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A multicultural group working to solve community problems
Study with CDU

Community Services and Social Work

Make a real difference in communities through a career in social work, counselling, or in the humanitarian aid industry. 

By studying with Charles Darwin University, you’ll build the knowledge and experience to assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups, empower people to develop skills and resources to resolve social and other problems, and further human well-being and human rights, social justice and social development.

Choose CDU for community and social work courses

  • #7 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes

    According to The Good Universities Guide 2024 CDU ranks as a leader for undergraduate employment outcomes

  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries

    According to the Good Universities Guide 2024

  • Northern Territory's top Training Provider

    We are the largest provider of TAFE in the Northern Territory

Need some help finding the right course or career path?

Why study a community services and social work degree? 

 

Social Work CDU Event

Do you feel you were destined for a 'helping' profession? For those with a commitment to social justice and who strive to improve the lives of society’s most vulnerable, consider becoming a social worker. 

Find a rewarding and fulfilling career in social work or community services as you walk alongside individuals, families, groups and communities in crisis or impacted by social disadvantage.  

A social work degree at Charles Darwin University will shape you into an ethical, responsive and innovative critical thinker. You'll understand social inequalities and aim to find real world solutions to social problems, working with people to achieve the changes that will improve their lives. 

Throughout your social work degree at CDU, you’ll gain practical experience through placements and intensive units where you can develop important skills in counselling, group work, and more.

Studying community services and social work courses online

 

Students in classroom

Immerse yourself in dynamic social services courses delivered online at CDU, equipping you with the skills to assess and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities. Note that due to the client-facing nature of the industry, students in the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work are required to attend 20 days on campus for invaluable face-to-face learning.

You also have the flexibility to set the pace of your learning at part-time or full-time, even switching between them as it suits you.  

We’ve been delivering online education for a long time. Our top-notch online learning platform, Learnline, holds your lecture recordings and learning materials plus the tools for communicating with your teachers and fellow students in your social work and community service courses. 

Learn more about CDU’s online study experience.

Your career in community services and social work 

 

VET social work and community service

The world needs more social workers, and Australia is no exception with very strong future growth predicted for the industry. 

The varied nature of social work provides many career pathways depending on your area of interest. Graduates of social work courses find work across many sectors and settings, including government and non-government community and social services agencies, or working with organisations and communities, families, youth, children and the elderly.  

Whether you have a particular interest in working with children in the foster care system, with people suffering from using drugs or alcohol, with migrants and refugees, or exploring humanitarian aid and community development, social work always has social justice at its heart. 

Wherever you take your career, the skills and knowledge you gain are highly transferable. Studying social work or community services will develop your skills in communication and active listening, complex problem solving and negotiation, empathy, time management, and more. 

Launch into your new world of study with confidence

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