Bachelor of Youth Work

Provides a comprehensive program of study in the essentials of youth work as an embedded practice within community work. The course includes specialist units in youth work, plus complementary studies in community work.

Students can choose complementary areas of study such as Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies, Addiction Studies, Family and Child Support, Community Work, Criminology, Psychology, Counselling, Visual Arts, Media and Communication, Events Management, and Outdoor Adventure.

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

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.

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.

This course prepares graduates for various positions in youth work. Entry level positions may be in youth welfare services including homeless support services, youth health, youth advice, advocacy and support programs, in the education sector or with local government. Graduates also find employment in youth holiday programs, youth activity centres, informal education with young people, school-based support programs, and chaplaincy. Graduates who take double majors may be prepared for graduate roles in youth addiction, youth justice, child protection or youth mental health services, depending upon their choice of complementary major. Depending on students' selection of complementary studies they may wish to pursue careers with a special focus on recreation, sport, adventure programs, youth arts, youth counselling, addiction services, youth mental health services, or youth justice. Employers of youth work graduates include, Local, State and Federal Government, National Charities and local community organisations.

Youth Worker, Youth Support Worker, Youth Development Officer, Youth Activities Officer, Youth Welfare Worker, Youth and Family Mediation, Youth Health Educator, Youth Policy Officer, Youth Outreach Worker, Youth Engagement Worker, Youth Mental Health Worker, School Chaplain, Youth Mental Health Care Coordinator, Youth and Community Worker, Community Education Worker (Youth), Youth Officer, Youth Liaison Worker, School Retention and Participation Officer.