Career opportunities
Graduates may choose to work in the provision of childhood and therapeutic services and consultation within healthcare, school settings or private practice such as:
- child protection and children's services
- self-employment in private practice
- court evaluations of children's needs
- domestic violence support
- family support services.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, master’s and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Our child play therapy team offer a number of masterclasses and workshops as an introduction to play therapy practice and to meet professional development needs of professionals in education, counselling, clinical and allied health.
Taught by industry experts
Our staff are experienced mental health practitioners and are active as pioneering academics in Australian play therapy teaching and research.
Choosing the right course
If you're interested in a career in this discipline, Deakin can help you get there.
Are you new to this area of study?
If you haven't previously worked or studied in this area, you'll need to complete an undergraduate course before moving on to our specialised postgraduate programs.
Browse the undergraduate offerings in some of our other health and education disciplines:
- Occupational therapy
- Family, society and health
- Allied health
- Health sciences
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Nursing
- Medicine and surgery
- Social work
- Psychology
- Early childhood education
- Primary teaching
- Secondary teaching
Are you working or studying in this area?
If you've completed an undergraduate course or have professional experience in this field, Deakin's postgraduate offering will help you reach your career goals.

Research with us
Our academic staff are able to supervise higher degree research students from Masters to PhD in areas such as play, play therapy, attachment, childhood and development, family and systemic practice, trauma and psychopathology.
Accreditation
Graduates of the Master of Child Play Therapy may apply to become a Registered Child Play Therapist with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA).
Dr Jane Edwards (Course Director) and Dr Judi Parson (Lecturer) discuss Deakin's Master of Child Play Therapy the first postgraduate degree of its kind in Australia. Find out about the entry requirements, what you'll study and how play therapy works.

Deakin's 15% postgraduate bursary
If you're a Deakin alumni commencing a postgraduate course, you may be eligible to receive a 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your spouse and members of your immediate family may also be eligible to apply.
Browse other disciplines within health sciences and allied health
Choose an area that you're interested in and learn how Deakin's extensive range of study options and experiences can help turn your dreams into reality.