Bachelor of Human Services (Youth Work major)

Do you want to support young people to lead valued lives in the community? The Bachelor of Human Services (BHumServ) with a major in Youth Work will develop your understanding and knowledge to provide effective leadership and advocacy in youth work. You'll be better prepared to make a difference in the lives of young people and to help them realise their true potential.
 

Fulltime: 3 years (part-time study options also available)
Taught at: Epsom Campus
Points per degree: 360

• Enables you to gain the specialist skills and knowledge you will need to work with youth as well as within a wide range of other human service settings.
• Gives you the preparation to be able to take on future leadership and management roles.
• Develop a broad understanding of social, cultural and political issues in New Zealand society.
• This programme is also suitable for people who are already working in this field and it may be possible to study while you work.

In the first year you will:

• Study psychology and sociology for human services, human development, and professional communication skills.
• Study the impact of socio-cultural factors on young people’s development and identity, media constructions of “youth”, sexualities, and the Treaty of Waitangi in relation to human services and youth work.

Over the next two years, you will:

• Build on your theoretical knowledge base.
• Study courses such as leadership, management and social policy, social psychology, developmental psychology, the impact of addictions and violence, inclusion and aspirations, ethics, recreation, mental health and working for young Māori and Pacific people
• Study two courses from the General Education schedule, allowing you to pursue interests outside your field of study.

View the full list of courses

Agencies increasingly seek a degree as a prerequisite for employment, making graduates highly sought after. Completion of a BHumServ with a major in Youth Work will give you the skills and knowledge to better support young people. With this qualification you could work in services such as the Ministry of Youth Development, iwi and Pacific community development, migrant and refugee support, youth health, truancy services, health education, and services such as drug use, mental health and sexual health support.

You’ll also have the skills and preparation to be able to work in a wide range of other human service settings.

The University of Auckland offers postgraduate level programmes to optimise your career and salary prospects. Further study options include the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Supervision for practice development and leadership and masters level study in human and social sciences fields.

To apply for Admission into this programme, visit Applying and enrolling.

As part of the Application for Admission you need to supply the faculty with supplementary information. The Supplementary Information Form can be downloaded within the Application for Admission. Please complete the form, and return it to the Faculty of Education as soon as possible to enable the processing of your application.

If you are unable to download the Supplementary Information Form 1(SIF1) email education@auckland.ac.nz or phone 0800 61 62 63 and ask for a SIF1 to be posted to you.