Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Youth Work

Effective from 01-JAN-2027 : 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 specialist and interdisciplinary knowledge and theory to respond to a range of real-world issues relevant to professional youth work.
2. Investigate and critically analyse complex issues independently and collaboratively to develop informed responses to challenges for and with young people in society.
3. Collaboratively design ethical, sustainable and socially responsive programs, projects and services to address challenges relevant to young people.
4. Use established and emerging digital technologies ethically and effectively to access, evaluate, synthesise and communicate information relevant to professional youth work.
5. Communicate knowledge of sociological perspectives clearly and respectfully, demonstrating academic integrity and awareness of diverse audiences including young people, families, colleagues, and the public.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook and self-awareness with respect for culture and diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural responsiveness in diverse youth work contexts.
7. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, feedback literacy and professional judgement in self-directed learning and professional practice with young people.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Youth Work WA.
Youth Work WA formally endorse this course as the preferred course for individuals seeking to enter the youth work profession in Western Australia.

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

Ms Rosa NAPOLITANO-LINCOLN

Course Structure

This is a Programmatic Learning course. This Course uses a mix of Learning Units and Assessment Units which all connect together.

• Learning Units are where students develop their knowledge, skills, and capabilities through regular activities and feedback.
• Assessment Units are where students integrate, apply and demonstrate that learning.

Students will collect evidence of learning in a digital portfolio that charts their course journey, and can be used as a showcase to employers.

Students are required to complete:

- Learning Units: 360 credit points of comprising 240 credit points core units and 120 credit points of electives from any other combination of minor or other elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities and/or other Schools in the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete the recommended electives

- Assessment Units: 6x0-credit point core units

Recommended Electives

* Assessment Unit