This course is designed for professionals working with families experiencing high conflict or significant disruption brought about by the presence of family violence or abuse, separation and/or divorce and other transitions such as a move to single parent status.  The course focuses on, and will qualify graduates to work in, family relationship centres, non-government family services organisations, the family courts, other government agencies providing services for families and associated workplaces.  Skills taught will include those involved in assessing families, referral and protection, working with children who are experiencing significant family disruption, and therapeutic and dispute settlement approaches.  Students will gain knowledge of family issues, the effects of grief and loss on family members and family function and dysfunction.  Students will gain knowledge of family mediation and working with families who are involved in the court system.

Applicants for the Master of Family Practice require either:

• a 3 year degree in Psychology or a related field, for example: Social Work, Youth Work, Education, Children's Studies, Family Law and should have a minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience; or
• 5 years relevant professional experience at a level that provides equivalence to a relevant 3 year degree.  (Please consult with the Course Coordinator).

Applicants who hold a Graduate Certificate of Family Practice or a Graduate Diploma of Family Practice may apply for advanced standing in the Master of Family Practice.

The course comprises 180 credit points and is offered on the basis of 1.5 years full time or 3 years part time.  It consists of 12 core units (eight at 15 credit points, 2 at 12.5 credit points, 1 at 25 credit points and 1 at 10 credit points).  The Master of Family Practice subsumes the Graduate Diploma of Family Practice (120 credit points) which in turn subsumes the Graduate Certificate of Family Practice (60 credit points).