Diploma in Community Development

Applications for the Feb 2027 intake are open until Jan 1, 2027, and tuition is 30,840 AUD per year.

The Diploma in Community Development at Murdoch College is a 1-year non-degree program for those who want to create community-led change. It's ideal for community work practitioners and graduates looking to broaden their knowledge in community development.

This course covers real community projects, including urban agriculture and sustainability projects, grassroots creative arts projects, and activism work. You'll study case studies, documentaries, and films that showcase community work and attend workshops to learn creative ways to involve the community.

After completing this program, you can pursue careers as a Community Development Officer, Social Worker, Youth Worker, Project Coordinator, or Policy Analyst, working with organizations that focus on community development and social change.

Murdoch College, operating in close partnership with Murdoch University and established alongside the university’s long academic tradition, delivers pathway programmes designed to prepare students for undergraduate and postgraduate study. The college offers English language courses, foundation year studies and tailored academic preparation that mirror the university’s curriculum, giving learners a clear route into degree programmes. With a large international cohort and access to Murdoch University facilities, Murdoch College creates a supportive bridge to campus life and academic success.

Students at Murdoch College follow programs that emphasize academic skills, English proficiency and subject knowledge relevant to their intended degree. The college’s alignment with Murdoch University ensures curricular continuity and access to campus resources such as libraries, student support and extracurricular activities. Instructors focus on developing critical thinking, research readiness and practical competencies so students are well prepared for the rigours of university study and future careers.

Beyond classroom learning, Murdoch College fosters student engagement through orientation, academic advising and pathways counselling that simplify admission to Murdoch University degree programmes. International students benefit from tailored support services, accommodation guidance and cultural transition activities. For learners seeking a structured, supportive entry point into Australian higher education and a direct route to university degrees, Murdoch College offers a pragmatic and student-centred option.