Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health (Karitane)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Deliver evidence-based, family-centred care across diverse clinical settings, blending flexible online learning with practical expertise to promote optimal health outcomes for children and families.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health (Karitane) program provides Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives with the theoretical knowledge and skills to work autonomously and across various clinical settings with children and families.
Graduates of this program will be able to apply advanced nursing concepts and analysis to promote optimal health outcomes for children and families. In this program, you will study: Child and Family Health: Professional Practice and Frameworks; Child and Family Health Practice: Supporting Growth and Development; Clinical Practice: Infant and Child Nutrition and Feeding; Healthy Families and Communities; Partnership in Practice; Perinatal Mental Health; Evidence-Based Health Care; and one elective. Upon completing this program, you may transfer into the Master of Child and Family Health (Karitane).
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires completing 80 credit points for the subjects listed below.
Core subjects
- Child and Family Health: Professional Practice and Frameworks
- Healthy Families and Communities
- Child and Family Health Practice: Supporting Growth and Development
- Clinical Practice: Infant and Child Nutrition and Feeding
- Perinatal, Infant and Child Mental Health
- Evidence-Based Health Care
- Contemporary Issues in Child and Adolescent Health
- Primary Health Care and Its Applications
Entry requirements
- Registered Nurse or Midwife (currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery) or eligibility for the same, or certificate of registration of nursing, within the last five years, in their own country. Any other type of registration (non-practising, limited, or student) is not acceptable for this course.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in Nursing or Midwifery.
This program is not available for admission to onshore international student visa holders.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
English language requirements
Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
Contact the University or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is the recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program can look forward to enhanced professional status and career opportunities in their chosen fields, including:
- Primary settings, including home visiting and centre-based services.
- Secondary level service delivery, including family care centres, sustained home visiting programs and outreach specialist services.
- Tertiary level service delivery, including residential family care facilities.
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means that the Australian Government pays part of the fees towards your program, therefore reducing your tuition fees. The remaining amount that you pay is referred to as your Student Contribution.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per subject you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
