Youth work

Gain an in-demand qualification in youth work, for a career helping young people in need. Delivered by community-sector professionals, our program is the largest in Australia.

Courses in youth work

Undergraduate (entry-level university courses)

University study undertaken before you graduate with a degree (up to including a bachelor with honours).

Bachelor of Youth Work
ABYW | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years full time or longer for part time
Bachelor of Youth Work and Criminal Justice
ABYC | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years full time or longer for part time
Bachelor of Youth Work/Bachelor of Sport Management
EBYS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years full time or longer for part time

Why choose VU

Studying youth work at VU

Rebecca Williams.
VU's youth work sector degree program
If you have a Diploma of Youth Work/Community Services or equivalent and at least three years' work experience advance to a Bachelor of Youth Work with our industry upgrade program.
Young woman in a modern building, smiles at camera
Pathways between courses
If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements to get into your chosen youth work course, we'll get you where you need to be with our study pathways.
VU Block Model
Complete one unit (subject) at a time, in workshop-style classes, with our award-winning learning model.

Career outcomes

Our graduates find employment opportunities including:

  • youth worker
  • disability services/special needs
  • youth services management.

VU stories

Zenab Tewolde
How Zenab made youth work her mission
Bachelor of Youth Work
"To anyone considering VU, I say go for it! The professional placements helped me build up skills in the field. And I got to attend a UN leadership symposium in Thailand."
To anyone considering VU, I say go for it! The professional placements helped me build up skills in the field. And I got to attend a UN leadership symposium in Thailand.
Zenab's story
Chanel Kennedy, youth worker
Navigating barriers with young people
Bachelor of Youth Work
"The level of care I experienced from lecturers and staff was incredible. They were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. All of the coursework was current and left me feeling even more ambitious."
The level of care I experienced from lecturers and staff was incredible. They were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. All of the coursework was current and left me feeling even more ambitious.
Chanel's story
How Luciano was called to youth work
Youth Worker
"All the practical experiences I got during my studies at TAFE and uni gave me the confidence and skills to work with young people."
All the practical experiences I got during my studies at TAFE and uni gave me the confidence and skills to work with young people.
Luciano's story
How Eliza went from low ATAR to high achiever
Bachelor of Youth Work
"During my studies I completed an internship at The Youth Junction Inc. Two months in, I was offered a full-time position as a Youth Access and Justice Case Manager."
During my studies I completed an internship at The Youth Junction Inc. Two months in, I was offered a full-time position as a Youth Access and Justice Case Manager.
Eliza's story

Related interests

Communication

Community development

Community services

Creative arts

Criminal justice & criminology

Digital media

Music

Psychology

Screen media

Social work

Back to Arts & humanities

See also

three young student sit smiling on a sunny campus lawn
Study at VU
Three happy students, or various ethnicity, smile and talk at a modern campus courtyard
Why choose VU
Two Singh students in turbans with backpacks in a crowded courtyard smile at the camera
Life at VU
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Campuses

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