In the human and community services sector, research plays a critical role in identifying gaps in service delivery, evaluating program effectiveness, and developing evidence-based policies and interventions. Having a strong understanding of research is now essential for success, with employers increasingly seeking employees who are not only proficient in their field, but also possess research skills that can be applied to solve complex problems.

UNE's Bachelor of Human and Community Services with Honours offers a dynamic blend of theoretical and practical learning that prepares you to fill these needs, with the opportunity to work with industry partners and receive guidance from experienced supervisors. This comprehensive course will be your gateway to a career path focused on senior human and community services sector roles.

Why study the Bachelor of Human and Community Services with Honours with UNE?
This course offers the skills and knowledge needed to gain a competitive edge in the industry, opening doors to senior roles as a human and community services specialist in a range of diverse settings. In addition to providing a strong foundation in research methodology, our program offers you the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside our industry partners. You will have access to a dedicated and experienced supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout your research journey.

Study with Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

What makes our course different?
UNE's human and community services research emphasises optimal health outcomes for communities, particularly in rural and regional areas. Our research priorities reflect the key challenges facing these communities: growing, living and ageing well; healthy minds; and sustainable systems. When furthering your studies with our Honours degree, you will get to:

• Gain first-hand experience in developing research questions, designing studies, collecting and analysing data, and disseminating findings, such as articles and book chapters suitable for publication, industry-based reports or equivalent.
• Work directly with our industry partners, solving real-world problems while developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued in today's workplaces.
• Pursue high-quality scholarship and scientific enquiry to support innovation and improve health and social outcomes in the communities we serve. Your research will add to UNE's body of world-class research, improving the lives of regional and rural Australians.
• Deepen your understanding of the human and community services field, while also honing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued in today's workplaces.
• Complete an honours degree in a way that best suits your lifestyle with flexible, online delivery of the coursework component.
• Take advantage of the rich research culture of UNE, with a collaborative approach and excellent support from your supervisors.

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE, in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.