The Graduate Certificate in Family Studies draws on the research and practice expertise of the University’s internationally renowned Family Action Centre, Discipline of Family Studies, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health. As a Centre engaged in the provision of family programs, research and policy advocacy, the Family Action Centre is well positioned to provide theoretical and practical education that will equip graduates for leading roles in family work positions or for the application of Family Studies in other professional roles in fields where understandings of families are important. The School of Health Sciences is one of the most comprehensive tertiary education providers for the health professions. The University of Newcastle is one of the leading suppliers of online postgraduate coursework in Australia, providing student-focussed support and online assistance to more than 3,000 students from over 60 countries.

Supporting families in their diversity of form and need is a priority in most nations and requires a skilled and highly educated workforce capable of working with complex issues in varied cultural, social and political contexts. The Graduate Certificate in Family Studies (GCertFamStud) provides students with comprehensive multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills to undertake policy development and service delivery directed towards strengthening families. The programs cater to the needs of people transitioning from a generalist degree into professional roles, those already working as practitioners and/or managers in family services, or those looking to build careers in policy or practice in the field of Family Studies. Throughout the program, students will be provided with several opportunities to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills required for successful professional roles in this field. Students have the option of an industry based project that provides a pathway into the international and domestic family services sector. Students will also have an opportunity to develop an understanding of research methodologies as they apply to practice fields related to Family Studies.

The Graduate Certificate in Family Studies (GCertFamStud) program requires 40 units of coursework over 1 year full time or part time equivalent. Students undertake 10 units of Core Courses and 30 unites of Directed Courses.

Students undertaking the Drug and Alcohol Studies courses in the Family Studies program are required to do 100 hours of practical experience in MEDI6145 and MEDI6160 (50 hours in each course). Students undertaking the HLSC6011 are required to complete an industry based project with a Family Services or related organisation. Students in the Family Dispute Resolution Specialisation are required to complete supervised directed clinical assessments within their workplace in HLSC6012 and HLSC6013 within a Family Law environment. Students must work in a setting (either voluntary or paid) which provides access to supervised clinical assessment with clients. Students in the Relationship Counselling Specialisation are required to complete supervised directed clinical assessments within their workplace in HLSC6016 and HLSC6017. Students must work in a setting (either voluntary or paid) which provides access to supervised clinical assessment with clients.

It is envisaged that Family Studies graduates will work domestically or internationally in specialist areas of family work in the human services sector. Career options include:

• Family Service Manager
• Family Program Coordinator
• Research and Policy Officer in government, non-government and corporate sectors
• Family and Relationship Services Practitioner
• Specialist family work roles in nursing, allied health, youth work, drug and alcohol, mental health, early childhood, education, law.