RMIT University
Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Earn a recognised qualification in responding to and preventing family violence, leading to a career that creates meaningful change in individuals' and families' lives.
Course overview
The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence is designed to prepare both new graduates and current practitioners for a fulfilling career in the domestic and family violence sector.
Individuals in fields such as community services, health, youth and social work, education, alcohol and drug services, family services, mental health, housing and homelessness, local and state government, criminal justice, criminology and psychology will greatly benefit from the practical and evidence-based curriculum of this graduate certificate.
Instructors include leading academics and professionals in the field, who will help you acquire essential knowledge and practical skills in areas such as family violence client intake, risk assessment, casework and understanding the national policy context alongside evidence-based practices.
Upon completing this course, you will be well-prepared for employment in both responding to family violence and preventing violence against women. Recent graduates have found roles in family violence specialist services, including various Orange Door intake services, refuge and family violence case management and positions in allied community services.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete the following four courses:
- Sex, Gender and Justice
- Responding to Family Violence: In Justice and Community Settings
- Preventing Violence Against Women
- Specialist Family Violence Case Coordination and Management
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
You must have one of the following:
- Successfully completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.
- Undertaken significant work experience or professional practice.
As a guide, significant work experience would generally be a minimum of five years of professional work experience in Australian domestic and/or family violence services or an allied human and/or community services sector.
If you have completed a Diploma of Community Services, a minimum of two years of professional work experience in Australian domestic and/or family violence services or an allied human and/or community services sector will be considered.
To have your professional experience considered, you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience. If you also hold a Diploma of Community Services, you must submit evidence of your qualification.
English language requirements
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed in a manner consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Find out if you might be eligible by contacting the university.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- As a graduate, you will develop the following program learning outcomes.
- Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on theories, principles and recent developments in responding to and preventing domestic and family violence.
- Apply logic, creativity and problem-solving towards the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental dimensions of domestic and family violence.
- Communicate effectively and professionally using a range of modes and genres suitable for stakeholders, including women, children, families, bystanders, statutory agencies, government and other professionals.
- Develop appropriate ethical responses to contemporary social and policy issues relevant to domestic and family violence problems.
- Apply reflective practice and case management skills in assessing domestic and family violence situations, while demonstrating social and cultural sensitivity.
- Design and conduct respectful and inclusive professional practice and scholarly projects related to responding to and preventing domestic and family violence.
Career outcomes
After successful completion of this graduate certificate, your career prospects include roles in:
- Family violence intake, response and/or case management
- Preventing violence against women
- Family violence policy, advocacy and/or research
- Management
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative total fee in 2026: $14,880 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Additional expenses:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): $365 maximum fee for 2026.
- Other items related to your program include field trips, textbooks and equipment.
The amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis. These fees should only be used as a guide.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
