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HCS365 - From Theory to Practice - Community Work

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Must have passed 80 credit points

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit provides students with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding required for effective and responsible engagement in community work placements. Through a blend of theoretical exploration, practical skill development, and critical reflection, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the community work sector in Australia, its values, principles, and diverse areas of practice. The unit emphasises the development of key interpersonal and professional skills necessary for building meaningful relationships with individuals, groups, and communities, and for contributing positively to social change. Students will explore the structural and systemic issues impacting communities, learn about community development approaches, and develop an awareness of their own positionality and its influence on their practice. This unit aims to equip students with the confidence and competence to actively participate and learn within a community work placement setting, laying the groundwork for ethical and impactful future practice.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Articulate the core values, principles, and ethical considerations that underpin community work practice in Australia, demonstrating an understanding of the Community Work Australia Code of Ethics.
2.	Describe and compare various community development approaches and strategies, and identify their application in addressing community needs and fostering social change.
3.	Apply effective communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals and groups within community settings.
4.	Analyse the social, cultural, economic, and political contexts shaping Australian communities, including issues of inequality and marginalisation, and their implications for community work practice.
5.	Demonstrate an understanding of the professional responsibilities and expectations of a community worker in a placement setting, including the importance of self-care and reflective practice for ongoing professional development.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Journal (5 x 200-300 words)	10%	1,2,3,5
2.	Skills-Based Role-Play (30 min)	40%	1,3,4,5
3.	Report (2000 words)	50%	1,2,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLS	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLS	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OL/OLS: Supplementary material will be provided on-line through Learnline. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)