At a glance
A course where students learn about how people and communities work, and how individuals and groups can be supported and empowered. Students explore wellbeing, social cohesion and community life, and learn skills used in community-focused work and volunteering.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- enjoy working with people and helping others
- are interested in social justice, human rights and advocacy
- want strong skills in research, communication and critical thinking
About this course
Students examine ideas from the social sciences and social work to understand how people relate to their environment. They learn about strength-based approaches, advocacy, and how policy and community organisations respond to needs. Students also reflect on their own values and thinking and use evidence to support conclusions.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- community work and human services
- youth work, aged care and community development pathways
- volunteering and community leadership roles
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Community Organisations
This unit explores how community organisations develop and how they support people in their environment.
Students will:
- examine different types of community organisations and why they exist
- explore how organisations respond to needs using real examples and evidence
Societies and Communities
This unit explores the opportunities and challenges faced by diverse communities, including Australian First Nations Peoples.
Students will:
- investigate lived experience and how context (culture, disability, socio-economic factors) shapes outcomes
- examine policy responses and the ideas that influence them
Children and Young People
This unit explores the opportunities and challenges faced by children and young people, including rights and wellbeing.
Students will:
- explore theories and issues affecting children and young people in society
- investigate supports and interventions used by services and community organisations
Contemporary Ageing
This unit explores the experiences of older people and the opportunities and challenges of ageing in contemporary society.
Students will:
- examine how social, cultural and policy factors shape ageing and wellbeing
- explore how services respond to the needs of older people