Overview 2021
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
"The Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support has provided me with an added professional edge to my new role in consumer representation, honing my skills for industry specific interviews, designing business models and pitches for quality and safety in healthcare, and report writing. My experience with this course has boosted my confidence to further my education and pursue my dream career.”
This course will introduce you to the heath, social, and community services in Australia. You will explore current trends, changes and challenges in the sectors, including regulation, competition for resources and the impact of technology.
You’ll learn about the national health care reform agenda and the changes it brings to improving and modernising the Australian health system. Reflecting on your own values, beliefs and self-care needs, you’ll look at the concept of ‘the individual’ and the important role of relationships in providing quality individualised support. You’ll also learn about the cycle of continuous quality improvement, which includes planning, implementation, evaluation and adaption.
This course has a focus on applied learning opportunities including working with sector leaders, service consumers, organisations, individuals, and communities. If you’re interested in the health, social or community service sectors, this course offers an exciting entry point to a new career, or an opportunity to accelerate in your current job in the sector.
If you complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support and wish to continue further study, you can enter into the Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support
Please visit our Certificates page for answers to frequently asked questions about the Job Ready Certificates.
Learning outcomes
- Engage in strength-based collaborations with individuals, families, service providers and communities to promote positive community support outcomes
- Apply community support principles and practices to diverse situations and contexts
- Use reflection, communication and problem-solving skills to guide planning, decision-making and quality systems improvement.
Practical experience
Practice-based, experiential learning and portfolio development is a key component of the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support. In order to develop key transferable practitioner skills, you will be exposed to authentic and engaging learning experiences designed to develop your understanding of work and the workplace. The work-based components will be tailored to individual student circumstances.
If you are currently employed, you will be encouraged to apply and complete relevant assessments within your work environment. If you don't have access to a relevant work environment, you will be provided with authentic simulated experiences.
You will be introduced to:
- Different methods of and approaches to practice;
- How issues such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership are reflected in the workplace and;
- The role of reflection and deliberative thinking in developing workplace-based knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations.
Career outcomes
The Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support is a great starting point for those interested in a career in the community sector with or without prior experience. You’ll be building the foundations for a fulfilling career providing care, help and support to people from all walks of life.
The Community Services industry is one of the largest industry areas in Australia and is projected to continue to grow over the next few years as job demands increase*. Potential career opportunities exist in the voluntary, private, not-for-profit, non-government and/or government sectors in health and community services. Roles include team leaders, coordinators, supervisors, service managers, coaches, service navigators, and community development/engagement officers.
If you complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support and wish to continue further study, you can transition into further study, with credit towards an Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support.
*Health Care and Social Assistance, employment projections to May 2024, Department of Employment 2020, Employment Projections.
Course structure
The course structure comprises four core 12.5 credit point units.
Please note that this Undergraduate Certificate is offered part time only.
This unit will situate ‘the individual’ in the context of person, family and their extended network of support. You will be encouraged to reflect upon your own values, beliefs and self-care needs, and that of others, in order to broaden…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for ZAC101 Respecting the Individual and Their Context
In this unit you will consider how individuals, families and communities understand and experience health and wellbeing. Barriers and enablers of health and wellbeing will be explored, with emphasis placed on vulnerable, marginalised and isolated population groups. You will examine…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit will introduce you to the way in which health, social and community services are organised, integrated, funded and governed in Australia. This unit is contextualised to the Australian healthcare reform agenda, emphasising a shift in focus from institutional…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ZAC105 Health and Community Services in Australia
This unit will introduce you to the quality and regulatory systems that govern service delivery, reporting and accreditation. Principles, policies, standards and guidelines will be considered in the context of the individual, the consumer and the organisation. A cycle of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ZAC106 Quality Systems and Practice in Health and Community Services
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements
Applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
- This course does not use ATAR as part of the admission process.
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants with previous higher education study
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at Associate Degree level or higher at any Australian higher education provider
- If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed Certificate III or above.
Applications on the basis of work or life experience
- This course accepts applications based on work or life experience. Applicants who have not completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but who have relevant work and life experience can complete a personal competency statement.
Enrolment Restrictions
Students enrolling in this course must complete by the end of 2021. This course will not be offered after this time. Students who have not completed the course by the end of 2021 will be supported to find an alternative course to transfer into.
Credit transfer
Passes in units in other incomplete courses in this University or another approved tertiary institution may be credited towards the undergraduate certificate and a course plan developed to detail the units required by the student to qualify for the undergraduate certificate. The maximum credit granted will be in accordance with the limits stated in the Student Participation and Attainment Ordinance.
Articulation to
Students completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support will receive advanced standing for four 12.5 credit point units of the Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries