Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice

VU course code: ABYC | Level of study: Undergraduate
3 years full time or longer for part time
In Person
Footscray Park
16 February 2026
08 February 2026
Bachelor of youth work student
Overview

Overview

Support young people to break the cycle of disadvantage and transform their futures, with a Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice from Victoria University.

The Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice prepares you to work with young people who are at risk of – or already involved in – the justice system. This unique degree equips you with the skills and real-world experience to make a lasting impact in communities where youth work and criminal justice intersect.

You’ll learn how to support young people facing complex challenges such as trauma, mental health issues, substance use, disability and systemic disadvantage. With a strong focus on trauma-informed and rights-based practice, you’ll build the tools to advocate, empower and reconnect young people with their communities.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the justice system in Australia, and how early intervention, rehabilitation and community support can change life trajectories. Two professional placements will ensure you graduate career-ready for roles such as:

  • youth justice and diversion programs
  • community support and outreach
  • policy and advocacy
  • courts, corrections and rehabilitation services.

Be part of a course that empowers you to support young people and lead meaningful change.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your educational achievements and work experience, as well as your skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

ATAR requirements

No minimum ATAR required

This course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. Read the entry criteria for this course below.

Why ATAR is not applicable

You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course. Instead, you need to have successfully completed secondary school and to meet any requirements outlined below. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their ATAR, age, education or socioeconomic background.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course


Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice students will be required to complete:

  • 288 credit points of Core studies including 24 credit points of Capstone studies.

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is subsidised by the government, reducing it to the amount listed here. Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. If your course is not Commonwealth supported, or you don't qualify, you'll pay full fees.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places

10% discount for alumni

If you’ve previously completed a qualification with us (and didn't apply through an agent), you may be eligible for a 10% discount. Not available for single-package courses.

Find out how

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

This course will prepare you for a career in the following sectors:

  • juvenile justice
  • local government
  • police community liaison
  • residential youth work
  • drug and alcohol work
  • Corrections Victoria
  • family violence work.

Demand in these areas is high, improving your chances of finding your ideal job after graduation.