Youth Work

The Bachelor of Youth Work at RMIT University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. This degree focuses on developing professionals who are capable of supporting youth in various settings, including community organizations, schools, youth services, and government agencies. Throughout the course, students engage with a broad range of topics such as adolescent development, mental health, social justice, policy and advocacy, and ethics in youth work. The program emphasizes practical training, offering numerous opportunities for internships and hands-on experience to prepare graduates for real-world challenges.

Students will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate youth programs, ensuring they are responsive to the diverse needs of young people from different backgrounds. The curriculum also covers contemporary issues affecting youth such as digital technology, multiculturalism, and inclusion, preparing students to work effectively in diverse communities. The collaborative learning environment at RMIT encourages critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness, which are vital traits for success in youth work professions.

Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue careers in community development, youth mentoring, juvenile justice, mental health support, and policy development. The Bachelor of Youth Work at RMIT is recognized for its strong industry connections and focus on employability, ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation. Whether students aspire to work directly with young people or to influence policy and program development, this program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career dedicated to empowering youth and fostering positive change in society.

The Bachelor of Youth Work at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in supporting and empowering young people across diverse communities. This undergraduate program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address the complex social, emotional, and developmental needs of youth.

Throughout the course, students explore core topics such as youth development, community engagement, mental health, social justice, and crisis intervention. They gain insights into the diverse backgrounds and experiences of young people, fostering culturally responsive and inclusive approaches to youth work. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical practice, effective communication, and collaboration with families, schools, government agencies, and community organizations.

A distinctive feature of the RMIT Youth Work program is its strong emphasis on practical experience. Students undertake supervised placements in a variety of settings, including youth clubs, community centers, schools, and health organizations. These placements provide real-world opportunities to apply classroom learning, develop professional networks, and build confidence in working directly with young people.

In addition to practical skills, the program integrates knowledge of policies and legislation related to youth services, enabling students to navigate the legal and organizational frameworks that support youth work. Critical thinking and reflective practice are also integral components, encouraging students to continually evaluate their approach and adapt to changing circumstances.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Youth Work are prepared for careers in youth advocacy, counseling, program planning, and community development. They are equipped to work with a broad range of vulnerable and marginalized young people, promoting their well-being and empowering them to reach their full potential. With the increasing recognition of the importance of youth services in creating resilient and inclusive communities, this qualification opens up diverse employment opportunities both within Australia and internationally.

RMIT’s Youth Work program is committed to fostering socially responsible practitioners who are passionate about making a positive impact in young people's lives. By combining academic excellence with practical experience, the program aims to develop highly skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving challenges faced by young people today.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Youth Work at RMIT University include a combination of core subjects, elective units, and practical placements designed to prepare students for professional roles in youth services. Applicants typically need to meet prerequisite criteria such as completion of Year 12 or equivalent, along with proficiency in English demonstrated through standardized tests or previous education. The curriculum emphasizes the development of skills in communication, community engagement, understanding adolescent development, and ethical practice. Students are expected to complete a total of approximately 240 credit points over the duration of the program, which usually spans three years of full-time study. Core units cover topics like youth work principles, legal and ethical considerations, mental health awareness, program planning, and cultural competency. Elective units allow students to tailor their learning experience towards areas such as Indigenous youth issues, mental health support, or community development. Practical experience is an integral component, requiring students to undertake supervised placements in youth organizations, community services, or related settings. These placements enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments and develop professional networks. To graduate, students must successfully complete all required coursework, placements, and assessments, including a capstone project focused on youth work practice. Additional requirements may include maintaining a certain academic performance standard and participation in workshops or seminars. The program is designed to meet industry standards and prepare graduates for employment in various settings, including community centers, schools, health services, and government agencies. Overall, the program aims to produce competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive youth workers equipped with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to support young people effectively.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Bachelor of Youth Work at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Students can access government-supported assistance programs such as Austudy and Youth Allowance, which provide financial aid to eligible domestic students undertaking full-time higher education courses. International students, on the other hand, are required to pay tuition fees upfront or through approved student loan schemes, depending on their country of residence and visa status. RMIT encourages students to explore scholarship opportunities for extraordinary academic achievement, community involvement, or financial hardship, many of which are offered by the university itself or external organizations. Scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and sometimes include living stipends, making higher education more accessible for diverse student populations. Additionally, students may consider private loans or education-specific loan programs in their home countries if they require further financial support. The university also provides guidance on financial planning and budgeting, helping students to better manage their expenses related to accommodation, textbooks, transportation, and other living costs during their studies. RMIT's flexible study options, including part-time study and online courses, can also assist students in balancing work commitments with their academic responsibilities, thereby enabling them to fund their education more effectively. For international students, the tuition fees are typically higher, but RMIT offers payment plans that allow installments over the duration of the program. Students are advised to contact the university’s student services or financial aid office to obtain detailed information on available financing options, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. Overall, RMIT is committed to supporting students financially and ensuring that the pursuit of a qualification in Youth Work is feasible and sustainable for students from diverse backgrounds.

The Bachelor of Youth Work at RMIT University is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and impactful career in supporting and advocating for young people in various community settings. The program provides a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to effectively engage with youth from diverse backgrounds. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as adolescent development, mental health, social policy, community engagement, and crisis intervention, equipping them with the tools necessary to address complex issues faced by young people today. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary youth work practices, ethical considerations, and cultural competency, ensuring graduates are capable of working in inclusive and responsive environments.

Students in the program undertake supervised placements within community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit sectors, gaining real-world experience that complements their academic learning. These practical components are integral to developing skills in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. RMIT's strong industry connections facilitate placement opportunities across various settings, including schools, youth centers, mental health services, and recreational programs. The program also encourages engagement with innovative digital tools and social media platforms to connect with youth populations effectively in a digital world.

The Bachelor of Youth Work aims to foster a professional identity grounded in respect, empathy, and social justice. Graduates are prepared to work autonomously or as part of multidisciplinary teams, providing support, advocacy, and intervention services tailored to young people's needs. Upon completing the degree, students are eligible for membership of relevant professional organizations, which supports ongoing professional development and career advancement. The program's flexible study pathways include full-time and part-time options, accommodating students with different commitments.

RMIT’s focus on applied learning and community engagement supports graduates to make meaningful contributions to society. The program aligns with national youth work competency standards and prepares students for employment opportunities across Australia and potentially internationally. Graduates can pursue roles such as youth support workers, community development officers, outreach coordinators, or case managers, contributing to positive change in young people's lives. The strength of RMIT’s industry partnerships and its reputation for practical, work-integrated learning makes this program an excellent choice for students passionate about making a difference in the youth sector.