Overview
Help create better outcomes for communities with a Diploma of Community Development CHC52115 at Victoria University Polytechnic.
This course will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and skills required for leadership in the community sector. You will learn to work in partnership with communities to build their capacity, resilience and self-determination.
You’ll gain the tools to educate the public through programs on health advocacy and community consultation. You’ll develop specific community development skills as well as broad skills for community services work, such as:
- advocacy
- facilitation
- needs assessment
- empowerment.
As part of your studies, you will undertake a fieldwork placement and an industry project. You will even have the opportunity to undertake your placement in an international location; in 2016, students went to Malaysia. These opportunities will give you valuable practical experience and on-the-job confidence.
Practical learning & placement
Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll learn from teachers who have valuable industry contacts and the latest industry-standard skills and knowledge.
You’ll consolidate your learning through undertaking 200 hours of practical fieldwork placement, as well as an industry project. Learning with us means you’ll get the hands-on learning to be job-ready when you graduate.
COVID-19 vaccine requirement
In response to Victoria's Roadmap announced in September 2021, all students must have any COVID-19 vaccine prior to the commencement of placement.
- You must provide evidence of having the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are not compliant with this requirement you are not eligible to undertake a placement and progress within the course.
- You must be willing to undergo any additional checks and immunisations as directed by the University.
Community-focused place to study
Victoria University Polytechnic believes in inclusivity, diversity and opportunity. We have a strong history of community engagement, working with organisations in the region to develop programs that meet local needs.
These partnerships benefit the communities near each of our campuses, and benefit our students too. By contributing to local projects, we can ensure our students’ skills are well matched to opportunities in the region, and create networks for future employment.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
TAFE resources
Careers in community development
The welfare and community services sector is one of Australia’s fastest growing sectors, and is expected to continue growing, with good job prospects for community development professionals (Labour Market Insights).
Community development aims to facilitate community members working together to build better outcomes. This course will prepare you to use a creative and flexible approach to address the social, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of the community. You’ll have the skills and understanding to be a passionate and collaborative community development worker.
Our graduates find employment developing and delivering programs in not-for-profit organisations, government departments and the community sector.
Potential job titles include:
- community development officer
- settlement worker
- community builder
- outcomes manager
- community housing resources worker
- neighbourhood centre manager
- project manager.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
To be awarded CHC52115 Diploma of Community Development, a student must successfully complete a total of fourteen (14) units of competency, consisting of:
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eight (8) core units, and;
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six (6) elective units, of which:
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at least three (3) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CHC52115 Diploma of Community Development qualification, and;
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up to three (3) units can be selected from the electives listed in the CHC52115 Diploma of Community Development qualification or any endorsed training package or accredited course - these units must be relevant to the work outcome.
All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core units
Elective units
Imported
Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers
Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the training package and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.
Learning outcomes
This qualification reflects the role of community services workers who manage the development and delivery of programs that build capacity of communities to influence and guide their own future through public social change processes. At this level, workers have specialised skills with complexity in the range and choices of actions required. Workers will generally have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. This work may be undertaken through organisations working across a range of social, environment, health, economic, arts and culture, recreation sectors.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
As part of the application process, applicants must complete a Pre-training Review (PTR) and undertake a literacy and numeracy (LN) assessment to determine suitability for admission.
Practical Placement:
For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires
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a current and satisfactory Police Record Check, and
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Working with Children Check.
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In response to Victoria's Roadmap announced in September 2021, all students must have any COVID-19 vaccine prior to the commencement of placement. Students will be required to provide evidence prior to commencement of placement. If students are not compliant with this requirement they are not eligible to undertake a placement and this will mean that they will not be able to progress within their course.
Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course.
The following are suggested sites you could visit to obtain these checks:
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Police Record Check - http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274
- Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
Pathways to further study
On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Community development courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Enquire now – TAFE
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Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
