Updating Results

Murdoch University

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Community Development

  • Non-Award

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.

Key details

Degree Type
Non-Award
Course Code
MJ-CMDA

About this course

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.

Read More

Read Less

Entry requirements

Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Australia

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Successful completion of one of the following:
  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12.
  • TLC - Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Successful completion of the course.
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12.
  • TLC - Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of the course.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Total score of 24 or higher. Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
GCE A Levels

Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
A Levels: D in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish LiteratureKnowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) CPS 54 or higher. 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Extenuating circumstances We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12 Please refer to the information under the country of study. Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:EnglishEnglish Extension (Literature)English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) 70 Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement

Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish LiteratureKnowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:EnglishEnglish Extension (Literature)English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4 Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP) MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
As per normal undergraduate admission requirements.
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.

Find out more

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.

There's no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.

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.

Find out more

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.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Your Document Checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

  • Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion
  • ATAR results
  • STAT Test results
Your Document Checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

  • Complete or incomplete official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion - both original and English translated versions
  • English Language Proficiency Document (if available)

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Social Work courses at Murdoch University.
69.7%
Overall satisfaction
72.7%
Skill scale
69.7%
Teaching scale
63.4%
Employed full-time