Diploma of Youth Work

Diploma of Youth Work - CHC50413

VOCATIONAL

Build on your current skills and studies in youth work with a diploma.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.

Overview

Build on your current skills and studies in youth work with the Diploma of Youth Work.

This course will enable you to:

  • build and establish strong working relationships
  • focus on objectives for the benefit of clients and the organisation
  • help you develop your own leadership style.

A major strength of this course is its flexible delivery and an industry approach that recognises your current level of skills and the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in this course to your workplace.

Students not already employed within the sector will be required to complete a work placement as part of your studies.

Why study youth work at RMIT?

Work-focused

Apply the relevant skills and knowledge learnt in this course directly to your workplace.

Industry input

The community services sector is involved in design, development, delivery and assessment.

Professional recognition

This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

This course will incorporate one-on-one mentoring, weekly classes, workshops and team and individual projects. 

You will learn from current practicing youth workers, who are well connected within the industry. Guest lecturers will provide relevant and up-to-date information about current practice within industry.

Assessment methods

Assessment occurs through a variety of methods including:

  • simulations
  • written reports
  • class activities and participation
  • online discussion
  • supervisor reports and observations
  • project briefs and evaluations
  • assessments based on your work placements.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This course promotes workplace learning, and projects undertaken are directly related to improving work practice and skills development.

By showing how you can apply all of the required competencies while on the job, this course enables you to gain skills and knowledge directly applicable to your workplace and encourages you to share current work practices with your fellow students.

RMIT works closely with its industry partners to ensure that this course prepares you to meet industry needs. This course maintains strong links with the community services sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

If you have completed a Certificate IV in Youth Worth or another relevant certificate, this diploma includes two days per week on-campus (six hours per day).

If you have not completed a Certificate IV in Youth Work or another relevant certificate, can expect to attend three days per week on-campus (six hours per day).

In addition, you will complete 100-160 hours of work placement outside classroom time, and you can anticipate up to 10 hours of additional study time per week to complete assessments.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will study the knowledge and principles underpinning holistic, strength-based practice.

Themes include case management, community development, effective communication, mental health, crisis intervention, legal and ethical issues, government and organisational structure and outreach work. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Youth Work
Program code: C5331
National curriculum code: CHC50413

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Youth Work
City Campus
One year
C5331
Location
City Campus
Duration
One year
Plan code
C5331
CRICOS

Career

The role of a youth worker offers many exciting and challenging career opportunities.

RMIT graduates are highly sought after for a wide range of positions including those in psycho-social support services, recreational programs, juvenile justice, housing, schools and local government. 

Graduates have also taken their careers overseas, working with agencies such as Oxfam.

Possible careers include: 

  • community development manager
  • youth program manager
  • youth services coordinator
  • youth and family services manager
  • youth housing support manager
  • youth mental health manager
  • juvenile justice manager

This nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.

AND

You must be able to demonstrate at least one of the following minimum academic requirements:

OR

  • At least one year of full-time professional or volunteer experience in a related field (or part-time equivalent).

OR

  • A sufficient combination of experience and post-secondary studies in a related field.

 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Additional information

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

National Police Record Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this program. National Police Record Checks are conducted via fit2work.
An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Successful completion of RMIT’s Diploma of Youth Work guarantees entry into the Bachelor of Youth Work and Youth Studies with 72 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 semester full time study).

Graduates of the RMIT Diploma of Youth Work are eligible for exemptions (subject to certain criteria) into one of the following programs:

Fees

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$6,500* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$12,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.