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Start Date
January, April, June, September

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course

Program Code
XBCH

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Check your eligibility
Answer a few short questions to determine your eligibility
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Degree overview

  • Gain specialised non-clinical skills and knowledge in community health and explore your passion for wellness.
  • Focus your studies in areas such as mental health, disability and aged care.
  • Work on real-world projects that shape the health and wellbeing of communities.
  • With a university ranked in the top 5 in Australia for graduate careers in health,1 graduate ready with the skills to easily transition into community health care environments.
  • Be prepared for opportunities created by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

1Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Rehabilitation – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). Public universities.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Study On Demand – a 100% online community health degree designed specifically for online learning. Take full control over your study - access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Gain specialised non-clinical skills and knowledge in community health and fuel your passion for wellness.

Learn how to plan, develop, implement and evaluate community health programs, along with strategies to address health challenges faced by diverse communities. Through a combination of industry-focused assessments and projects, and supported by a strong theoretical foundation, this degree will prepare you to work as a non-clinical health professional across the health and community care sector.

Graduates will come out with the skills that employers are looking for. You’ll understand the impact of changing regulations, develop the skills to work with a diverse range of clients, and you’ll be up-to-date with new digital technologies used in the field.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

This degree will prepare you for a career as a non-clinical health professional, providing you with a strong foundation of knowledge in areas like human biology, psychology, mental health and cultural safety in both national and international settings.

You’ll learn how to work with a diverse range of clients, to develop plans that assist in the delivery of care by health professionals, and how to remain up-to-date with the changing regulations and technologies in this evolving field.

You’ll work on projects in your final year that directly enhance the lives of individuals and groups in your community.

Some of the courses you’ll study include:

  • Nutrition and Health
  • Disability and Ageing – Diversity and Discrimination
  • Project Management for Health and Wellness
  • Public Health.

Tailor your degree to your interests and broaden your career prospects through your choice of electives - you can select two electives from a range of UniSA Online degrees.

Study hours

Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.

Assessment

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.

Some of your assessments may include:

  • an industry-relevant project
  • an online presentation
  • essays and reports.

Degree structure

Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.

First year
book
|
OR
book
Elective
, Rule(s): 1
book
UO The Social World (SOCU 1008)
book
book
book
book
book
UO First Peoples' Health (HLTH 1051) , Rule(s): 2
|
OR
book
UO Intercultural Communication (LANG 1064) , Rule(s): 3
book

Study Community Health on Demand

Dr Anna Gregory, Online Course Facilitator and Dr Negin Mirriahi, Academic Developer: UniSA Online give an insight into what the Community Health degree is about, and how the degree has been designed to suit busy adults on the go.

UniSA Video

Why Bachelor of Community Health

Why this Degree

Health is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia, and there is a strong demand for professionals with skills in non-clinical health, policy and wellbeing.

This degree allows you to put your knowledge into practice. You’ll work on real-world projects that can make a difference to your local community and beyond. You'll graduate with the skills to pursue career opportunities in environments that support community health in a range of areas including disability and ageing.

We have extensive industry connections and partnerships right around the world. These connections enable us to design a curriculum that reflects the latest in community health research and practice.

For example, many of our researchers, and our teaching staff are involved with the South Australian Health and Medical Institute (SAHMRI), and the Centre for Cancer Biology.

Career outcomes

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Your career

There are diverse opportunities for community health professionals in not-for-profit, government and private sectors – and there are excellent career prospects in metropolitan cities, rural and regional areas.

Professionals seeking work in non-government positions may find employment with community development organisations, welfare centres, social enterprises, neighbourhood houses, emergency relief agencies, home and community care organisations and residential care facilities.

A UniSA Online Community Health degree can help you pursue the following careers:

