Learn from academics who are pioneers in the field
Develop specialised skills in working with children
Flexible study on our premium online learning platform
Key facts
Duration
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
With a Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play, you can get an introduction to the therapeutic powers of play while building specialised skills that allow you to work more effectively with children.
Love working with children and want a deeper understanding of the way they think, behave and feel?
The Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play is a dynamic and enriching program tailored for professionals who work closely with children in a variety of settings, from healthcare to education. Whether you are a health professional, educator, or an allied health worker, this course offers invaluable insights into the therapeutic potential of play and how these principles can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing work with children. Play is not only a natural part of childhood but also an essential tool for promoting healthy development and emotional well-being in children, and this course is designed to harness these benefits.
Gain a deeper understanding of profound role that play holds in the psychosocial, emotional, and behavioural development of children, and examine child development from a range of angles, gaining a deep understanding of how children grow and develop across different stages.
You will also explore childhood neuroscience and psychopathology, providing you with a strong foundation in understanding the neurological and psychological processes that underpin behaviour and development. Topics such as developmental trauma offer insight into how adverse experiences in early life can affect a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. You will also investigate neurodevelopmental differences, including conditions such as autism, and how these may impact a child’s capacity to engage with their environment, peers, and educators.
You will learn evidence-based methods for implementing therapeutic play into your work with children to help address the challenges that they may face, from emotional regulation to social skills development. This ensures that you can immediately apply what you learn, making a tangible difference in the lives of the children you work with.
Learn from leaders in the field. At Deakin, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field of therapeutic play, many of whom are actively involved in groundbreaking research and contribute to key Australian and international play therapy organisations. Staff are engaged with global institutions such as the International Play Therapy Study Group (IPTSG) and the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise into the classroom.
The insights, case studies, and research contributions from these leading academics are woven into the course, enriching your learning experience. This access to high-level expertise provides you with a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of therapeutic child play, guided by those at the forefront of the field.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H505
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Trimester 1
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units.
Mandatory student checks
Mandatory student checks are not required for students undertaking the Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play.
Workload
As a student undertaking an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to participate in a range of learning activities each week. You will spend 11-13 hours per unit (i.e., per 1-credit point unit) each week engaging in a combination of self-paced study, seminars, online interactions and assessment tasks during the trimester teaching period. In some instances, assessment tasks may also take place outside of the trimester teaching periods. All units are designed to be self-paced so that you can work through the material at a time that suits. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information on each unit.
Work experience
There are no work experience or placement requirements for students undertaking the Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play. Students who progress to undertake the Master of Child Play Therapy must undertake placement units as part of this degree.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
Students may be eligible to apply for credit for this course.
Pathways for credit are available for this course.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play (4 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to other postgraduate coursework programs.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play is particularly valuable for those already working closely with children, including teachers, counsellors, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, speech pathologists and mental health professionals. The course also provides significant benefits for parents and caregivers who want to be better equipped for the complex and everyday challenges of children’s development.
The skills you learn will allow you to perform your current role more effectively, and will also open the door to more advanced roles within your profession.
Please note that the Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play does not equip you as a Play Therapist. If you are aspiring to become a Registered Play Therapist, you may wish to apply (subject to meeting the entry requirements) for the Master of Child Play Therapy.
Professional recognition
Please note that the Graduate Certificate of Therapeutic Child Play does not equip you as a Play Therapist. Students who complete the Certificate may apply the knowledge and skills learned to their primary discipline and/or current work with children and families. Students seeking training and registration as a Play Therapist should complete the Master of Child Play Therapy which requires a minimum of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and minimum two years of relevant work experience.
Note: All information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the date of publication. Enquiries regarding accreditation and professional membership should be directed to the School of Health and Social Development in order to ascertain the current status of accreditation at any future point in time beyond publication. Representations about accreditation apply only to the course, and the relevant professional body retains discretion as to who they admit as members of their association. Deakin University cannot exercise any control over membership of an external body.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply specialised theory and practical knowledge associated with child development, measurement of play ability and the impact of life events such as trauma on children’s development in the context of therapeutic child play. |
| Communication | Demonstrate the verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to work with children and their carers appropriate to therapeutic child play to a variety of audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Use appropriate technologies to find, use and disseminate discipline-specific information to a variety of audiences. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate and synthesise concepts and theories in therapeutic child play. |
| Problem solving | Apply knowledge and skills to measure and assess children to determine the need for therapeutic intervention and refer to a Child Play Therapist or other Practitioner to solve a range of problems. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate personal autonomy and professional judgement in the field of therapeutic child play showing responsibility and accountability, in conjunction with reflective and ethical practice. |
| Teamwork | Establish and maintain collaborative professional relationships, demonstrating responsibility and accountability to the child, family and carers. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate professional and ethical practice and respect for diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts that may impact children and families. |
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