If you enjoy helping people and would like to pursue leadership roles, this diploma course will help you build a career in community services.
Not applicable
The Diploma of Community Services will equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in community services across a range of settings.
Build essential skills in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred service. The Diploma of Community Services is the ideal launch pad for an incredibly rewarding career helping others. You will learn how to provide everything from day-to-day support for individuals all the way through to the implementation of specific community-based programs.
Designed to ensure a balance between theory and practical learning, the program provides an opportunity for students to engage through practical work in various settings.
This approach allows learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, enriching their understanding and skills in the field.
In addition to your coursework, you will undertake 200 hours of work placement activities, ensuring you are prepared for practical work in industry upon completion of your studies.
The Diploma of Community Services is a self-sourced placement program. Self-sourcing placements not only allow students to use the application process as a learning and development opportunity, but has also been strongly endorsed by our industry partners who prefer to review student applications on their merit and suitability, thus reflecting current industry expectations.
Students will be supported to source placements and provided links to known placement opportunities as they arise.
We will connect you to industry through practical placement, field visits and guest speakers. You will graduate ready to address social disadvantage and transform lives.
Participate in site visits, and interact with individuals and groups within the sector.
Apply the relevant skills and knowledge learnt in this course directly to your workplace.
This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
Classes are designed to provide maximum class interaction, discussion and development of ideas and skills.
Standard classroom delivery for full-time students includes on-campus classes combined with work placement.
Specialist guest speakers will provide insights into current workplace practices and emerging issues. Extensive online resources are available to support learning and networking opportunities with fellow students.
Support is also available for students to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in the course assessment that is designed to prepare you for work-ready performance or further study.
Assessment in this diploma incorporates a range of methods to assess performance and the application of the required knowledge and skills, including:
You will have access to online resources.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
RMIT’s community services discipline has a reputation for delivering high quality vocational education courses designed and developed in partnership with industry.
The course content is work focused, and allows you to apply skills and knowledge learned in the course directly to your individual work place.
The Diploma of Community Services includes several work-integrated learning (WIL) subjects.
In these subjects, you will engage in activities that integrate theoretical learning with practical application, engaging you in meaningful and consequential learning activities.
These subjects will be completed through 200 hours of work placement.
You will be required to attend three days per week.
You can expect approximately five hours of external study per subject per week to complete required readings, pre-work and assessment tasks.
The Diploma of Community Services includes several work-integrated learning (WIL) subjects.
In these subjects, you will engage in activities that integrate theoretical learning with practical application, engaging you in meaningful and consequential learning activities.
These subjects will be completed through 200 hours of work placement.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
You will complete a total of 20 units (12 core units and 8 elective units).
This will be completed over a period of 18 months (1.5 years) and will include completion of 200 hours of practical placement.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Community service professionals work in government-funded, not-for-profit and charitable organisations. Your work might include the following:
Your career could take you in any number of directions – such as providing support, advocacy or interventions to individuals, groups or communities; working under the direction and supervision of others; or managing programs and services directly.
You may also seek employment in community education or development projects. Typical job titles include:
Non-government organisations often require this diploma for the development of their community services workforce.
This nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)
OR
At least 6 months’ work experience
You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date.
This qualification may experience high demand with limited places. Therefore, Direct offer rounds will take place fortnightly, in which eligible applicants will be given three days to accept and a further ten days to enroll and secure their place.
Applications will be assessed in the order they are received for each available intake until all places are filled. For your best chance at admission, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
You will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check and a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking practical placements.
Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.
Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, formerly known as a Police Check, for professional placements as part of this program. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks must be current and have no disclosable outcomes.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
