Undergraduate Major

Community Development

Explore how to get people more involved in locally designed projects, experience different examples of community development projects and learn about the history of community work, policy and the diversity of communities.

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-CMDA
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
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Overview

Working with community is often complex, and demands sophisticated skills and an ‘artfulness’. Success comes to those who develop a combination of wisdom, high-end knowledge of relationships, considerable diplomacy and tenderness.. Often we need to balance a clear head, soft heart, kindness, emotional and social maturity and ethical strength. Although many think that working with community comes naturally there is much to learn, and good practitioners are in great demand. That’s where we come in!

This course will take you to current examples of community development, introducing you to other people’s ideas about what works, getting you thinking and talking about it. The Community Development major will give you the chance to undertake an internship in a community-based setting, encouraging you to extend your repertoire and build your imagination for how things work in different communities around the globe.

This major is for people seeking to work with community in a range of settings including local government, not-for-profit organisations, Aboriginal Community controlled groups, community arts centres, social service organisations, and the resources sector.

3 reasons to study Community Development at Murdoch

  1. Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to intern with community groups, private organisations, non-government agencies (NGOs), or government departments through our Work Integrated Learning program.
  2. Study two majors in three years to graduate with two specialisations, to further expand your expertise and career prospects.
  3. Number 1 in WA for median graduate salary and full-time employment for Humanities and Social Sciences by the Good Universities Guide 2024.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. In this course you will: 

  • Recognise and develop knowledge of practices used to build projects.
  • Discover creative ways to work with communities, both in Australia and internationally. 
  • Explore topics such as overseas aid and international development, indigenous community development and sustainable approaches to urban communities. 

Your future career

With a degree in Community Development, you could work in local communities in a range of roles in Australia or overseas. Careers could include:

  • Community Project Manager
  • Youth Engagement Officer
  • Regional Development Coordinator
  • International Aid/Development Worker
  • Community Development Officer

Previous admission information is available at Murdoch Admission Information - Arts.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Required Units24 credit points
COD125Introduction to Community Development3
SUS100Introduction to Sustainable Development3
COD201Stories of doing Community Work3
COD214Social Policy and Community Action3
SUS207Overseas Aid and International Development3
COD301Indigenous Community Development3
COD302Creative Ways to Work with Community3
SUS310Sustainable Urban Communities3
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Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

Required short work placement or practice project component

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

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This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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