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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2027-02-16 | - |
Program Overview
Bachelor of Youth Work
The Bachelor of Youth Work at Victoria University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the expertise and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged young people. This three-year degree focuses on providing students with a solid professional foundation for working with young people, specialist knowledge to support disadvantaged groups, and practical management skills.
Overview
The program is delivered by accomplished youth-work specialists and includes substantial professional work placements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a rewarding career in youth work. Students will learn to help young people develop resilience through enjoyable, challenging, and educational activities. The degree covers a broad range of topics, including youth work practice, principles of youth participation, and youth and community contexts.
Duration and Delivery
- Duration: 3 years
- Delivery mode: In Person, with online delivery available for the National Youth Work degree program designed for industry professionals.
Fees
- Tuition: AU$15,600 per semester for international students.
Location
The program is based at the Footscray Park campus.
Next Start Date
The next start date for the program is 16 February 2026.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Critically review their knowledge and practice of youth work and its role in empowering 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 community development 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, particularly how it relates to young people.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate a range of leadership functions and skills in a variety of youth and community settings.
National Youth Work Degree Program
This program is designed for sector professionals who hold a Diploma of Youth Work or Community Services and have at least 3 years of industry experience. It allows them to upgrade to a Bachelor of Youth Work degree while working in the industry, with online delivery and intensive face-to-face classes.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum entry criteria, which includes:
- Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
- Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
- IELTS (or equivalent) with an overall score of 6.0 and no band less than 6.0.
- Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.
Course Structure
To attain the Bachelor of Youth Work, students must complete 288 credit points of Core studies, including 24 credit points of Capstone studies. The course is structured over three years, with each year comprising various units that cover different aspects of youth work.
Year 1 Units
- Youth Work Practice
- Youth Work Practice 2
- Young People in a Global Community
- Aboriginal History and Political Movements
- Applied Human Rights
- Principles of Youth Participation
- Youth and Community Contexts
- Youth and Community Programs
Year 2 Units
- Ethics and Youth Work Practice
- Holistic Practice With Young People
- Professional Practice 1
- Youth Policy, Civics and Culture
- Change and Community Justice
- Disability, Ableism and Youth Work
- Young People and Substance Use
- Rights, Advocacy and Discrimination
Year 3 Units
- Youth Policy and Civics
- Professional Culture and Collaboration
- Research in the Community
- Supporting Young People in Dual Diagnosis Settings
- Working with Young People with Complex Issues
- Youth and Community Industry Preparation
- Youth and Community Industry Placement
- Digital Life & Learning
Fees and Scholarships
International students are required to pay full tuition fees upfront each semester. Victoria University offers various scholarships, including the VU Block Model International Scholarship, which provides up to 30% off tuition fees for the entire first year of study.
Careers
Graduates of the Bachelor of Youth Work can pursue careers in local government, schools, rehabilitation, juvenile justice centers, not-for-profit and community organizations. Potential roles include youth worker, case manager, counsellor, family support worker, and drug and alcohol worker.
Professional Accreditation
The degree is accredited by Youth Workers Australia (YWA) and the National Youth Agency (UK), among others, ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards required for practice in the field.
Double Degree Pathway
Students can also undertake a double degree pathway, completing the Bachelor of Youth Work/Bachelor of Sport Management in four years.