Course Overview

About This Course

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. ACU's Bachelor of Youth Work responds to a community need for highly trained youth workers, and it is an inclusive program that provides both the theoretical insights and the practical skills needed to become an effective and empathetic youth worker, equipped to meet the challenges and demands of young people in a range of public and community-based settings.

The degree totals 240 credit points: 120 credit points of specified youth work units, 30 credit points of sociology units, 20 credit points of Core Curriculum units, 30 credit points of practicum units, and 40 credit points of electives or the Mental Health and Society minor. Study covers knowing young people, the youth sector, the ethical principles and practice of youth work, trauma-informed practice, youth work counselling, young people and family violence, community development, youth policy, and working with young people with complex needs.

You complete 500 hours of professional experience across two field placement units. The first placement of 200 hours develops your emerging youth work skills in a supported, community-engaged environment; in the second you complete 300 hours in an approved youth service or agency, engaging comprehensively in its programs, service delivery and daily tasks. The degree is accredited by Youth Workers Australia. Students who successfully complete 40 credit points of youth work units may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Youth Work, and those who complete 80 credit points may exit with the Diploma in Youth Studies.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $12,934

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, which includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:
- Victoria: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
Indicative ATAR: 58.50 (Melbourne)
Applicants with higher education study must still meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites. Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a new selection rank reflecting their study level, duration and grade point average, and prior study or relevant work experience may attract credit or recognition of prior learning, which can shorten the course.
ACU also assesses applicants on recent secondary education, prior VET study, and work and life experience.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

International students

International applicants need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate and must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including its English Language Proficiency requirements.
International students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia), an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 must apply for admission through a local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and are assessed on their performance in those studies, that is, their ATAR or equivalent.
International applicants must also meet the year 12 subject prerequisites listed above.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

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

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units29 units

HLSC120

Indigenous Health and Culture

YSED100

Knowing Young People

YSED103

Introduction to the Youth Sector

YSED104

The Developing Young Person

YSED105

Ethical Principles and Practice of Youth Work

YSED203

Building Relationships and Supporting Young People

YSED204

Trauma Informed Practice

YSED206

Youth Work Counselling

YSED207

Young People and Family Violence

YSED301

Youth Policy

YSED303

Community Development

YSED306

Working with Young People with Complex Needs

SOCS100

Introduction to Sociology

SOCS207

Meaning of Life: Researching Qualitatively

SOCS244

Difference and Diversity: Social and Sexual Health

PHCC102

Being Human

PHCC104

Ethics and the Good Life

PHCC106

Making Sense: Practical Reasoning for Life and Career

THCC100

Revolutionary Values: Christianity in History

THCC101

People Matter: Catholic Social Thought

TPCC100

Life and Meaning: Imagining Ourselves through Art and Cinema

PHCC201

The Origins of the Sciences and Contemporary Challenges

THCC200

Justice in the World: Catholic Social Ethics in Global Perspective

THCC202

Sacred Land: Australian Indigenous Spiritualities and Catholic Thought

TPCC201

Ecology and Justice

TPCC202

Conflict, Violence and Peace-making

YSED202

Field Placement 1

YSED305

Field Placement 2

MHSY

Mental Health and Society

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Youth Work take to complete?

The Bachelor of Youth Work has a duration of 156 weeks, as listed in the CRICOS registry for Australian Catholic University.

Is there a work placement component in the Bachelor of Youth Work?

Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component totalling 500 hours, structured as 20 hours per week over 25 weeks.

Where is the Bachelor of Youth Work offered?

The Bachelor of Youth Work is offered at Australian Catholic University's Melbourne Campus in VIC.

What is the total estimated cost of the Bachelor of Youth Work for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$109,872, which covers tuition fees. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed.

Is the Bachelor of Youth Work eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

The course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights as it is a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor Degree) with a duration of 156 weeks (exceeding the 92-week threshold), and falls under the Society and Culture broad field of education. Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $82,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $82,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Family Support WorkerChild Protection PractitionerChild Safety OfficerFamily Services CoordinatorEarly Childhood Educator / Teacher

Key Skills

Child and adolescent development theory and applicationTrauma-informed and strengths-based practiceFamily assessment and case managementChild protection legislation and statutory frameworksCulturally safe and responsive practice with diverse communities

Full Course Overview

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