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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
Unleash your creative side to help others. Our Graduate Diploma of Creative Therapies provides you with sound theoretical and practical foundations in creative therapies - therapies that include art, play, dance, drama, and music.
Specifically, our graduate diploma course has been designed to equip practitioners who work with diverse client groups to utilise creative therapies in your practice.
Our Graduate Diploma of Creative Therapies imparts the necessary skills in research, evaluation, and professional practice to enable you to choose suitable therapies and to accommodate the unique challenges of each client.
Our unique course blends Western approaches with Aboriginal healing practices and knowledges.
The course is designed for people working in health, community, justice, education, and cognate fields, as well as individuals who work in Aboriginal and cross-cultural communities.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of our Graduate Diploma in Creative Therapies you may find work as part of a health care team that includes physicians, psychologists, nurses, artists, refugee organisations, mental health counsellors, marriage and family therapists, rehabilitation counsellors, or as a social worker or teacher.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
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
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Our Graduate Diploma of Creative Therapies comprises units totalling 80 credit points (8 unist). During the first four units of this course, you will learn the key principles of creative therapies, specifically how to apply art, play, dance, drama, and music therapies to diverse clients - such as individuals who have been exposed to trauma, refugees, and members of Aboriginal communities. During the final set of four units, you will learn how to apply and adapt these therapies to challenging circumstances - such as more complex cases. To achieve this goal, you will learn about research, evaluation, ethical principles, legal principles, and professional practices.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (6 units) | 60cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 60 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: |
| Specialist Electives (2 units) | 20cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Course Changes - 2021
Please note the following course structure change:
SWK574 Creative Ways of Working with Trauma has been removed and is no longer required.
Study plan
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 load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SWK571 Creative Therapy: Principles and Practices | CO | SWK573 Creative Ways of Working with Diverse Groups | CO |
| SWK572 Creative Ways of Working with Children and Young People | CO | SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SWK575 Creative Approaches to Case Work and Assessments | CO | SWK576 Research and Evaluation of Creative Therapies | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
This course is not available for entry in Semester 2.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification or a Graduate Certificate of Creative Therapies from Charles Darwin University.
Essential requirements
English language 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. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | 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.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
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