Diploma of Youth Work
Overview
The Diploma of Youth Work prepares you to support young people’s wellbeing, development and safety across community, government and youth service settings. Gain hands-on experience through placements and projects, building confidence and skills to create opportunities, foster resilience and make a positive impact in the youth sector.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course currently in transition
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies.
Are you in high school?
Back by popular demand: A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student. Get a taste of uni with hands-on workshops, tours and more across different study areas, exclusive for Year 9–12 students.
Your industry experience
You will complete a 200-hour industry placement, giving you valuable hands-on experience in real settings. This placement allows you to apply theory, build confidence, and develop specialised skills in case management and client advocacy—ensuring you graduate with practical expertise and job-ready skills.You will also be given the option to do 120 hours should you want to experience two different Youth Work organisations.
This qualification requires the completion of a practical placement. Swinburne has strong industry relationships and provides support to students throughout the placement application process, however, students are responsible for applying, which will include an interview, to secure their placement. Placement hours will be completed in line with industry requirements and may take place during the day, in the evening, overnight, or on weekends and may require you to travel.
Skills you’ll learn
- Delivering person-centred services for young people
- Crisis management
- Advocacy for people
- Design, deliver and evaluate programs
Your career opportunities
- Youth Worker
- Youth Program Coordinator
- Youth Support Worker
- Youth Case Manager
- Residential Youth Worker
- Community Development Officer
Why Swinburne?
Industry-aligned curriculum for real-world skills
Hands-on placements with community organisations
Actor simulations for realistic skill development
Clear pathways to further study options
Admissions
Applicants for this course must meet the following entry criteria:
- Satisfactory completion of VCE
- Be 18 years at the time of placement
Non school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
Course pre-requisites
Language, literacy and numeracy
Applicants are required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy skills assessment as part of the application process. This will assist in determining course suitability and identifying whether additional support may be required.
The approved online skills assessment tool used to determine language, literacy and numeracy skills within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB).
The levels required for this course are:
- Language and literacy: 4 (Working level 3)
- Numeracy: 3 (Working level 2)
Applicants are required to demonstrate digital competencies.
Mandatory documentation
Students must have a valid Working with Children check (WWCC) prior to placement. We can accept a current Victorian volunteer or employee WWCC . Please apply now if you do not have one.
Students must have a valid National Police Check prior to placement.
Please wait to apply for your Police Check. After you have commenced your course Swinburne will supply you with a personalised link which offers a student discount.
**If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable outcome on their Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within your selected qualification.
Other requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- Students may be required to obtain a NDIS worker screening check prior to placement. Please wait to be advised if you require the NDIS worker screening check for your placement.
- Access to a computer with an internet connection, a microphone and a webcam.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution. This course involves practical and physical demands, as well as behavioural abilities, required for assessments and placements in youth work.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
You must be able to manage multiple demands with focus and composure, engage respectfully with clients and colleagues, and respond appropriately to feedback. Community Services work often involves sensitive or confronting content, requiring resilience, objectivity, and professional boundaries.
Clear communication is critical for supporting clients and coordinating services. Without it, client needs cannot be accurately identified, and interventions may fail. Community service workers interact with diverse individuals, families, and professionals, requiring adaptable and respectful communication.
You must be able to:
- speak clearly and provide information promptly
- interpret and use non-verbal cues to enhance understanding
- build trust and rapport through effective communication
- adjust your style for different clients and contexts
- demonstrate empathy and respect in all interactions.
- Write clear case notes, court reports, and budget reports.
- Accurately record and interpret numerical data for budgets and service planning.
- Perform basic maths (addition, subtraction, percentages, ratios) for funding and resource management.
- Read and understand client histories, legal documents, and professional reports.
- Contribute to online client records and prepare professional documentation.
You’ll develop essential digital skills to succeed in the sector, including:
- Microsoft Word – create professional reports, case notes, and documentation.
- Microsoft Excel – manage budgets, track data, and analyse service outcomes.
- Microsoft Outlook – communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
- Online systems – update client records and collaborate across teams.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Mental Health
-
Certificate IV in Youth Work
-
Diploma of Community Services
Course structure
To be awarded the Diploma of Youth Work, students will need to complete 21 units, (sixteen core and five elective units).
Course delivery
Phased delivery
The course is delivered in three stages, each around six months long, with a specific focus and associated placement.
Your units
| Core units | |
|
Manage legal and ethical compliance
Core unit |
CHCLEG003 |
|
Use communication to build relationships
Core unit |
CHCCOM002 |
|
Work with Diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Work with people with mental health issues
Core unit |
CHCMHS001 |
|
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
Core unit |
CHCPRP001 |
|
Plan and conduct group activities
Core unit |
CHCGRP002 |
| Elective units | |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Elective unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Work effectively in trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS007 |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Elective unit |
CHCCCS004 |
| Core units | |
|
Identify and report children and young people at risk
Core unit |
CHCPRT025 |
|
Engage respectfully with young people
Core unit |
CHCYTH013 |
|
Work effectively with young people in the youth work context
Core unit |
CHCYTH014 |
| Elective units | |
|
Respond to critical situations
Elective unit |
CHCYTH016 |
|
Provide services for the needs and circumstances of young people
Elective unit |
CHCYTH022 |
| Core units | |
|
Manage service response to young people in crisis
Core unit |
CHCYTH024 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM017 |
|
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
Core unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Support youth programs
Core unit |
CHCYTH021 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Maintain work health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS003 |
Study requirements
Timetable
- Classes run Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 3:30pm, with weekly attendance generally ranging between 1.5 and 3 days (approximately 9–21 hours).
- Scheduled days depend on group allocation, and may vary according to the stage, with semester and terms breaks included in the timetable.
- Students must access online resources and attend on-campus classes to consolidate learning.
- Practical skills are taught and assessed in a simulated environment and on placement, where applicable.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 10 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes.
- Students may be required to attend other campuses from time to time for events and other course engagements
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations, group work, actor simulations, role plays and written assessments.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$20,320
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$10,740
2026 fees
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
365.00
-
Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.