Is this pathway for me?
Youth Work provides the chance to inspire, support, develop and educate young people from a variety of backgrounds so they can get the most out of life. You'll take your passions and experiences to help others flourish in a changing world.
Youth workers support young people to improve their health, education, training and employment opportunities. Your role is one of transformation – helping young people build their mana, connect with others, find their voice and realise their dreams.
This pathway also enables you to work in other areas of youth development, such as leadership of youth and community organisations, advocacy for youth matters, and the development of policies and strategies pertaining youth in Aotearoa
Regardless if you plan to work directly or indirectly with young people, you will play a big part in encouraging youth to be active citizens, so they feel included and empowered to participate in our society on issues that matter to them.
What makes this pathway so special?
- This is the only pathway recognised by the professional association for youth workers, in an Aotearoa New Zealand university degree qualification.
- Career prospects for Youth Workers are good due to increasing demand for their services (Source: www.careers.govt.nz).
- Career opportunities include youth and community development, rangatahi coaching, programme co-ordination, education and employment services, advocacy, policy advice and leadership.
- The Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership is designed for the future of work. You will be equipped with transferable skills and disciplinary knowledge to thrive in rapidly changing employment contexts.
- Build the degree you want! Along with a youth work focus, you can develop a programme of study that can make you an exceptional candidate for any workplace with a unique set of skills and expertise.
- Join a dynamic group of students intent on making positive change in their communities, locally, nationally and internationally.
The BYCL is a 360-point degree, with at least 225 points at 200-level or above:
The degree does not have any majors, but there are some identified study pathways. To study the Youth work and development pathway, your study will include the recommended courses in the diagram below and a handful of optional courses you can choose based on your key interests. Following the course recommendations in the youth work and development pathway will satisfy part of the requirements to register as a professional youth worker with Korowai Tupu. Our Student Advice team can help you develop a study plan for the Youth work and development pathway.
Recommended courses for the youth work and development pathway
Year 1
YACL101 (15pts) Introduction to Youth Leadership: Leading the Self
CHCH101 (15pts) Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation
EDUC102 (15pts) Child and Adolescent Development
YACL102 (15pts) Special Topic: Introduction to Professional Youth Work in Aotearoa
HLED122 (15pts) Building Resilience
HSRV104 (15pts) Youth Realities
Plus an additional 30 points at 100 level
Year 2
YACL201 (15pts) Social Leadership: Leading with Others
EDUC206 (15pts) Education and Society: Ideals and Realities
EDUC204 (15pts) Promoting Child and Adolescent Wellbeing and Health
HSRV202 (15pts) Human Behaviour and Human Systems
SOWK206 (15pts) Communication for Practice
PACE295 (15pts) Internship
Plus an additional 30 points at 200 level (consider prerequisites for desired 300 level courses)
Year 3
YACL301 (15pts) Civic Leadership: Leading for Change
YACL302 (15pts) Leadership Project: Implementing Change
EDUC302 (30pts) Researching Development: Opportunities and Risks in Adolescence
SOWK304 (15pts) Indigenous Practice
Plus an additional 15 points at 300-level, and 30 points at 200-level.
Download the full regulations for BYCL below. Please note course availability and recommendations might change with courses on offer in any year.
