Bachelor of Youth Work
Course code C57
Why study at ECU?
Toggle between study options for Domestic or International students
About this Course
Youth workers provide guidance, support, and resources to assist young people aged 12-26 to navigate the challenges they face, while fostering personal growth and empowerment.
In this course you will learn interpersonal and helping skills, inclusive practice and how to create social change with and for young people.
You’ll study specialist youth work units and choose from complementary areas that will support your career as a Youth Worker such as psychology, human services, community development, counselling, and criminology.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
C57Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $16,450
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online | FT PT | FT PT |
About this Course
Youth workers provide guidance, support, and resources to assist young people aged 12-26 to navigate the challenges they face, while fostering personal growth and empowerment.
In this course you will learn interpersonal and helping skills, inclusive practice and how to create social change with and for young people.
You’ll study specialist youth work units and choose from complementary areas that will support your career as a Youth Worker such as psychology, human services, community development, counselling, and criminology.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
C57CRICOS code
079117AEntry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,350
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT | FT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 15 core units (240cp) and 8 elective units (120cp). Alternatively, students may complete any other comibination of minors or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
YWK1220 | Youth Issues | 15 |
CHS1103 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
CHS1101 | Introduction to Community and Human Services | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
YWK1101 | Principles of Youth Work | 15 |
CHS1203 | Working with Groups | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
YWK3203 | Theories of Youth | 15 |
SAH2800 | Decolonising Perspectives: Understanding Self and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CHS2113 | Community and Human Services Placement 1 | 15 |
CHS2203 | Designing Support Programs | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI3130 | Young People and Crime | 15 |
CHS3116 | Case Management and Ethics | 15 |
SWK3113 | Social Work and Mental Health | 15 |
CRI3109 | International Human Rights | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CHS3203 | Community and Human Services Placement 2 | 30 |
YWK3211 | Inclusive Youth Work Practice | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CHS1111 | Community Development | 15 |
CHS3114 | Service and Program Evaluation | 15 |
SWK1115 | Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities | 15 |
SWK3110 | Organisational Contexts | 15 |
SWK2114 | Community Health and Well-being | 15 |
SWK4106 | Social Policy | 15 |
COU1102 | Self Development 1 | 15 |
COU2102 | Therapeutic Practice with Children and Adolescents | 15 |
ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
ADS1252 | Addiction Studies: Psychoactive Drugs | 15 |
MCS2105 | Youth, Subcultures and the Fringe | 15 |
PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
PSY1204 | Social Determinants of Behaviour | 15 |
C57|5
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
A key feature of the course is the supervised practicum that offers students the opportunity to gain real world experience working with young people in supportive environments.
Attendance requirements
Students must attend placement agencies as agreed with the practicum coordinator. The placements are sourced by the placement coordinator by matching students with appropriate host organisations in the youth work sector. Students are required to complete hours as negotiated between the student, the practicum coordinator and the host organisation. The host organisation may require students to attend their placement after hours and on weekends.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Risk Management Assessment is negotiated with the agencies and ECU under agreement arrangements.
Western Australian applicants are required to have a Working With Children Check. Applicants from other Australian states and territories must be able to meet the criminal records checks relevant to their jurisdiction. International students must meet Western Australian requirements, in addition to the requirements of their home country.
The practicum coordinator must view the Working with Children Check before students commence practicum. Placement agencies may also need to see the Working with Children Check. If a student is denied this card they will not be able to complete the practicum and will not be able to graduate from the course.
Professional practice rules
Placement students are required to complete the associated unit material on-campus or online depending on their enrolment status. Students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners while on placement. Students are required to comply with ethical codes of youth work practice (reflective of their location), and ECU codes of conduct, as well as any requirements outlined by their host organisation.
-
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Youth Work WA. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of Youth Work WA.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad theoretical and technical knowledge of youth work theory, methods, principles and values to a range of situations relevant to Youth Work, including its contribution to society, communities and young people.
- Think critically to analyse and make decisions about complex ideas encountered in Youth Work that take into account environmental, social, cultural and economic implications.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources that are appropriate to Youth Work.
- Communicate knowledge of sociological perspectives on youth, and independently express ideas clearly, coherently and appropriately to diverse audiences including young people, families, colleagues and the public.
- Demonstrate how global context shapes similarities and differences in work with young people and develop a cross-cultural responsiveness, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively to develop programs, projects and services that exhibit social, sustainable, and ethical values relevant young people.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning in professional practice in work with young people.
