Program Overview

Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice is a unique degree that equips students with the skills and real-world experience to make a lasting impact in communities where youth work and criminal justice intersect.

Overview

This course prepares students to work with young people who are at risk of or already involved in the justice system. Students will learn how to support young people facing complex challenges such as trauma, mental health issues, substance use, disability, and systemic disadvantage. With a strong focus on trauma-informed and rights-based practice, students will build the tools to advocate, empower, and reconnect young people with their communities.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Critically review their knowledge and practice of youth work and its role in empowering vulnerable young people
• Analyse, implement, and evaluate the role and significance of youth work in diverse social, political, and economic contexts
• Articulate their knowledge and skills in diverse contexts regarding youth work and criminal justice policy, practice, and management
• Contextualise generic knowledge and skills that enable professional effectiveness in youth work and broader community settings
• Demonstrate broad and in-depth knowledge and skills for working with young people in community settings
• Clearly articulate the social and political dimensions of disadvantage, in particular how it relates to young people
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a range of leadership functions and skills in a variety of youth and criminal justice settings

Entry Requirements

When assessing applications, the university considers educational achievements and work experience, as well as skills and personal attributes.

• ATAR Requirements: No minimum ATAR required
• Entry Criteria: Minimum entry criteria include English-language requirements and academic requirements. Work and life experience will also be considered.
• Applicants with Recent Secondary Education: Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
• Applicants with Vocational Education & Training (VET/TAFE) Study: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
• Applicants with Higher Education Study: Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
• Applicants with Work & Life Experience: Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human Services, Justice, or Police Administration, Corrections, Legal support, or similar.

Course Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice, students will be required to complete 288 credit points of Core studies, including 24 credit points of Capstone studies.

• Units: The course is structured over three years, with units such as Youth Work Practice, Young People in a Global Community, Aboriginal History and Political Movements, and Criminal Justice Systems.

Fees & Scholarships

• Fee Type: Commonwealth supported place (CSP) for eligible students
• Indicative Fees: AU$17,399 per year for full-time students
• Scholarships: The university awards hundreds of scholarships worth millions of dollars combined to students at all levels of study.

Careers

This course will prepare students for careers in:

• Juvenile justice
• Local government
• Police community liaison
• Residential youth work
• Drug and alcohol work
• Corrections Victoria
• Family violence work

Professional Accreditation/Industry Recognition

The degree is accredited by Youth Workers Australia (YWA) and the Victorian State Community Correctional Services.

Start Dates

The course starts on 27 July 2026, with applications closing on 19 July 2026.