Diploma of Community Services
CRICOS Code: 117330K
Australian Qualification Framework: Level 5
Overview
The Diploma of Community Services is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively within the Australian community services sector.
Students will learn to apply their interpersonal and communication skills across a range of contexts and demonstrate strong professional and ethical values when working independently and as part of a team.
Students will gain an understanding of case management, from assessing client needs to developing tailored support plans, as well as gain the ability to coordinate and implement impactful programs that address community challenges.
It is important to note that the Diploma of Community Services does not meet the Community Work Australia (CWA) accreditation standards.
Key Information
| Award | Diploma of Community Services |
| Duration | 1 Year Full Time (or Part Time Equivalent) |
| Study Mode | On Campus* |
| Locations | Melbourne & Sydney |
| Indicative International Start Date Intakes | Orientation Week Starts: 10 March 2025 Teaching Period Starts: 17 March 2025 February, May, September |
| Course Fees | Domestic (FEE-HELP available) International |
*International students may study up to one-third of the subjects in a course online. Domestic students may study the full course online.
Career Opportunities
The Diploma of Community Services will provide graduates with the foundational knowledge and skills to work safely and ethically in the community services sector.
Professional Recognition
The Diploma of Community Services does not meet the CWA accreditation guidelines and therefore will not be submitted for assessment.
Course Structure
To successfully complete the Diploma of Community Services you must successfully complete 8 subjects, totalling 48 credit points points . Each subject is designed to provide you with the essential skills and understanding to excel in the field of community services.
The Diploma of Community Services does not include a placement component.
If you plan to study full time, a full-time load is typically 8 subjects per year. For part-time students, you will typically complete 4 subjects per year. Please note that our academic year is structured into three trimesters, each consisting of 11 weeks of teaching followed by an assessment week.
Delivery & Workload
We’ve created a diverse and engaging learning environment for this course. Your study will involve a mix of lectures, skills development workshops, group work, self-directed study and workplace learning. For each subject, allocate about three hours for lectures and tutorials. Additionally, you should allow approximately 10 hours per week, per subject for self-directed study to complete prescribed readings, practice skills, conduct research, and complete assessments at your own pace.
Subjects
Year 1
Subject Code: CSW101
Credit Points: 6
Subject Code: CSW102
Credit Points: 6
Subject Code: CSW103
Credit Points: 6
Subject Code: CSW104
Credit Points: 6
Pre-Requisite: CSW103
Subject Code: CSW105
Credit Points: 6
Subject Code: CSW106
Credit Points: 6
Pre-Requisites: CSW103
Subject Code: CSW107
Credit Points: 6
Pre-Requisites: CSW102
Subject Code: CSW108
Credit Points: 6
Recognition of Prior Learning
At Ikon, your past studies or work experience can be acknowledged through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer.
RPL evaluates your previous skills and experience against the learning outcomes of Ikon subjects, potentially exempting you from studying certain subjects. Credit Transfer allows your previous studies to contribute towards your qualification, granting credits based on matched content and learning outcomes between equivalent qualifications. These pathways could help you to fast track your qualification, reducing study time and tuition fees.
Study Pathways
The Diploma of Community Services is a pathway into our Bachelor of Community Services course, offering more career and professional development opportunities.
Entry Requirements
We welcome students from all circumstances and academic backgrounds to apply for this course. Choose the admission pathway that is most relevant to your educational background.
Domestic Students
International Students
Academic Requirements
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study must have completed a vocational qualification at Certificate IV level or higher.
Applicants with Work/Life Experience who left Senior Secondary Education more than two years prior to their application (and have not undertaken VET or HE study since) may gain entry based on professional or work experience and/or any non-formal courses undertaken in preparation for tertiary study or that are relevant to the subject area.
Applicants with recent Senior Secondary Education (within the past two years) must have completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent. For guaranteed entry, applicants must have achieved an ATAR Rank of 60.
Inherent Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate they can meet the inherent requirements needed to successfully complete the course: ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, legal compliance, communication, cognition, relational skills, reflective skills and sustainable performance. To demonstrate this, applicants will need to complete an online questionnaire as part of the application process.
Academic Requirements
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study must have completed a vocational qualification at Certificate IV level or higher.
Applicants with Work/Life Experience who left Senior Secondary Education more than two years prior to their application (and have not undertaken VET or HE study since) may gain entry based on professional or work experience and/or any non-formal courses undertaken in preparation for tertiary study or that are relevant to the subject area.
Applicants with recent Senior Secondary Education (within the past two years) must have completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent. For guaranteed entry, applicants must have achieved an ATAR Rank of 60.
Inherent Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate they can meet the inherent requirements needed to successfully complete the course: ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, legal compliance, communication, cognition, relational skills, reflective skills and sustainable performance. To demonstrate this, applicants will need to complete an online questionnaire as part of the application process.
English Language Proficiency
Equivalent IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with no band less than 6.0.
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