Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma in Child, Family and Community Nursing

The Graduate Diploma in Child, Family and Community Nursing is a one-year full-time or part-time equivalent course that prepares students for a broad community approach to nursing children and families.

Overview

• Award: Graduate Diploma in Child, Family and Community Nursing
• Start dates: Semester 1 (March 2026), Semester 2 (July 2026)
• Duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal
• Scholarships: Available
• Fees: $29,000 per 120 credit points (note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year)
• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available, with an indicative CSP price of $4,746 per 120 credit points

About the Course

La Trobe's Graduate Diploma in Child, Family and Community Nursing prepares students for a broad community approach to nursing children and families, particularly those in the prenatal to school-entry stage of their life cycle. The course involves studying community child health, including the nurturing care of mothers, children, and families throughout the childbearing years. Students explore the practice of nursing, midwifery research, Indigenous health, perinatal health, and the care of families facing adversity. Graduates are ready to apply an evidence-based approach to practice, communicate effectively, critically analyze, and apply principles for optimal health outcomes.

Entry Requirements and Pathways

Academic Entry Requirement

• Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent)
• Students must have secured access to placement in Maternal and Child Health service/s for the duration of their course, with written confirmation from that service provider
• Specialization - compulsory: Both nursing and midwifery
• Applicants must hold current registration with AHPRA as both a Registered Nurse and a Midwife
• Applicants must also have at least 12 months recent experience in both Nursing and Midwifery (a total of two years)

Core Participation Requirements

Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes, and behaviors that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in the course. These requirements are provided for information and are not entry requirements.

What You'll Study

Sample Course Structure

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Child, Family and Community Nursing, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 1 year, including:

• 90 credit points from Core subjects
• 30 credit points from chosen Electives

Core Subjects

• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE (LTU0AIM)
• COMMUNITY CHILD HEALTH (NSM4CCH)
• NURTURING CHILD AND FAMILY (NSM5CAF)
• COMPLEX CARE IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NURSING (NSM5COM)
• MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PRACTICE (NSM4MCH)

Elective Subjects

A range of standalone elective subjects is available, including:

• FIRST NATIONS PERINATAL HEALTH (NSM4IPH)
• RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE IN MIDWIFERY (NSM4REM)
• RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS (NSM5RFN)
• RESEARCH IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY (NSM5RES)

Course and Career Outcomes

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Critically examine the principles of child and family health nursing according to relevant legislation, professional standards, and program guidelines
• Plan, implement, and evaluate child, family, and community nursing using an evidence-based approach to address complex family concerns
• Critically apply culturally inclusive, family-centered practices to achieve optimal health and development outcomes for children and families
• Develop knowledge and skills in telehealth and artificial intelligence to support primary health care and community-based nursing practice
• Communicate effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this course, students will be well-placed to find work within the specialized area of child, family, and community nursing, as a Maternal and Child Health nurse.

Fees and Scholarships

Estimated Course Fees for Domestic Postgraduate Students

• Estimated fees per year (2026): $29,000 per 120 credit points
• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available, with an indicative CSP price of $4,746 per 120 credit points

Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for domestic students, including the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nursing Scholarships Program, La Trobe Greater China Digital Health Scholarship, and more.

How to Apply

The application process can vary depending on the course. Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes to apply for. Students can apply for up to two postgraduate courses and should list them in order of preference.