  • Lead community health worker: Supervise a team of Community Health Workers engaged in delivering support and care, resources, as well as education programs for clients to improve their health and well-being; oversee all facets of daily operations within the organisation, including budgets; and work collaboratively with key groups and agencies to develop sustainable partnerships.
  • Community health development officer: Identify community skills, assets, issues and needs; develop new resources and services in collaboration with the community; evaluate existing programs; help to raise awareness on issues relevant to the community and needs; encourage participation in activities; and build links with other groups and agencies.
  • Disability support coordinator: Assist people with intellectual and physical disabilities in accessing NDIS services; liaise with a range of stakeholders in order to secure suitable support, including requesting and arranging quotes from service providers; manage and coordinate participant support plans to enable independence in the home and community; consult with carers, family, external services and other key stakeholders to help provide the most well-rounded support available.
  • Aged care coordinator: Employ best practice, evidence-based tools in health promotion, person-centred care, and healthy ageing to manage lifestyle programs and activities for the elderly. Provide strong customer service, undertake regular consultation with residents and families, and tailor programs to suit identified client needs.
  • Project officer: Play a lead role in planning and delivering health and social care projects on time and within budget; engage with stakeholders on a regular basis and report on the progress of project deliverables and risks; manage project budgets and resources; and develop reports and evaluate community programs, events and activities.
  • Health support worker: Work with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, who have varied life experiences, physical abilities and skills; assist specialist teams and services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; mental health; drug and alcohol services, refugee services, and homelessness; and use your knowledge of the local community to create opportunities for increased participation as a local citizen.

Learn more about your career in Community Health >

Industry facts

job-listings

More than 1.5 million workers are employed in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, accounting for 13 per cent of the Australian workforce, making it the largest services industry in Australia in 2020-21.1

1ABS, Labour Force (trend and annual averages of original data); ABS, Education and Work; Department of Employment, Industry Employment

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Healthcare has the strongest employment growth of any industry and is set to increase by up to 250,000 (25 per cent) by 2025.1

1Employment Outlook to November 2025, Australian Government Department of Employment

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Almost one in five Australians reported living with a disability, and over one million older Australians currently receive some form of aged care and support services each year.1

1Department of Social Services Ageing and Aged Care. Aged Care Reform, accessed from Senior Living and Health, Australian Government Australian Trade and Investment Commission. Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, 2018, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Your study experience and support

Study On Demand

Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.

  • Study 100% online - no need to come onto campus
  • Choose from four start dates in January, April, June and September
  • Learn in 10-week blocks
  • Get support seven days a week - including on weeknights
  • Access learning resources 24/7
  • View course content before your term starts
  • Work while you study
  • Plan your study schedule ahead of time
  • Fast-track your studies and receive credit for past study and/or work experience.

Why UniSA Online?

Student services

Our graduates get jobs

UniSA is ranked as the number one university in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.

Specifically designed for online learning

Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.

Backed by industry

Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.

Expand your professional network from wherever you are

Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.

1 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.

Student support

Student services

Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it. 

Dedicated Student Adviser support

Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.

Online academic support seven days a week

You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.

They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.

24/7 tech support

Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.

24/7 digital environment

Our interactive online environment is a one-stop shop for all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.

Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.

Student services

What others are saying

I’ve worked at the Women’s and Children’s hospital for the past 11 years. I started in medical records and worked my way up to become a supervisor in the switchboard and communications unit. I knew I wanted to go back to Uni, but every time I looked I never found a degree that was suitable for my lifestyle. When I found UniSA Online it was like all the stars aligned. When I’m on call and need to run in to work at a moment’s notice, I have the flexibility to do that with my degree.

Shaun Mitchell

Bachelor of Community Health

Shaun Mitchell (cropped).jpg

Shaun Mitchell

Bachelor of Community Health

I have chosen this degree as I believe it will assist me to pursue my career further in disability, social inclusion and social policy. I also chose the Bachelor of Community Health as it encompasses units that I think are actually useful to my discipline.

Courtney Wolf

Bachelor of Community Health

Courtney-Wolf.jpg

Courtney Wolf

Bachelor of Community Health

UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Community Health is a fantastic new degree that will provide a pathway for people to build skills and expertise to work in community care. By building strong health based knowledge into the care we provide in the community, we can improve outcomes for clients. The focus on improved health, well-being and dignity to individuals in this degree embeds a holistic approach to care in the community.  Congratulations to UniSA Online on this degree – it is really needed!

Bronwyn Masters

General Manager | RDNS SA (now part of the Silver Chain Group)

Bronwyn Masters.jpg

Bronwyn Masters

General Manager | RDNS SA (now part of the Silver Chain Group)

IT Requirements

As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:

  • run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
  • run Java
  • run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
  • use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
  • Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.

Access free IT software and resources

As a UniSA Online student, you'll:

  • Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible). 
  • Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them. 
  • Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
  • Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.

There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.

Check your device

Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.

See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.

How to apply

The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:

  1. Check your eligibility

    Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions.

  2. Gather your relevant documents

    If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.

    In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.

    Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to log in to your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.

  3. Complete your application and send through your documents

    In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.

Alternative Pathways

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