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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
Our 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.
Career opportunities
Completion of post graduate education is a necessity for a change in career direction of career advances such as management, leadership or education roles or academic, research positions. On completion of the Graduate Diploma of Child and Family Health you may progress to the Master of Nursing or Midwifery.
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
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 health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
This 80-credit point course consists of six core units and two specialist elective units.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| 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: HEA533 Mental Health Care During the Perinatal Time (replaces HEA591 Perinatal Mental Health from S2 2022) HEA542 Informing Practice with evidence HEA555 Infant and Child Nutrition HEA590 Foundations of Child and Family Health Professional Practice HEA593 Developing Practice in Child and Family Health HEA594 Working in partnership with individuals, families and communities |
| 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 |
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 AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
HEA591 Perinatal Mental Health has been replaced by HEA533 Mental Health Care During the Perinatal Time as a core unit from Semester 2 2022.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study 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.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
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 | HEA533 Mental Health Care During the Perinatal Time (replaces HEA591 from S2 2022) | CO |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
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 | HEA533 Mental Health Care During the Perinatal Time (replaces HEA591 from S2 2022) | 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.
Entry requirements
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
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.
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
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
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
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
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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