Overview (2027)
Key Information
Duration
Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
Make a difference in your community
Developed in consultation with industry experts, the Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support has been designed to build the core skills, capabilities and practices required to meet contemporary consumer, community and workforce needs.
Gain up-to-date industry health and community services knowledge, applying a practical and person-centred care approach to work in health, disability, mental health, aged care, and social and community services.
This course is delivered online with flexible tutorials, making it easy to balance your lifestyle and work commitments with further education. It’s a great starting point if you’re looking to begin a career in health and community support. It’s also ideal if you’re already working in the field and want to upskill or gain additional knowledge and qualifications.
While this course can be completed entirely online, some units offer valuable on-campus learning opportunities that you are welcome to attend. If you choose to complete the course fully online, please note that there are synchronous (live online) activities that are essential for your learning.
As an online student, you are still able to access all UTAS student resources including the library resources, counselling and wellbeing services, study support, and club/society membership.
- 1 Use strengths-based approaches and relationships to promote positive health and wellbeing outcomes for diverse individuals (including self), families, groups and communities.
- 2 Evaluate health and wellbeing models, factors and determinants to organise, plan and deliver contemporary support services.
- 3 Analyse and apply quality, regulatory, ethical and cultural principles, practices and frameworks when working with diverse groups, organisations and contexts.
- 4 Use reflection, planning and problem-solving for personal and professional development.
- 5 Evaluate and use research, evidence, data and technology to inform practice.
The Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support curriculum focuses on applied learning opportunities, where you will engage with sector leaders, service consumers, organisations and communities to explore and respond to real-world issues. Via interviews, scenarios, case-studies, discussions and a virtual community, you will practice applying your skills and understanding to real-world contexts.
Career outcomes
Accelerate your career, or discover new pathways.
Graduates from the Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support can progress into purposeful careers in health, social and community services, with or without experience.
Explore various job opportunities in the fields of health, disability, mental health, aged care, social and community services. These opportunities are available in voluntary, private, not-for-profit, government and/or non-government sectors. You can take up roles such as health or care workers, team leaders, or coordinators, supervisors, managers, service navigation support staff, coaches, community development officers, project officers, consultants and administrators, or pursue roles in occupational, corporate or community health and wellbeing.
Course structure
The Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support includes four compulsory units (each at 12.5 credit points) as a core in applied health and 50 credit points of Discipline elective units (25 credit points from Discipline elective list A; and 25 credit points from Discipline elective list B.
This unit explores identity and diversity in the context of individuals, their lived experiences and the supports that contribute to health, wellbeing, inclusion and participation. Through self-awareness and critical reflection, you will examine your own values, beliefs and self-care needs,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |  |  |  | |
- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC102 Foundations of Health and Wellbeing
This unit will introduce you to the way in which health and community services are organised, integrated, funded and governed in Australia. This unit is contextualised to reforms in Australia's health and community services system, emphasising a shift in focus…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC105 Health and Community Services in Australia
In this unit you will explore how different cultural understandings and models influence and shape how we interpret the world around us, perceive ourselves and relate to other people. You will build your cultural capability (knowledge, skills and attitudes) through…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
In this unit, you will explore and compare different models of service design, articulation and delivery and how they influence health and wellbeing outcomes for diverse population groups. With a focus on rights, self-determination and strengths-based approaches, you will investigate…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC103 Contemporary Support in Health and Community Services
In this unit, you will be introduced to the principles of primary health care, preventative health, health promotion, and community development and how they inform the design and delivery of health and wellbeing supports. You will develop an understanding of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
This unit will introduce you to the quality, safety and regulatory systems that govern service delivery, reporting and accreditation. Principles, policies, standards and guidelines will be considered in the context of the worker, the consumer and the organisation. A cycle…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC106 Quality Systems and Practices in Health and Community Services
This unit examines the foundations of mental health and wellbeing for individuals, families and communities. Your learning will be underpinned by models of consumer engagement, social inclusion and human rights. Using a bio-psycho-social and systems-thinking approach, you will critically examine…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Support services, both mainstream and specialised, are adopting contemporary disability practices to enable self-determination, choice and control by people with disability. This unit examines the evolution of disability practice with particular emphasis on the reforms arising from the Disability Royal…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC118 Contemporary Disability Practice
