Applications for 2025 open in August
There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Apply now to secure your place at La Trobe.
Entry requirements and pathways
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).
Specialisation (recommended): Counselling, health or welfare.
Selection criteria
You do not have to be employed in a specific counselling or therapy role to apply but you do need to have some working relationship with at least two families on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy, students must complete a total of 60 credit points across 1 year.
Year 1 requires the completion of 60 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS OF FAMILY AND SYSTEMIC PRACTICE | FTH4002 | 1 | 30 |
| FOUNDATIONS OF FAMILY AND SYSTEMIC PRACTICE | FTH4001 | 1 | 30 |
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Online
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Analyse the principles of "Systemic" theory and their application to family work.
- Evaluate family therapy practice across a variety of contexts requiring involvement with families.
- Integrate clinical assessments into case plans ethically and appropriate to specific needs.
- Reflect critically on clinical practice and professional development to assure quality and continuous improvement.
- Communicate ideas and knowledge of family therapy to clients, colleagues and the broader system to improve clinical and organisational outcomes.
Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy career opportunities
Graduates may find work supporting families in the public and private sectors in family violence, disability, drugs and alcohol, residential care and mental health. Those already employed in these areas may find increased opportunities to extend and enhance their work with families and other systems.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy is accredited by the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy may apply for General membership with the AAFT. Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details. See https://www.aaft.asn.au/
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$12,000 full course duration (per 60 credit points).
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.
Indicative CSP price $8,162 per 60 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
La Trobe Excellence Scholarships - Domestic Students
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future postgraduate coursework, Australian Citizen
Duration of Course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
The application process can vary depending on the course.
Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes.
You can apply for up to eight postgraduate courses. Please list these in order of your preference. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an offer for your highest preference. If you change your mind, you can change your preferences through the application portal.
Check when course applications close
If you’ve undertaken study in the past, you may be able to get credit toward your new postgraduate degree. This is called ‘advanced standing’.
Once you’ve enrolled in your course, you can apply for advanced standing by lodging an advanced standing application form.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in Digital Health
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
City, Online
COURSE
Master of Advanced Professional Psychology
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Master of Art Therapy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Clinical Psychology
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Counselling, Rehabilitation and Mental Health
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE
Master of Digital Health
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Health Administration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Health Information Management
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Master of Occupational Health and Safety
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Public Health
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE
Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration
2.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent2.5 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Health Information Management
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Health Sciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Psychological Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Diploma in Health Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Diploma in Health Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025) |
| Duration | 1 year part-time |
| Available locations | Other, Online |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees $12,000 full course duration (per 60 credit points).Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available. Indicative CSP price $8,162 per 60 credit points. Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
About the Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy
This course is ideal if you would like to enhance your skills in dealing professionally with families - in education, nursing, welfare, family support, child protection, disability, drugs and alcohol, residential care and mental health. You'll be encouraged to relate theory and practice to your own work settings.
We offer a basic grounding in family therapy theory as well as experiential work in small groups. Graduates may be eligible to progress to the Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy level within the Master of Clinical Family Therapy.
This course is delivered in partnership with The Bouverie Centre in Brunswick. For more information please see the above entry requirements link, the handbook link below and/or contact The Bouverie Centre at bouverie.academic@latrobe.edu.au.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Certificate.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in Digital Health
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
City, Online
COURSE
Master of Advanced Professional Psychology
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Master of Art Therapy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Clinical Psychology
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Counselling, Rehabilitation and Mental Health
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE
Master of Digital Health
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Health Administration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Health Information Management
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Master of Occupational Health and Safety
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Master of Public Health
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE
Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration
2.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent2.5 years full-time
City, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Health Information Management
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Health Sciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Psychological Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Online
COURSE | StudyFlex
Diploma in Health Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Diploma in Health Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)