Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services affords the opportunity to study child and family services in greater depth and breadth. This course also offers graduate teachers and those working in the birth to five sector and the early years of school, the opportunity to undertake further study to build their professional knowledge.

Why study this course?

CSU’s Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services offers students enrolled in undergraduate teacher education, nursing, social work and social science programs the opportunity to undertake a course of study which has a focus on child and family services. This course also offers existing teachers, particularly early-career teachers and those working in the birth to five sector and the early years of school the opportunity to undertake further study to build their professional knowledge in the area of child and family services.

The course enables additional study to be undertaken in a specific content area. Graduates will be able to explore the complexities of relationships in early childhood and the concept of community as it relates to early childhood. They will reflect on their own practice in order to inform their professional lives and examine collaborative practices to enhance inclusion.

This is a four subject course offered in Session 3 only. Full-time enrolment can be undertaken in one Session 3 enrolment. Part-time enrolment spreads the study load across two Session 3 enrolments. Session 3 runs from November to February each year. The course is offered by flexible distance education, allowing students to fit study around their family, work and other commitments.

Workplace learning

Students are required to complete workplace learning for EPT429 Professional Engagement. The subject will allow students to extend their knowledge and skills in teaching and learning through the development of an individual learning plan that focuses on the design and implementation of a school or community based project. Students should  contact the subject coordinator for further information.

Graduation requirements

To graduate from CSU’s Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services, students need to complete 32 subject points (four subjects).

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.