Professional Recognition
One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 15 core units (240cp) and 8 elective units (120cp). Alternatively, students may complete any other comibination of minors or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
YWK1220 | Youth Issues | 15 |
CHS1103 | Interpersonal and Helping Skills | 15 |
CHS1101 | Introduction to Community and Human Services | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
YWK1101 | Principles of Youth Work | 15 |
CHS1203 | Working with Groups | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
YWK3203 | Theories of Youth | 15 |
SAH2800 | Decolonising Perspectives: Understanding Self and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CHS2113 | Community and Human Services Placement 1 | 15 |
CHS2203 | Designing Support Programs | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI3130 | Young People and Crime | 15 |
CHS3116 | Case Management and Ethics | 15 |
SWK3113 | Social Work and Mental Health | 15 |
CRI3109 | International Human Rights | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CHS3203 | Community and Human Services Placement 2 | 30 |
YWK3211 | Inclusive Youth Work Practice | 15 |
Elective Unit | 1 x Recommended Elective unit | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CHS1111 | Community Development | 15 |
CHS3114 | Service and Program Evaluation | 15 |
SWK1115 | Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities | 15 |
SWK3110 | Organisational Contexts | 15 |
SWK2114 | Community Health and Well-being | 15 |
SWK4106 | Social Policy | 15 |
COU1102 | Self Development 1 | 15 |
COU2102 | Therapeutic Practice with Children and Adolescents | 15 |
ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
ADS1252 | Addiction Studies: Psychoactive Drugs | 15 |
MCS2105 | Youth, Subcultures and the Fringe | 15 |
PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
PSY1204 | Social Determinants of Behaviour | 15 |
C57|5
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
A key feature of the course is the supervised practicum that offers students the opportunity to gain real world experience working with young people in supportive environments.
Attendance requirements
Students must attend placement agencies as agreed with the practicum coordinator. The placements are sourced by the placement coordinator by matching students with appropriate host organisations in the youth work sector. Students are required to complete hours as negotiated between the student, the practicum coordinator and the host organisation. The host organisation may require students to attend their placement after hours and on weekends.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Risk Management Assessment is negotiated with the agencies and ECU under agreement arrangements.
Western Australian applicants are required to have a Working With Children Check. Applicants from other Australian states and territories must be able to meet the criminal records checks relevant to their jurisdiction. International students must meet Western Australian requirements, in addition to the requirements of their home country.
The practicum coordinator must view the Working with Children Check before students commence practicum. Placement agencies may also need to see the Working with Children Check. If a student is denied this card they will not be able to complete the practicum and will not be able to graduate from the course.
Professional practice rules
Placement students are required to complete the associated unit material on-campus or online depending on their enrolment status. Students must demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners while on placement. Students are required to comply with ethical codes of youth work practice (reflective of their location), and ECU codes of conduct, as well as any requirements outlined by their host organisation.
-
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Youth Work WA. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of Youth Work WA.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad theoretical and technical knowledge of youth work theory, methods, principles and values to a range of situations relevant to Youth Work, including its contribution to society, communities and young people.
- Think critically to analyse and make decisions about complex ideas encountered in Youth Work that take into account environmental, social, cultural and economic implications.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources that are appropriate to Youth Work.
- Communicate knowledge of sociological perspectives on youth, and independently express ideas clearly, coherently and appropriately to diverse audiences including young people, families, colleagues and the public.
- Demonstrate how global context shapes similarities and differences in work with young people and develop a cross-cultural responsiveness, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively to develop programs, projects and services that exhibit social, sustainable, and ethical values relevant young people.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning in professional practice in work with young people.
Professional Recognition
One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $16,450 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course prepares graduates for a range of positions in youth work including youth welfare services, homeless support, health programs, support programs, youth advocacy, youth centres, the education sector, or local government. Graduates can also explore careers in areas like youth justice, child protection, mental health services, addiction support, recreation, sports, adventure programs, arts, or counselling.
Possible future job titles
Youth Worker, Youth Support Worker, Youth Case Manager, Youth Community Development Officer, Youth Activities Officer, Youth Welfare Worker, Youth Mental Health Worker, Student Support Coordinator, Youth Policy Officer, Youth Outreach Worker, Youth Engagement Worker, Youth and Family Mediation, Youth Health Educator, Youth Mental Health Care Coordinator, Youth and Community Worker, Community Education Worker (Youth), Youth Officer, Youth Liaison Worker, School Retention and Participation Officer.
Similar courses to consider
- Bachelor of Social Work
Shared core units - Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Companion degree to the Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $39,350 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course prepares graduates for a range of positions in youth work including youth welfare services, homeless support, health programs, support programs, youth advocacy, youth centres, the education sector, or local government. Graduates can also explore careers in areas like youth justice, child protection, mental health services, addiction support, recreation, sports, adventure programs, arts, or counselling.
Possible future job titles
Youth Worker, Youth Support Worker, Youth Case Manager, Youth Community Development Officer, Youth Activities Officer, Youth Welfare Worker, Youth Mental Health Worker, Student Support Coordinator, Youth Policy Officer, Youth Outreach Worker, Youth Engagement Worker, Youth and Family Mediation, Youth Health Educator, Youth Mental Health Care Coordinator, Youth and Community Worker, Community Education Worker (Youth), Youth Officer, Youth Liaison Worker, School Retention and Participation Officer.
Similar courses to consider
- Bachelor of Social Work
Shared core units - Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Companion degree to the Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Explore your options through the following media
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Student stories
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Youth Work?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.