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Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Family Therapy) 

N0811

Campus Availability

Study Mode

Study Level

Duration

Intakes Show intake calendar

External Venue

Part-time (day & evening), Part-time (weekend)

Postgraduate

2 years part-time

Feb

Training in family therapy develops systemic thinking and understanding of complex social/relational processes including the emotional impact of social groups and family life on individual mental health and wellbeing. Competency in systemic thinking and practices allows students to contribute to and facilitate change processes in social contexts and has direct applications across a broad range of workplaces and client populations. Case work with families, family-sensitive practise and collaborative partnerships with families in social service, education and mental health service provisions are all underpinned by the ideas and skills of family therapy.
 
Applicants may also be interested in the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Family Therapy) (N0711) or Master of Social Science (Family Therapy) (N0911) program.


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The philosophy underpinning this training program presumes that therapeutic competence is increased when the therapist has a flexible variety of options for the therapeutic context. The systemic emphasis of this training program is complementary to, and is enriched by other therapeutic methodologies, whether intrapsychic or interpersonal, so that other therapeutic approaches are integrated rather than excluded as the student is encouraged to focus on the clinical skills of working with human systems.

This program provides advanced level family therapy skills training, theoretical knowledge in family systems and builds on the students’ existing counselling experience and training. Each student is expected to formulate their own learning plan and during the program will reflect on and articulate their individual development as qualified family therapists or more generalist workers within the family setting.


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The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Family Therapy) totals 100 credit points, comprising ten units of study. Units of study at Stage 1 and two normally carry 12.5 or 6.25 credit points. In each year, 50 credit points (25 credit points each semester) constitutes a part-time load.

All classes are conducted at:

Melbourne
Williams Road Family Therapy Centre 
3 Williams Road 
Windsor VIC 3181 
OR

Geelong        
Barwon Health - Swanston Centre 
Cnr Myers Road and Swanston Street 
Geelong VIC 3220


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Employment in the areas of counselling, psychotherapy, human resources, management, and child, youth and family support services.


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The program content and supervision components comprise the second year in this suite of programs and are designed to meet the educational and training requirements for clinical membership of the Australian Association of Family Therapists. Once students have received their clinical membership of the AAFT they then become eligible, on the basis of this training and supervision, to apply to be on the register of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).


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Graduates are:
  • Capable in their chosen professional areas
  • Able to operate effectively in work and community
  • Adaptable and manage change
  • Aware of environments
  • Entrepreneurial


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Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:  
  • Have an undergraduate degree in the health or social sciences from a recognised Australian university, or equivalent qualifications
  • Have training or experience in counselling psychotherapy for a minimum of one year
  • Normally be working in a setting where they will take case responsibility for families and/or individuals

Applicants without an undergraduate degree who demonstrate other relevant qualifications or training may be admitted to the graduate certificate program. Pending satisfactory completion of the graduate certificate, applicants may apply for articulation into the graduate diploma program.

Selection is made on the basis of the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined by an interview, referee reports, and upon completion of a four-day introductory course to family therapy.


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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm


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The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees


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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/

Closing Date (Round 2): Friday 20 January 2012 for Semester 1 2012 intake.
 
There is no mid-year intake for this program.


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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)


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