Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Youth Work

Effective from 01-JAN-2026 : Code C57

This Bachelor of Youth Work provides a comprehensive program of study in professional youth work. The course equips students with a range of applied knowledge required to effectively support young people including interpersonal skills, critical sociological analysis, case management, and ethical practice frameworks. Students will also integrate their knowledge through supported workplace-based placements, allowing them to enhance their skills in communication, program planning, and individual support.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Practicum Requirement

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.

Duty of care

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.

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.

Enrolment process

Students must enrol in YWK2113, having completed the necessary prerequisite units. In exceptional circumstances, students who commence the course mid-year may commence the practicum unit in their second semester of study, with the permission of the Course Coordinator.

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.

Implications of failing

Students should be aware that failure to successfully complete the practicum units will result in failure of the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. 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.
2. Think critically to analyse and make decisions about complex ideas encountered in Youth Work that take into account environmental, social, cultural and economic implications.
3. Use digital technologies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources that are appropriate to Youth Work.
4. 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.
5. Demonstrate how global context shapes similarities and differences in work with young people and develop a cross-cultural responsiveness, including Indigenous cultural competence.
6. Work collaboratively to develop programs, projects and services that exhibit social, sustainable, and ethical values relevant young people.
7. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning in professional practice in work with young people.

Professional Recognition

Unit sets

One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.

Membership

Students can apply for membership with Youth Work WA. Graduates are eligible for membership with Youth Work WA. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of Youth Work WA.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

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.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

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 as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 6 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time
• Online: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Dr John SUTCLIFFE

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.

One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.