Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Diploma of Child and Family Health
The Graduate Diploma of Child and Family Health is an online course designed for registered nurses and midwives seeking to extend their knowledge and expand their scope of practice.
This course addresses the principles of equity, empowerment, and the socio-political determinants of health. It has an inter-sectoral focus on individual, family and community access to services, supporting the healthy development of children and families.
During this course, you will enhance your clinical practice, knowledge and skills in child and family health theory, care delivery processes, clinical education and clinical management.
This course will expand on your current or recent experience within the health service, and you will learn skills and knowledge that can be directly applied to your current or future professional practice.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Additional information
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Applicants must hold current registration as a registered nurse (Division 1) or registered midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
It is expected applicants have at least one year full time recent employment (post registration), in a midwifery/nursing or associated setting by date of application.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Students must provide proof that they have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before they can undertake those units that include clinical placements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, immunisation requirements, Senior First Aid qualification, annual criminal record checks and/or working with children clearances and/or fitness-to-practice requirements.
Course structure
This 80-credit point course consists of six core units and two specialist elective units.
- 2022 HE unit offerings and unit fees are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 December 2021.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (6 units) |
60cp |
Compulsory Core units totalling 60 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: HEA542 Informing Practice with evidence |
|
Specialist Elective (2 units) |
20cp |
Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: HEA541 Culture in practice |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Diploma AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
- 2022 HE unit offerings and unit fees are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 December 2021.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time and part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA590 Foundations of Child and Family Health Professional Practice | CO | HEA593 Developing Practice in Child and Family Health | CO |
| HEA542 Informing Practice with evidence | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| HEA555 Infant and Child Nutrition | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| HEA594 Working in partnership with individuals, families and communities | CO | HEA591 Perinatal Mental Health | CO |
Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA590 Foundations of Child and Family Health Professional Practice | CO | HEA593 Developing Practice in Child and Family Health | CO |
| HEA542 Informing Practice with evidence | CO | HEA591 Perinatal Mental Health | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HEA555 Infant and Child Nutrition | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| HEA594 Working in partnership with individuals, families and communities | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
This course is not available for entry in Semester 2.
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
2022: Fees and charges for 2022 will be published no later than 1 December 2021.