Diploma in Youth Work

Course information for - 2025 entry
International
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 1 locations
  • Melbourne

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
084319D
IELTS
6.0 overall score (Individual score of 5.5 in all tests)
Fees (first year)*
$28728
Start dates
February 2025, July 2025, February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

This is a one-year introductory program for students interested in a range of entry-level careers in Youth Work.

You will gain an insight into the diverse challenges and needs of young people in a range of public and community-based settings and be prepared for further study in the field.

Careers

On completion of the Diploma in Youth Work, graduates may seek entry level employment opportunities in a variety of public and community organisations.

Roles may include working with young people or assisting with the administration of youth organisations.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified UnitsYSED100Knowing Young People10 cp
  • Specified UnitsYSED103Introduction to the Youth Sector10 cp
  • Specified UnitsSOCS100Introduction to Sociology10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective10 cp
  • Specified UnitsYSED104The Developing Young Person10 cp
  • Specified UnitsYSED105Ethical Principles and Practice of Youth Work

    (Inc: YSED205)

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • 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

Diploma - AQF Level 5

Exit Points

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

Entry requirements

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

International students must also 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:

a. Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs

OR

b. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

View transparency admission information

English language requirements

Overall score: 6.0. Individual score of 5.5 in all tests.

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

Further study

The Diploma in Youth Work is a pathway program into the Bachelor of Youth Work. Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Youth Work will be able to commence in the second year of the Bachelor of Youth Work

Fees

Course costs

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

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

Direct application

Apply now

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.

Staff Profile

Dr Jen Couch

Senior Lecturer, Social Sciences (VIC)

Dr Jen Couch is a senior lecturer in youth work, joining ACU in 2005 with a professional background in international community development, youth work and working with displaced and marginalised communities particularly in refugee contexts and in South Asia. Her youth work practice has involved working with young people in a variety of contexts – homelessness, trauma, resettlement, and family and sexual violence.

Dr Couch is passionate about social resilience and how to strengthen and rebuild following experiences of community upheaval, violence, and trauma. Her experience as a qualitative researcher and practitioner offers a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical challenges facing vulnerable and marginalised communities. Published widely in the area of young people, communities and marginalisation, she is particularly interested in working in hopeful and positive ways to change social inequalities and exclusion, having undertaken the first longitudinal ethnographic study to explore refugee young people and homelessness in Australia.

 

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs