Bachelor of Youth Work

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 1 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
084316G
IELTS
6.0 overall score (Individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading)
Fees (first year)*
$28728
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

Want to make a difference in the lives of young people? Youth workers improve young people’s social and personal development, helping them establish a voice and sense of place in their communities.

This course responds to a community need for highly trained youth workers to work with young people. It’s an inclusive program that will provide you with both theoretical insights and the practical skills needed to become an effective and empathetic youth worker.

Study with us to empower the vulnerable and make a positive difference.

Professional experience

You will be required to complete 500 hours.

Work placement

You will gain practical, professional experience in youth work and make valuable connections in the sector by completing two field placements units.

 In the first field placement (200 hours) you will have the opportunity to develop your emerging youth work skills in a supported, community-engaged environment.

In the second unit, you will complete 300 hours of field placement in an approved youth service or agency. In this final placement, you will engage comprehensively in the programs, service delivery and daily tasks of the host organisation.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by Youth Workers Australia (YWA).

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • local government youth work
  • youth advocacy
  • youth and family mediation
  • student support officers in schools
  • youth counselling and welfare services
  • youth engagement
  • youth health education
  • youth liaison and outreach work
  • youth policy making
  • social work

Industry partnerships

ACU works with a variety of industry partners.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Youth Work Specified UnitsYSED100Knowing Young People10 cp
  • Youth Work Specified UnitsYSED103Introduction to the Youth Sector10 cp
  • Sociology Specified UnitsSOCS100Introduction to Sociology10 cp
  • Electives Elective 110 cp
  • Youth Work Specified UnitsYSED104The Developing Young Person10 cp
  • Youth Work Specified UnitsYSED105Ethical Principles and Practice of Youth Work

    (Inc: YSED205)

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum Units Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 cp
  • Youth Work Specified UnitsHIST106Australian Indigenous Peoples Past and Present10 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing Semester 2

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

Students who have successfully completed 40 cp of Youth Work units may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Youth Work.


Students who meet the requirements for the Diploma in Youth Work may exit with that award.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

International students must meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:


StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3)

Victoria

Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy , including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

 If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

 an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)

an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed. 

Find out more about English language programs 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma pathways 

Further study

Bachelor degree graduates may be eligible to progress to honours study in social sciences in the Bachelor of Arts Honours degree or and then to a range of postgraduate research programs e.g. Masters of Philosophy or PhD.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $86184

The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

 You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships   

How to apply

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200211493

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Testimonial

Mark

“I enjoyed that all the lecturers and teachers were from the industry with firsthand knowledge of the sector. Being able to pick their brains about the industry put myself in a great position moving forward.”

Mark
Youth work student
 

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