Why study the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health with UTS Online?
Gain experiential learning via clinical placements
Deliver specialised care in child and family health, driving change where it matters most
Study a contemporary curriculum informed by leading industry experts
Accelerated and supported study at a university that’s passionate about your success
Child and family health in focus
Follow your passion while expanding your career opportunities with the UTS Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health. Designed for midwives and nurses who want to gain the fundamental skills needed to progress into child and family focused care and evidence-informed policy.
Gain hands-on experience in a family-centred clinical practice that will set you up for a meaningful career.
Make child and family health the focus of your career and the future.
On completing this course, graduates will demonstrate social and ethical accountability throughout their philosophy and practice. They will be equipped to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary and equitable care by working in partnership with families and caregivers
This course may be used as an entry pathway into the Master of Women's and Children’s Health.
This course is open to nurses and midwives from across Australia. However, due to the specific professional and legislative requirements in Victoria, this course does not meet the criteria set out by the Victorian Government. Therefore, applicants from Victoria who wish to practice as a Child and Family Health practitioner in Victoria are advised not to apply.
Applicants with extenuating circumstances may be assessed on an individual basis.
Who is this course for?
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health is for midwives and nurses looking to:
- Support new caregivers as they transition to parenthood and provide compassionate, evidence-based care in the early childhood setting
- Build upon their existing knowledge to provide high-quality care, service and support to families
- Take their learning to the next level and gain hands-on experience in community-based family health centres with UTS’s leading industry partners
- Transfer their experience into a meaningful career in child and family health
- Complete a postgraduate certification and develop the skills to support and instil confidence in new parents caring for a newborn and/or young children
- Broaden their career opportunities with a rewarding and in-demand career in child and family health
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health comprises four online subjects (24 credit points [CP] in total).
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Foundations of Child and Family Health
- Growth and Development in the Younger Child (the first 1000 days)
- Family and Community Health in Practice
- Growth and Development in the Older Child (the preschool years)
Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide.
Flexible course options
The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health comprises 4 online subjects (24 credit points [CP] in total).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health may be eligible to advance to the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health, requiring only 9* additional subjects to complete the master's degree.
*The number of subjects completed may vary depending on the credit point (CP) value of the subjects elected.
Graduate Certificate
4 Subjects | 8 months
Or continue studying
Master
+9* Subjects | 24 months
Graduate with a Master's degree
For more information, download your course guide or speak with an Student Enrolment Advisor.
Learning outcomes
Establish a philosophy and practice that puts women and children at the heart of health
Reflect on politics, gender, history and tradition to establish a philosophy and practice designed to meet the individual needs of each woman. Build an ability to recognise the influence of gender, how it intersects with other dimensions of diversity and the impact on equitable access to services and personal wellbeing.
Learn how to reflect on current practice, policy and research in women’s and children’s health
Critique the legal and ethical issues in women’s health, specifically pertaining to reproduction and birth, through case studies and reframe these to a woman-centred philosophy. Explore the sociocultural and environmental impacts on children over the past two decades to understand how the unique challenges faced by children impact their health and wellbeing.
Reflect on cultural contexts to provide individualised care
Women of all cultures have individual needs and not all are afforded the same quality of healthcare. In this course you’ll gain an understanding of the diverse needs and expectations of Indigenous Australian women and women from diverse cultural contexts. Learn to critically reflect on these contexts to inform your professional cultural capability to provide individualised and equitable care.
Gain the foundations of contemporary, strengths-focused leadership
Build the strength, confidence and vision to drive change in women’s and children’s health. Model evidence-based practice and respectful care in your practice. Develop the foundational skills to move into a leadership role including effective communication for various healthcare needs, collaboration and responsiveness in healthcare settings.
Course information
Entry requirements
Applicants must demonstrate the following:
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Completed a UTS-recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in nursing or midwifery academic qualification or an equivalent.
AND
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Hold a current registration as a registered nurse or midwife in Australia (AHPRA).
This course is open to nurses and midwives from across Australia. However, due to the specific professional and legislative requirements in Victoria, this course does not meet the criteria set out by the Victorian Government. Therefore, applicants from Victoria who wish to practice as a Child and Family Health practitioner in Victoria are advised not to apply. Applicants with extenuating circumstances may be assessed on an individual basis.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health equips healthcare professionals with the skills to support the wellbeing of children and families. This course focuses on child development, family dynamics and delivering holistic care.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Child and Family Health Nurse
- Community Health Officer (Child and Family Services)
- Early Childhood Health Support Coordinator
- Parenting Support Specialist
$85,000
Average salary
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health can expect an average annual salary of $85,000, based on roles such as Child and Family Health Nurse, Early Childhood Health Support Coordinator and Parenting Support Specialist.
(Talent)
26%
Growth in nursing and midwifery workforce
The nursing and midwifery workforce in Australia grew by 26% between 2013 and 2022, reflecting rising demand in women’s and children’s health.
(AIHW)
15%
of Australia's workforce in health care and social assistance
Health Care and Social Assistance employs 15% of Australia’s workforce, highlighting its critical role in the national employment landscape.
(Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Upcoming intakes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health has 3 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes, with the next intake highlighted below.
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Jan
2025 -
Mar
2025 -
May
2025 -
Jun
2025 -
Aug
2025 -
Oct
2025
Meet our Course Director
"Child and Family Health practice is a primary health care specialty that works with children, families and communities as well as other professionals and services, to support the health and wellbeing of children and their families. As a Child and Family Health Practitioner, you will provide care and guidance that directly impacts families and supports a child to thrive."
Dr Vanessa Scarf
Course Director, Master of Women's and Children's Health
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“Knowing that I've got the research behind me through the Master's course is going to give me a lot more confidence when I step into a room where decisions need to be made.”
Joel G, UTS Online Student
“Participating in the course has given me more opportunities at my workplace and has led to me being offered a new role. I absolutely love the flexibility of learning online. Being able to join evening classes; really adaptable to my lifestyle”
Kim M, UTS Online Student
“The flexibility to be able to do it any time, anywhere, just made completing the Masters so much easier.”
Bianca N, UTS Online Student
“I'm really impressed by how the course was structured and the way that I could connect with my peers. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to connect what I was learning, all of the theory to my professional world.”
Sonia D, UTS Online Student
“To be able to connect with these industry experts and also so many different students from so many different industries really allowed you to get stuck in and just explore what else is out there.”
Lauren S, UTS Online Student
Frequently asked questions
Yes, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health, you have the opportunity to progress to the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health. This pathway allows you to further enhance your expertise and career prospects in the field.
Due to specific professional and legislative requirements in Victoria, the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health at UTS Online does not meet the criteria set out by the Victorian Government. Therefore, it is not available to applicants residing in Victoria.
Assignments in our subjects are authentic, relevant and often grounded in your personal clinical context. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to clinical reports, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will not be required to complete exams or group assignments to graduate the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health.
When you enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health at UTS Online, you’ll benefit from an intuitive and flexible online platform. Highlights include:
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Interactive tools focused on family-centred care and child health
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Flexible schedules to balance study with your clinical work
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Access to resources like video tutorials, practical tools, and peer collaboration
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
For practical tips on balancing your studies with work and life, click here to learn how to achieve your goals. Remember, our team is just an email or call away to support you every step of the way.
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