The Master of 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 Master of Family Studies (MFamStud) 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 Master of Family Studies (MFamStud) is structured as a general program or as a program including specialisations in any of the following professional areas:

• Family Dispute Resolution
• Relationship Counselling
• International Family Studies
• Working with Men and Fathers.

The Master of Family Studies (MFamStud) program requires 80 or 120 units of coursework over 1- 1.5 years full time or 2 - 3 years part time. The number of units undertaken depends on the level of entry to the program. Students can complete the program either by taking a general Master of Family Studies or by taking a Master of Family Studies specialising in one of four professional areas – Family Dispute Resolution, Relationship Counselling, International Family Studies or Working with Men and Fathers.

All students undertake 20 units of Core courses. Students in the general program then complete the program by taking 50 units or 90 units Directed courses from the approved course list as well as HLSC6511 Special Project in Family Studies, which is compulsory for students in the General Program.

In the specialisations, students have the option of taking from 40 units to 60 units Compulsory courses in one of the four different specialisations as well as the number of additional Directed Courses required to complete the 80 or 120 unit program from the Directed Course list.

All students will enrol in at least one course allowing for a Capstone Experience of extended reflection and evaluation of practice. In the General program and the International and Working with Fathers and Men Specialisations, it will be compulsory for students to undertake HLSC6511 Special Project in Family Studies to gain this experience.

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