Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy and Community Work

The Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy and Community Work is a postgraduate specialist qualification for professionals interested in enhancing their clinical and practice skills.

The degree is delivered as a joint initiative of the Department of Social Work (The University of Melbourne) and The Dulwich Centre, Adelaide.

The Dulwich Centre is the international centre for narrative therapy training, established by the internationally renowned social worker and narrative therapist, Michael White, in 1984.

The Graduate Certificate is a 50 credit point degree, comprised of two coursework subjects.Narrative approaches to therapy and community work are used by social workers, psychologists, community development workers, nurses, teachers, doctors, and other health professionals in a wide range of practice settings.

The degree prepares graduates for working with narrative approaches with individuals, families and communities, particularly in the areas of trauma and recovery.

Course structure

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, or equivalent;
• two years of documented, relevant work experience;
• prior narrative therapy studies at Dulwich Centre, or equivalent;
• statement of up to 500 words; and
• nomination of a professional referee.

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance;
• work experience;
• personal statement;
• professional reference.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providingsupport to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

• Provides graduates with the theoretical and advanced skill base for working with narrative approaches with individuals, families and communities across the life course, particularly in the areas of trauma and recovery.
• Prepares graduates for narrative practice in diverse cultural contexts.
• Introduces the specific theories and advanced skills of narrative therapy.
• Engages students in critical reflection of their own practice development.