Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services is a two-year qualification for people who want to work directly with individuals, families and communities in Australia. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is shorter and more practical than a bachelor degree but still a recognised tertiary qualification. You will study how to assess client needs, plan and deliver support, work within legal and ethical frameworks, and connect people to services such as housing, mental health, family support and community development. The course is delivered by Brisbane College of Australia in Queensland, and the CRICOS course code is 113528F.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. At this level, expect a mix of core units and electives. Core units typically cover case management, community development, legal and ethical compliance, diversity, and working with people who have complex needs. Electives let you focus on areas such as mental health, youth work, or family support. The course runs over two years, which may be split into semesters or trimesters depending on the college timetable. Assessment is a mix of written tasks, practical demonstrations, projects and supervised work placements. You will need to complete a set number of placement hours to graduate, this is standard for community services qualifications in Australia.

Skills you will gain

You will learn how to interview and assess clients, develop support plans, advocate for people dealing with government agencies, maintain case notes, and work safely with people in crisis. Communication skills matter as much as theory. You will practise writing reports, running group sessions, and working with interpreters and other services. The course also covers cultural safety, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the legal responsibilities of community service workers. By the end, you should be able to step into a service and manage a small caseload with supervision.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people already working in community services who want a formal qualification, career changers who want to start in the sector, and international students looking for a practical pathway into Australian community work. It is also a stepping stone to a bachelor degree in social work or community services, with credit for your diploma studies. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. English requirements are set by the college and the Department of Home Affairs; check the official page for the exact scores and current tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register.

• Community services worker, supporting clients in housing, family services, or neighbourhood centres.
• Case worker or case manager, assessing needs, coordinating support plans, and linking people to services.
• Support worker, assisting people with disability, mental health issues, or older Australians in community settings.
• Youth worker, working with young people in schools, youth centres, or outreach programs.
• Family support worker, helping families access resources, counselling, and practical assistance.
• Community development officer, running local projects and programs for councils or non-profits.
• Mental health support worker, providing day-to-day support to people living with mental illness.

These roles are found across Australia in non-government organisations, government departments, community health centres, schools, and aged care and disability providers.