Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This degree combines theoretical foundations with applied practice. Core areas typically include child and adolescent development, youth justice, group work and facilitation, counselling and interviewing skills, case management, substance use and mental health, community development and advocacy, professional ethics and law, and research methods for practice.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials, skills workshops and supervised professional placements in community organisations, schools, health services and youth justice contexts. Students develop competencies in assessment and planning, culturally responsive practice (including working with First Nations communities), trauma‑informed approaches, program design and evaluation, and interagency collaboration.

• Foundations of youth work practice and theory
• Child and adolescent development
• Counselling skills and brief interventions
• Group work, facilitation and program delivery
• Mental health, substance use and risk assessment
• Professional ethics, law and policy relevant to young people
• Community development, advocacy and prevention strategies
• Research methods and reflective practice
• Sequential supervised professional placements to apply learning in real settings

Entry requirements

Typical entry pathways include completion of senior secondary school or equivalent qualifications, or successful completion of a recognised vocational diploma. ACU also accepts mature‑age applicants and applicants with relevant work or community experience. Admission may be on the basis of academic results, an interview or supplementary information depending on the applicant cohort.

All applicants will need to meet the university's general admission criteria. For international applicants, evidence of English language proficiency is required. Successful candidates are expected to meet professional suitability requirements for placement, which commonly include a national police check, working with children check (or jurisdictional equivalent), basic immunisations and current first aid/CPR certification where required.

Career prospects

Graduates work in a range of youth‑centred roles across government, non‑government and community sectors. Typical positions include youth worker or youth outreach officer, case manager, community development officer, program coordinator for youth services, support worker in mental health or alcohol and other drugs services, and roles in juvenile justice or family support services.

The degree also provides a foundation for further study in related professions such as social work, counselling, community welfare, education or policy and research. Many graduates progress into leadership, program design, policy or advocacy roles within youth services after gaining practical experience.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values‑based professional education with a strong focus on practical skills and ethical practice. The youth work degree integrates supervised placements with classroom learning, giving students early and sustained exposure to real practice settings and employer networks.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, experienced academic staff with sector experience, and support services for placement preparation and career development. The curriculum stresses culturally informed practice and community engagement, preparing graduates to work with diverse populations and to respond to contemporary challenges affecting young people.