Study the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education (Online)

Study Disability and Developmental Education at Flinders

Improve lives and realise potential.

Develop the knowledge and skills to shape an inclusive society.

Enjoy a highly sought-after career qualification in a growing sector as a Developmental Educator and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. Grounded in a human rights approach, graduates will be equipped to provide evidence-based services and interventions including therapeutic and positive behaviour supports for children and adults with diverse needs. Work with multi-disciplinary teams in government or private organisations or set up your own private practice, register with the NDIS, practice in early intervention, community settings, aged care – the options are endless.

Graduates of this four-year degree are eligible for full membership with the DEAI to practice as a Developmental Educator.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

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I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

60.00

Guaranteed selection rank

65.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

224535

Delivery mode

Online - plus placement/intensive. Refer to in person option here

Duration

4 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2024: $14,000

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

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Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Disability and Developmental Education at Flinders

This course teaches you specialist skills to develop and implement holistic and person-centred therapeutic and positive behavioural supports for people with disability
This degree is grounded in inclusive, human rights based approaches with contributions from disability studies, sociology, psychology, speech pathology and health
Take on practical experience that prepares you for the work force, including four placements that build your skills and knowledge for a career as a Developmental Educator and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
Study anywhere in Australia, with all topics available online.
Take advantage of interstate and overseas placement opportunities from your second year
Prepare for a career that helps make a difference in people’s lives

Your career

Lead teams or work as an individual practitioner as a Developmental Educator and Behaviour Support Practitioner in the disability and community services sectors.

Potential occupations include:

developmental educator
(see the DEAI for more information)
positive behaviour support practitioner
NDIS support coordinator
case manager
program coordinator
disability employment consultant.

Potential employers include:

disability support services
government sector/NDIS
non-government agencies
private sector
self-employment.

Professional accreditation/recognition

Graduates are eligible for full membership with Developmental Educators Australia Inc.

"

From a young age I knew I wanted to be in a helping role and make an important difference in people’s lives. My experience as an external Disability and Developmental Education student at Flinders University was exceptional. Entering the professional world and working in the disability sector, I felt nothing short of prepared. The program has greatly expanded my professional networks and opened up multiple exciting opportunities. Thank you.

What you will study

First year A typical first year may include:	topics which build foundation skills, understanding how systems work, introduction to a range of contexts, and making connections between theory and practice core topics include perspectives on disability, introduction to disability and neurodiversity, research and study skills 1, disability across the life course, introduction to communication diversity and support needs, critical issues in disability practice, and the disability landscape.
Second year A typical second year may include:	topics which focus on building skills as a competent practitioner, and applying foundation skills in a professional context core topics include practicum 1 (100 hour placement), introduction to principles of learning and instruction, employment and disability, research and study skills 2, advocacy and working in partnership, instructional strategies, professional ethics, and disability: health and wellbeing.
Third year A typical third year may include:	topics which consolidate practice skills, expose students to policy and leadership ideas, and build identity as a disability professional core topics include introduction to positive behaviour support, introduction to counselling skills, entrepreneurship and small business, research and study skills 3, augmentative and alternative communication, case management and support coordination, building community capacity, and practicum 2 (150 hour placement).
Fourth year A typical fourth year may include:	topics which refine key developmental educator skills in professional practice and leadership, including assessment and report writing and interventions including therapeutic and positive behaviour supports for children and adults core topics include delivering therapeutic supports, early intervention, practicum specialisation (150 hour placement) PBS: assessment and functional analysis, PBS: implementation, PBS: practicum and mentoring (including 100 hour placement), and a final capstone for professional DE practice and leadership.

View study program

Students commencing in July (mid-year) will take 4.5 years to complete the degree full-time, due to pre-requisite requirements. March and July start date study plans are available here.

Students may be eligible for credit for the 1st year option topic if they have completed (within the past 10 years) a Certificate IV, Diploma or topic/subject in another University course that meets the learning outcomes of this course.

Apply for credit transfer

Practical experience

This course equips you with work-integrated knowledge and skills required for practice as a Developmental Educator and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. Four practicums are included (one in second year, one in third year, and two in fourth year), with placements available across a number of settings including early intervention, schools, disability and community services, and aged care.

Opportunities for interstate and overseas placements are available.

What you will need

Before commencing a placement, you will need to undertake some essential pre-placement checks. View further information about these requirements.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas through:

practicum placements across South East Asia
one semester study exchange with international partners.

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	86.70	89.25
Median rank to receive an offer	68.55	72.25
Lowest rank to receive an offer	60.35	63.00

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	17	27%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	14	22%
Work and life experience	14	22%
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	11	17%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	0	0
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	N/P	N/P
International Students	<5	<5
All students	63	100%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

Why study online at Flinders?

As a distance education provider for over 30 years, Flinders University is committed to helping you fit study around your lifestyle. Delivered by respected and experienced academics, all course content is specifically tailored to the online learning environment.

Flinders online students also have access to an extensive support network, with learning support, financial assistance, career services, and more, readily available. This includes:

Advice for study and assignments, plus extended library support hours during the semester.

Free online resources including readings and journals – with no need to buy textbooks.

Access to our IT helpdesk, as well as a range of software downloads and computer tutorials.

Free and confidential counselling service available online or over the phone.

Find out more

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, other Flinders degrees you might want to include on your list are:

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

Study Flinders disability and social inclusion

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education (Online)

Study Disability and Developmental Education at Flinders

Fast facts