Developed with industry partners, this course provides the insights you require to make a difference in the lives of young people and the broader community.
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
End of Session
Campuses^
LSR
Liverpool City
UAC 727732
Parramatta South
UAC 727733
Penrith
UAC 727731
80
80
80
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1933
CRICOS Code: 114846F
Turn your passion for helping young people into a career with purpose.
Youth work is about building trusted relationships with young people and supporting them to shape their own futures. It is about real relationships: listening, supporting and standing alongside young people as they navigate opportunities, challenges and change. Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Youth Work gives you the knowledge, practical skills and industry experience to support young people, challenge barriers and make a difference in communities.
Developed with input from the youth work profession, this course brings together practical learning, social sciences and a strong commitment to social justice. You’ll learn to work with young people rather than simply make decisions for them, supporting their voices, strengths and goals.
Apply Now to start your journey at Western
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Take the next step towards a rewarding career. Secure your spot to start in 2027 at Western.
The Bachelor of Youth Work at Western is provisionally accredited by Youth Workers Australia (YWA). On completion of this program graduates will be eligible for professional membership of Youth Workers Australia (YWA).
Complete two supervised professional placements totalling 420 hours, working alongside experienced youth workers.
Youth workers contribute in schools, youth centres, housing services, youth justice, community arts, local government and more.
Explore youth wellbeing, identity, inclusion, Indigenous perspectives, social justice and the systems that affect young people.
Develop listening, communication, group work, ethical decision-making, advocacy and community engagement skills.
You’ll be taught by experienced youth workers and researchers, with strong connections to Western Sydney communities.
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Build your expertise over three years full time. From understanding youth work and society, to developing inclusive professional skills, to integrating learning through advanced practice and research.
Introduction to Youth Work: History, Theories and Approaches; Thinking about Youth Work Practice: Conceptual and Ethical Foundations; Doing Sociology; Understanding Society; Introduction to Indigenous Australia; Working with Cultural Differences; Context of Human Services; elective.
Practicum 1: Foundations in Practice; Youth Work with Groups: Participation and Empowerment; Inclusive Youth Work Practice for a Diverse World; Strong Futures: Indigenous Youth and Wellbeing; Community Management and Organisations; Community and Social Action; elective.
Sociology of Youth: Identities, Cultures and Transitions; Young People, Health and Wellbeing; Youth Justice and Practice; Practicum 2: The Reflexive Practitioner; Youth and Community Research: Evidence, Policy and Practice; electives.
Go beyond the classroom with two supervised placements in youth work settings, totalling 420 hours of industry experience (equivalent to approximately 56 days as described in course marketing materials). You’ll have opportunities to connect theory with practice, develop professional confidence and learn alongside experienced youth workers.
Where could Youth Work take you?
A youth work qualification can lead to careers across government, not-for-profit organisations, schools and community services. The work is varied, with opportunities to support young people directly, coordinate programs and contribute to advocacy, policy and research.
- Youth worker or youth development officer — support young people through programs, mentoring and community initiatives.
- Student support officer — work with students in schools to support wellbeing and engagement.
- Youth housing or homelessness support worker — help young people navigate housing and independent living.
- Youth justice worker — contribute to programs supporting young people involved with the justice system.
- Alcohol and other drug support worker — work within youth-focused prevention, education and support services.
- Community development or youth advocacy officer — help young people participate in decisions and community change.
- Outdoor adventure or youth recreation worker — use activities and experiential learning to support young people.
- Youth programs, research or policy roles — help design, evaluate and improve youth services.
Note: Certain roles may require additional checks, training, registration, experience or qualifications. Avoid implying this degree alone qualifies graduates as counsellors, social workers or registered health practitioners.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Youth Work at Western is provisionally accredited by Youth Workers Australia (YWA). On completion of this program graduates will be eligible for professional membership of Youth Workers Australia (YWA).
Alumni
“Youth Work at Western Sydney University taught me the connection between theory and the big picture and the reality of young people’s lives. It made me realise that this wasn’t about me: it was about the young people I serve.”
— Lauren Stacey, CEO Youth Action
Entry requirements for domestic students
You can find information about the eligibility requirements for this degree from the HDR how to apply page.
Visit the find a supervisor page for advice about how to search for a potential supervisor or who to contact for advice in our Schools and Institutes.
Entry requirements for international students
You can find information about the eligibility requirements for this degree from the HDR how to apply page.
Visit the find a supervisor page for advice about how to search for a potential supervisor or who to contact for advice in our Schools and Institutes.
This program may not be available in part-time mode for International students due to visa conditions.
Indicative annual fee
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as an International Student
If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.
International students are:
- Not an Australian citizen;
- Not a New Zealand citizen; and
- Not a permanent resident of Australia.
If you are an international student completing the Australian HSC, IB or NCEA, apply direct via UAC International.
Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.
Scholarships
When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
FAQs
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
Youth workers build relationships with young people, listen to their goals and concerns, and support them to access opportunities, services and community connections. They work across settings including schools, youth centres, housing services, youth justice and community programs.
Career pathways include youth worker, youth development officer, student support officer, youth housing support worker, youth justice worker, community development worker and youth advocacy roles. Specific positions may require additional checks, training or experience.
During the course you will experience two supervised professional placements totalling 420 hours: 140 hours in Practicum 1 and 280 hours in Practicum 2.
Youth work focuses on working alongside young people, supporting their participation, development and opportunities. Youth workers always prioritise the interests of the young people they work with. Social work is a broader professional discipline working across different age groups and settings, and need to balance different interests in their work. The degrees have different professional recognition and qualification pathways.
You can study three years full-time or six years part-time.
This program is provisionally accredited by Youth Workers Australia (YWA). On completion of this program graduates will be eligible for professional membership of Youth Workers Australia (YWA).
Subjects cover youth work foundations, ethics, inclusive practice, Indigenous perspectives, community action, wellbeing, youth justice, research and two practicum experiences. Refer to the handbook for the final course structure.
The course presentation identifies pathways to postgraduate study and research, including potential social work study. Entry to any postgraduate degree depends on that course’s specific admission requirements; do not imply automatic entry or professional social work qualification.
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If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.