Graduate Diploma in Maternal, Child and Family Health

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

1 year(s) full-time

Program code

GDMCF

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$44,500

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115869B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution in nursing, midwifery or allied/professional health related field; OR
A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Graduate Diploma in Maternal, Child and Family Health?

Nurture healthier families.

Family-focused care can impact the health of generations to come. By helping adults and families raise healthier babies, you can influence the healthy development of individuals and their families across their entire lifespan.

Studying maternal, child and family health will prepare you to meet the complex, changing needs of modern Australian families. Choose from electives that match your career goals across both nursing and midwifery disciplines. Expand the scope of your clinical practice with advanced skills in collaboration and advocacy. Understand the frameworks that shape existing policies and programs, and how you can influence and improve them to create healthier Australians.

Overview

Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Maternal, Child and Family Health will equip you with skills to nurture healthier Australian families.

This customisable qualification offers you a choice of electives, all focusing on the health of the mother, child and family. Covering both the nursing and midwifery disciplines, you’ll study topics that integrate into your everyday practice and advance your skills into areas of clinical need.

Expand your perspective of the areas that impact family care and learn ways to address them. Understand how family health can be influenced by domestic violence, disability and chronic disease, culture and geographic location. Learn practical skills and strategies to provide care, including communication, ethical and legal requirements and more.

Fit study around your work and life with online and part-time study options. Engage in workshops and learn from your fellow nurses and midwives.

You’ll graduate with the skills to provide better, more individualised care, and the perspective to improve policies and practices for mothers, children and families.

Key features

Expand your registered nurse and midwife skills into the specialised area of maternal, child and family care.
Choose from electives enhancing your scope of practice including prescribing medicines, reproductive health, and culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Deepen your understanding of the social, legal, moral, socio-economic and political frameworks that inform current models of care.
Use this program to fast-track a higher qualification such as a master degree.
Learn skills that you can apply in your current workplace, and work on a project addressing a specific issue relevant to your role.
Graduate confident to step into advanced leadership roles and advocate for all kinds of families.

What you'll learn

The Graduate Diploma in Maternal, Child and Family Health is a flexible program available for part-time or full-time study.

Choose from a variety of nursing and midwifery programs that will provide an advanced scope of practice and lead to areas of specialised future employment.

Start with theory that covers maternal, child and family health, including the historical and contemporary trends that affect this group. You’ll also learn the existing policies, programs and interventions in place in Australian healthcare, and how they inform your existing practice.

Choose from topics that interest you, including:

Women’s sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan, including common and chronic conditions like endometriosis, fertility management and safer sex
Advanced understanding of lactation and breastfeeding, including the biology of breastfeeding, addressing complications and emotional support to help new mothers
Pharmacology and prescribing, including better understanding the role of medicines in primary healthcare and how to safely prescribe them
Mental health, including support and interventions for groups with unique needs, including perinatal and adolescent health
Aboriginal healthcare, including learning culturally safe care built upon the pillars of relationship, respect and opportunity
Leadership and management, including how to influence workplace culture in the Australian healthcare system.

What courses you'll study

Complete 48 units comprising:

12 units for all Core courses, and
36 units for Electives

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Maternal, Child and Family Health	Course code NURS5109	Units 12

Complete 36 units comprising:

36 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health	Course code NURS5107	Units 12
Course name Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health	Course code NURS5110	Units 6
Course name Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding	Course code NURS5108	Units 6
Course name Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice	Course code NURS5105	Units 6
Course name Prescribing for clinicians	Course code NURS5103	Units 6
Course name Perinatal Mental Health	Course code NURS5104	Units 12
Course name Adolescent Mental Health	Course code NURS5011	Units 12
Course name Leadership and Management in Health	Course code NURS5114	Units 12

Career outcomes

Registered nurses and midwives are the backbone of Australian healthcare. By advancing your scope of practice in the vital area of family health, you’ll meet critical gaps and work in collaboration with individuals, families and communities to make a positive impact on mothers and babies.

You could work in career roles such as:

Child and family health nurse
School health nurse
Case coordinator
Clinical nurse specialist
Health promotion nurse
Community health nurse
Nurse research assistant.

You may find yourself working in hospitals as a lactation consultant, helping women and their babies develop healthier bonds. You could advocate for children in the school system and work with their families to meet their needs using multiple methods, including medication. Or perhaps you’ll work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on country to provide culturally safe care during a vulnerable and rewarding time of a pregnant person’s life.

Industry trends

Family and early childhood care are part of the social influences of health – their healthy functioning sets the course for every stage of life (Department of Health, 2021). In addition, qualified nurses are in demand across Australia, with specific need for workers in key areas like primary care and mental health care up to 2035 (Department of Health, 2023).

By studying family care, you’ll directly support to the healthier functioning of Australians and meet some of these critical gaps. At Adelaide University you can choose to study electives that will let you focus on areas that matter to you that meet the needs of specific communities.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: