Explore your study options
Our play therapy courses are ideal for professionals already working with children. You'll undertake placements with experts to gain useful, hands-on experience to apply in the field in an incredibly rewarding career.
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, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Choose a play therapy degree that will make you work ready
At Deakin, you’ll learn through valuable practical experiences, benefitting from our expert staff and partnerships.
Learn from industry experts
Learn from experienced mental health practitioners who are active and pioneering academics in Australian play therapy teaching and research. Graduate in demand and confident of your skills to pursue a rewarding career in play therapy.
Benefit from partnerships
Our staff are involved with key organisations such as the International Play Therapy Study Group and the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations. Their insights, case studies and experiences inform our curriculum.
Growing demand for child play therapists
As mental health issues in children continue to rise parents and healthcare providers are becoming increasingly aware of the value of child play therapy. Put yourself in a strong position to take advantage of this growing field* with a postgraduate qualification.
How to choose the right course for you
If you've completed a relevant undergraduate degree or have professional experience in play therapy, Deakin's postgraduate offerings will help you reach your career goals.
New to play therapy?
If you haven't previously worked or studied in play therapy, you'll need to complete a relevant undergraduate course before moving on to our specialised postgraduate play therapy programs. Browse the undergraduate offerings in some of our other health and education disciplines:
Get an internationally accredited degree
The Master of Child Play Therapy is accredited by the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association and the only course of its kind offered by an Australian university. It is also a recognised pathway to becoming a registered play therapist. Upon graduation, you will have the practical experience and professional recognition needed to apply for registration.
Top professional roles in play therapy
Graduate ready to make an impact on children's lives. Childhood and therapeutic services and consultation roles in healthcare, school settings or private practice include:
- child protection and children's services
- court evaluations of children's needs
- domestic violence support
- family support services.
Study online at the #1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
Deakin's online play therapy degrees are designed to fit your lifestyle and career goals so you can study anytime, anywhere. Join more than 78,000 online students who have already graduated from Deakin.
World-class teaching experiences
We'll help you build your professional skills so you can confidently put them into practice in the workplace. Graduate ready to make a profound impact on the long-term health, wellbeing and happiness of children.
Practical experience
Experience what it’s like to work as a play therapist with 250 hours of clinical placement during the Master of Child Play Therapy. Placements occur in settings such as preschools, childcare centres, primary schools, allied health services, disability services and private practice.
Leading research
Deakin is ranked #1 in Australia for research in child and adolescent psychology.^ Our academic staff can supervise higher degree research students in areas such as play, play therapy, attachment, childhood and development, family and systemic practice, trauma and psychopathology.
Rankings and footnotes
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*2023 Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2023 to May 2028.
^The Australian Research Magazine, 2025
Contact us
Got a question about our play therapy courses? Our expert advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online