- Persons who identify as LGBTI
International Students:
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 with a minimum ATAR of 65 (or equivalent qualification), or alternative ATAR with interview; or
- Successful completion of a recognised foundation studies program; or
- One (1) year of university studies.
Applicants who do not meet the formal academic entry requirements may be considered on a case by-case basis.
The following English language requirements apply for international students or local applicants with international qualifications:
- IELTS: An overall IELTS band score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing and speaking,
- A TOFEL score of 570 with a written English score of 4.5 in a paper-based test or a score of 80 with a minimum score of 20 in reading and writing and 18 in speaking and listening in an internet-based test.
- CAE Advanced (CAE) or CAE Proficiency (CPE): An overall score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in writing and speaking; or,
- PTE Academic: An overall PTE Academic score of 64 with a minimum score of 55 in communicative skills
Proof of English language proficiency shall not be older than 2 years from the date of commencement of the course applied for.
Applicants who do not meet the English proficiency requirements may be made a conditional offer pending successful completion of an approved intensive English language course and meeting the required standard prior to commencement.
Additional entry requirements
LIHE does not accept students under the age of 18. You are required to have turned 18 before the first day of Orientation week.
Application for admission into some LIHE courses may require you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio.
Equity measures
LIHE facilitates access to applicants from underrepresented and/or disadvantaged groups, including:
- Part or full-time carers
- Persons with disabilities
- Persons experiencing mental or physical health concerns
- Mature-age applicants
- Single parents
- People for whom English is a second language
- Persons who identify as LGBTI
LIHE requires 12 hours per week of scheduled classes and self-directed study for a 4-credit point subject. This workload requirement typically comprises 3 hours of directed teaching and learning activities in lecture or workshop settings and 7-9 hours of self-directed study. Students should expect to spend approximately 10-12 hours per week over 12 weeks (a total of roughly 144 hours) on learning activities for each subject.
Students are required to undertake and complete two successful Community Services Fieldwork Placements. The first Community Services Fieldwork Placement is 150 hours in a supervised community and human services agency. This is a 4-credit point subject. The second Community Services Fieldwork Placement is 250 hours in a supervised community and human services agency. This subject is 8-credit points.
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