Learn more about working with children and young people

If you work with children or young people and would like to build on your knowledge and skills, new courses on offer through Southern Cross University could be for you.

Beginning in November this year, the new Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Childhood and Youth Studies courses incorporate the latest research to help those working with young people update and expand their skills.

Professor of Childhood Studies at Southern Cross University, Anne Graham said the qualifications would be useful to professionals from a range of backgrounds.

“These courses have been developed in conjunction with leading national and international experts who bring a wealth of scholarship and practical experience in relation to children and young people, including how they can best be supported to reach their fullest potential,” said Professor Graham.

The courses are underpinned by a deep respect for children and young people, as well as an understanding that they can benefit immensely from positive relationships with adults - including the myriad professionals with whom they may engage over the course of their childhood,” said Professor Graham.

“Students will develop knowledge and skills from a number of disciplines to assist them in their work, which we believe will lead to better services and outcomes for children and young people.

“The skills learned will be applicable in a wide range of contexts and could be useful for case workers, family dispute resolution practitioners, lawyers, teachers, youth workers, health professionals, government policy makers or the police, to name a few.

“We think this diversity of professional interests is an exciting aspect of the course as it will give students the opportunity to network with course participants from various fields including education, law, psychology, health, family services and community development.”

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Childhood and Youth Studies are all offered by distance education with online interaction and guest presentations. Most units involve an optional summer and/or winter intensive workshop, normally held at Byron Bay, when students and lecturers will meet face-to-face. For more information email edpostgrad@scu.edu.au or phone 02 6620 3608.

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