Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education

Develop the knowledge and skills to shape an inclusive society. Enjoy a highly sought-after 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. Career options are endless: work with multi-disciplinary teams in government or private organisations, set up your own private practice, register with the NDIS, or practice in early intervention, community settings, and aged care. Graduates of this four-year degree are eligible for full membership with the DEAI to practice as a Developmental Educator.

This degree provides students with work-relevant skills and knowledge as Developmental Educators across a wide range of contexts in disability, health and human services fields. The multidisciplinary focus of the program scaffolds student learning from multiple perspectives, including special education, psychology, philosophy, sociology, and health. Work integrated learning provides opportunities for students to apply learning in practice throughout their studies.

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.

On completion of this degree students will be able to understand and activate human rights in the lives of people with disability and work in alliance with people with disability, their families and advocates to promote inclusion and quality in life. Students will be able to promote the physical and emotional well-being of people with disability and recommend and teach functional skills such as social, self-care, recreation, communication and language, and employment skills. Students will be able to develop and provide support coordination, case management and counselling support for people with disability and their associates and implement specialist positive behaviour support plans; and access, plan and implement effective early intervention programs for children with diverse learning needs.

This degree prepares graduates to 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 may include NDIS support coordinator, case manager and disability employment consultant; potential employers may include disability support services, non-for profit organisations and government agencies.

Flinders City Campus is a place where potential meets possibility. Offering a broad range of study areas, this unique, modern space in the heart of Adelaide is designed for collaborative learning, interactive teaching and industry engagement. Positioned adjacent to the Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace and central to trams and buses, the City Campus provides students with greater connection, convenience and accessibility when selecting their preferred study location.

Please note only Year 1 and 2 topics are available for enrolment in 2025. If you have been granted credit transfer or wish to apply for credit based on previous study, you may not be able to enrol in Year 3 topics or higher until 2026.

On completion of this degree there is an opportunity to apply for a one-year Honours degree. For further information visit http://www.flinders.edu.au/study/courses/honours-bachelor-health-sciences.