This unit introduces you to social justice, human rights and decolonising perspectives that underpin social work practice. You will explore how social, cultural, historical and structural factors shape inequality and influence the lived experiences of diverse people and communities. You…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for HGW111 Introduction to Community and Social Work Practice
In this unit, you will be introduced to the diverse fields in which community and social work practice takes place. This unit aims to extend common understandings of community and social work practice by showcasing new and innovative approaches to practice at…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for HGW112 Community and Social Work Fields of Practice
The effective and efficient operation of business is human resource intensive. Strategies used to attract, motivate, manage and retain the right people are essential skills for all business managers for business success. This unit introduces you to how Human Resource…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
This unit introduces you to effective professional communication techniques and practices applicable to the workplace and study. You will learn about the foundations of communication, the various communication styles, professional etiquette, and different types of communication behaviours. A central focus…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
In this unit, you will explore and compare different models of service design, articulation and delivery and how they influence health and wellbeing outcomes for diverse population groups. With a focus on rights, self-determination and strengths-based approaches, you will investigate…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC103 Contemporary Support in Health and Community Services
In this unit, you will be introduced to the principles of primary health care, preventative health, health promotion, and community development and how they inform the design and delivery of health and wellbeing supports. You will develop an understanding of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
This unit will introduce you to the quality, safety and regulatory systems that govern service delivery, reporting and accreditation. Principles, policies, standards and guidelines will be considered in the context of the worker, the consumer and the organisation. A cycle…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC106 Quality Systems and Practices in Health and Community Services
This unit examines the foundations of mental health and wellbeing for individuals, families and communities. Your learning will be underpinned by models of consumer engagement, social inclusion and human rights. Using a bio-psycho-social and systems-thinking approach, you will critically examine…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Support services, both mainstream and specialised, are adopting contemporary disability practices to enable self-determination, choice and control by people with disability. This unit examines the evolution of disability practice with particular emphasis on the reforms arising from the Disability Royal…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for ZAC118 Contemporary Disability Practice
Design thinking draws on creative, iterative and collaborative approaches to problem-solving, including exploration of potential solutions though idea generation, rapid prototyping and testing. While conventional approaches to problem-solving often rely on the application of highly structured methodologies and process controls,…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit provides you with opportunities to develop various work-ready, transferable, and professional skills and attributes that are highly sought by employers. In addition, it allows you to explore contemporary strategies and approaches that are often used in day-to-day employment…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Semester 2 | | | | ||
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
This unit puts you in control of your learning by allowing you to shape your study around your interests, career goals, or personal passions. With the guidance of a mentor or supervisor, you will choose a focus—this could be a…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Full Year Period | | | ||
| Semester 1 | | | | ||
| Semester 2 | | | | ||
| Trimester | | | | ||
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Entry requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
This course does not use ATAR as part of the admission process. To be an eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or an equivalent qualification.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points), at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level units completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any units, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a Certificate III or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applications on the basis of work or life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
You may be eligible for advanced standing (ie. credit) of up to 50 credit points if you have completed a cognate Undergraduate Certificate or similar course at this university or other approved tertiary institution. Cognate undergraduate certificate courses for Z1H Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support are: Z0C Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support.
Students who complete Z1H Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support are eligible to articulate into the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours with 100 credit points of credit.
Students may also be eligible to articulate into other Bachelor courses with up to 100 credit points of credit.
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,800
How is this calculated?
This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.
These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.
HECS-HELP loans
You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.
Domestic scholarships
Scholarships for domestic students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please refer to scholarships.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
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