University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months (minimum)
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop specialist child and family health capabilities in early childhood development, family-centred care and community health through evidence-informed learning and practical clinical experience.
Course overview
Develop specialist knowledge and clinical capabilities with the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Designed for registered nurses and midwives seeking to expand their expertise in child and family health, this postgraduate qualification explores the physical, emotional and social factors influencing children's health and development. The course examines approaches to supporting parents and caregivers, promoting early childhood wellbeing and delivering evidence-informed, family-centred care across community health settings.
Explore the foundations of child and family health, family and community health practice and child development from the first 1,000 days through to the preschool years. You'll examine developmental milestones, family relationships, health promotion and the importance of culturally responsive care. Through applied learning and supervised clinical experience, you'll strengthen your ability to assess children's developmental needs, support families through early parenthood and collaborate with healthcare professionals to deliver equitable and responsive care.
The 24-credit-point qualification comprises four compulsory online subjects and 120 hours of in-person clinical placement across two subjects. Clinical placements provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in child and family health settings, with 40 hours focused on younger children and 80 hours on preschool-aged children. The course can be completed in approximately eight to 10 months, depending on placement arrangements and individual study plans. Graduates may also pursue further postgraduate study through the Master of Women's and Children's Health, subject to applicable admission and credit requirements.
Key facts
5th July, 2027
25th October, 2027
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health comprises four online subjects (24 credit points)
- Foundations of Child and Family Health
- Family and Community Health in Practice
- Growth and Development in the Younger Child (first 1,000 days)
- Growth and Development in the Older Child (the preschool years)
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- A completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification in nursing or midwifery, or an overseas equivalent AND current registration as a registered nurse or midwife in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) OR
- Current registration as a registered nurse or midwife in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
Applicants required to demonstrate professional work experience must provide:
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
Important information for Victorian applicants
This course is open to nurses and midwives across Australia. However, due to specific professional and legislative requirements in Victoria, the course does not meet the criteria established by the Victorian Government.
Applicants intending to practise as child and family health practitioners in Victoria are advised not to apply. Alternative qualifications, such as the Graduate Certificate in Women's and Children's Health, may be more suitable.
Applicants with extenuating circumstances may be assessed individually.
English language requirements
English language requirements apply to both domestic and international applicants.
The English language proficiency requirements for international students or domestic applicants with international qualifications are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum writing score of 6.0.
- TOEFL paper-based: Overall score of 550–583, with a minimum Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79–93, with a minimum writing score of 21.
- UTS College Academic English Level 5 (AE5): Pass.
- Pearson PTE Academic: Overall score of 58–64, with a minimum writing score of 50.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Overall score of 176–184, with a minimum writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited for online postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive a UTS offer of enrolment, and you’ve undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn’t determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Practice where it matters most: Develop a philosophy and practice that puts child and family health in focus. Gain an understanding of family strengths and vulnerabilities to enhance your ability to support children and families to survive and thrive.
- Evidence-informed and reflective practice: Create lasting change in child and family health through evidence-based philosophy and practice. Learn to critically reflect on your practice to deliver high-quality, inclusive care, guided by evidence.
- Individualised care: Develop an ethical and collaborative family-centred approach to healthcare. Gain the knowledge and skills to focus on the unique and individual needs of children and families. Apply your understanding of social and cultural diversity, informed by an ethical and collaborative perspective.
Career outcomes
Health and social assistance is Australia's largest and fastest-growing sector, with employment projected to grow by 15.8% over the five years to November 2026 (Labour Market Insights, 2022).
Studying UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health may lead to roles such as:
- Child and Family Health Practitioner
- Team Leader in Community Setting
- Midwifery or Nursing Educator
- Midwifery or Nursing Researcher
Fees and FEE-HELP
2027 indicative domestic tuition fees
- Indicative total course fee: $14,340
- Indicative price per subject (6 credit points): $3,585
- Total course requirements: 24 credit points (4 subjects)
Tuition fees are indicative for 2027 and subject to annual review. Actual tuition costs may vary depending on the year in which subjects are undertaken.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is charged separately.
FEE-HELP
Eligible domestic students may access FEE-HELP to defer all or part of their tuition fees.