Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This graduate diploma emphasises theory and applied clinical practice in family and systemic therapy. Core study areas typically include systemic theory and models of family therapy; assessment and formulation with families, couples and children; evidence‑based intervention techniques (including brief and extended formats); ethics, professional issues and cultural competence in systemic practice; and research literacy for informing clinical decision making.

Typical modules and topics you can expect:

• Foundations of Family and Systemic Therapy – major systemic models, history and key concepts.
• Clinical Assessment and Formulation – structural, narrative and relational assessment approaches; working with risk and safety.
• Intervention Skills – therapeutic techniques for couples, multi‑family groups and child‑focused work; brief and long‑term interventions.
• Working with Complex Presentations – trauma, substance use, mental illness, parental conflict and child protection contexts.
• Professional Practice and Ethics – legal responsibilities, confidentiality, record keeping and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Practicum / Clinical Placement – supervised clinical hours in community, health or private settings with reflective supervision and skills development.
• Research and Evaluation – applied research methods relevant to clinical practice and service evaluation.

The programme is delivered through a combination of workshops/lectures, small‑group practice labs, filmed demonstrations, clinical supervision and an assessed practicum. Assessment commonly includes case formulations, recorded or live clinical demonstrations, reflective practice journals and assignments applying research to practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as psychology, social work, counselling, nursing, occupational therapy or another allied health area. Equivalent professional experience may be considered for some applicants. Prior clinical experience in mental health, community services or allied health is highly regarded.

Other common admission conditions include:

• Evidence of academic competence (transcripts from prior study).
• A curriculum vitae outlining relevant clinical or community experience.
• Personal statement or interview to assess motivations and suitability for clinical work with families.
• Requirements for professional clearances such as police checks or working with children checks where practicum placements are involved.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, meeting the university's English language proficiency standard.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles delivering systemic and family‑focused interventions across a range of settings. Common career paths include positions as family and systemic therapists in community health centres, mental health services, child and family welfare organisations, schools and private practice. Graduates also work in multidisciplinary hospital teams, child protection and family dispute resolution services, and in organisational or community development roles that require relational and systemic skills.

The qualification can also serve as a stepping stone to further professional accreditation or postgraduate study for those seeking to become registered family therapists or to advance into clinical leadership, supervision or academic work.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University has a strong emphasis on health, wellbeing and professional practice across its courses, with connections to community and clinical placement providers that support hands‑on learning. The university places a particular focus on ethical, culturally responsive practice and working with diverse populations, including initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Students benefit from experienced academic staff who combine clinical backgrounds in family and systemic therapy with research and teaching, structured clinical supervision during practicum, and learning environments designed to build practical skills for real‑world practice.