Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The Diploma in Youth Work provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for supporting young people. Study areas typically include communication and counselling skills, group work and program planning, child and adolescent development, mental health awareness, safeguarding and child protection, cultural competency including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, ethical and reflective practice, and community engagement.

Learning is delivered through a combination of classroom workshops, simulated practice and a supervised workplace placement. Assessments commonly involve case plans, reflective journals, observed client interactions, program proposals and placement competency reports. The program emphasises relational practice, harm minimisation approaches and working collaboratively with families and other services.

Entry requirements

Typical entry pathways include completion of secondary school (senior secondary certificate) or an equivalent qualification, or admission as a mature‑age applicant with relevant life and work experience. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of prior study or experience in community or volunteer roles. Successful entry often requires a satisfactory criminal history check and current child‑safety/working with children clearance, as students undertake mandatory placements in settings that work with minors.

Vaccination or immunisation requirements for placement, and documentation such as identification and, where relevant, proof of prior study, are usually required. Some campuses or delivery modes may include an interview or short written task to assess suitability for practice in youth work settings.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry‑level roles in youth services and related sectors, including youth work in community organisations, after‑school and recreation programs, outreach and street‑based services, residential care and support roles in juvenile justice or homelessness services. The Diploma also supports employment as a youth support worker, caseworker assistant, program facilitator or youth engagement coordinator in non‑government and government agencies.

The qualification is commonly used as a stepping stone to further study; graduates may articulate into higher‑level vocational or undergraduate programs in community services, social welfare, counselling or social work to expand clinical scope and career opportunities.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University combines vocational training with a values‑based approach emphasizing human dignity, social justice and ethical practice. The youth work program is practice‑oriented, with strong emphasis on supervised placements and partnerships with local agencies to give students real‑world experience.

Students benefit from ACU’s supportive campus environment, access to experienced teaching staff with sector backgrounds, and curriculum that integrates cultural safety and reflective practice. ACU’s connections with community service providers help students build professional networks and transition into the workforce or further study pathways.