NSW youth work degree for sector professionals
VU is offering the first youth work degree program in NSW, for sector professionals wanting to upgrade their qualifications.
Our Bachelor of Youth Work supports the ongoing professionalisation of the NSW Youth Work sector, providing current industry professionals with an opportunity to upgrade their Diploma of Youth Work or Diploma of Community Services qualifications to a bachelor degree.
Currently, the course is delivered at Woolloomooloo in Sydney, and we look forward to celebrating the graduation of this first cohort in December!
Later in 2018, we are hoping to expand our offering to three locations: Newcastle, Sydney and Shellharbour.
The program was established by Victoria University’s Youth Work team in response to industry and professional needs. It is led and owned by the NSW youth sector, is reflective of regional requirements, and supports the establishment of Youth Work as a distinct discipline in the broader sector.
Designed for industry professionals
Our NSW Bachelor of Youth Work course-delivery has been designed for professionals to complete while working fulltime in the industry. Course content is based on our Bachelor of Youth Work in Melbourne, offering the same units of study and qualification.
The NSW course-delivery, however, differs from that in Melbourne, catering particularly to current working industry professionals.
Students will participate in:
- intensive face-to-face modules
- online modules
- virtual classrooms.
As a vocational course with a long history of supporting students to transition from Vocational Education into Higher Education, we are committed helping students expand on their current Youth Work, Community Development or Community Services TAFE-level qualifications.
The Bachelor of Youth Work (Upgrade for Industry Students) delivers 14 units to ‘top-up’ the knowledge of industry students - see the second and third year of the 'course structure & units' in our Bachelor of Youth Work.
Pathways & credits
Our current Bachelor of Youth Work (Upgrade for Industry) students have been offered, on average, advanced standing for nine units in the Bachelor of Youth Work, acknowledging their extensive skills and knowledge as demonstrated through their Diploma of Youth Work qualifications and their significant experience in the youth work sector.
Those holding the following qualifications may apply for credits:
- Diploma of Youth Work, Community Development or Community Services may receive advanced standing for first-year units.
- Certificate IV and a Diploma of Youth Work, Community Development or Community Services may receive advanced standing for additional first and second-year units.
In addition to providing advanced standing for Cert IV and Diploma-level qualifications, VU works with each student to develop an individual pathway, providing academic credit in recognition of a student's demonstrated skills and industry experience.
Students may be eligible for further credits based on:
- other formal qualifications
- significant, recognised professional development training
- work experience.
For more information, see 'Admission & pathways' on the Bachelor of Youth Work course page.
Youth Work program leader
The Bachelor of Youth Work at VU is led by Professor Robyn Broadbent. Robyn wrote the Youth Work program at VU and has taught and managed the program for the past twenty years. Robyn Broadbent is an academic, community researcher, community activist and a committed advocate for the human rights of young people.
Robyn is the Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Workers Association, and a Board member of the Youth Workers' Association in Victoria. She continues to work in local, state, national and international youth affairs.
Locations
Currently, we're offering the program at Youth Action and Policy Association (Woolloomooloo, NSW).
We're hoping to offer the course in:
- Newcastle
- Shellharbour
Register your interest
To register your interest for our 2018 program, please contact one of our Youth Work program staff.
Hanna Maxwell
NSW Bachelor of Youth Work | Project Coordinator
Bachelor of Youth Work | College of Arts & Education
| +61 3 9919 2352
Professor Robyn Broadbent
Head of Youth, Ongoing and Community Education College of Arts and Education
