CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

Course overview

This qualification prepares individuals to work as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners. You will develop the skills to support families experiencing conflict, including those involved in the family law system.

You will learn how to facilitate structured discussions, manage sensitive situations, and assist clients to reach safe and appropriate agreements. This work requires professional judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging cases.

You may work independently or as part of a larger organisation, applying specialised knowledge to support positive outcomes for families. Some roles may also include planning, program management, and contributing to organisational strategies.

This qualification is aligned with the requirements of the Family Law Act 1975 and relevant regulations for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.

To achieve this qualification, you must complete at least 50 hours of work placement in a relevant setting.

Course features

• 10 units in total (6 core + 4 electives)
• 4 terms per year – flexible intakes
• 1 year duration (40 learning weeks + 12 weeks holiday)
• 20 hours/week face‑to‑face plus online and self learning

Entry requirements

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who:

• hold an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Conflict Management, Dispute Resolution, Family Law Mediation or equivalent.

or

• hold accreditation under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS).

or

• hold the Mediation skill (CHCSS00142 Mediation Skill Set) from the Community Services Training Package (CHC).

This includes the following units that can be completed at SMIC at the beginning of the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution course:

or

• can provide documented evidence of previous experience in a dispute resolution environment in a job role involving self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, exercise of independent judgement and decision-making, and a range of technical and other skills.

In addition, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have successfully completed schooling certificate equivalent to the level of the Australian Higher School Certificate
• Intermediate level of computer skills and provide your own laptop and/or tablet that is compatible with Australian power voltage requirements for use in class
• Verified evidence of IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

Career opportunities

• Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
• Family Mediator
• Parenting Coordinator
• Family Relationship Consultant
• Community Justice

What you will study

View units of competency

Core units (6)

Core units of competency

Unit code	Unit of competency
CHCFAM002	Work with a child-focused approach
CHCFAM001	Operate in a family law environment
CHCDFV008	Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work
CHCDSP001	Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context
CHCDSP002	Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution
CHCDSP003	Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution

Elective units (4)

Elective units of competency

Unit code	Unit of competency
CHCCOM005	Communicate and work in health or community services
BSBLDR811	Lead strategic transformation
HLTASEW003	Provide support to clients affected by loss, grief or trauma
CHCDIV002	Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Course fees

View course fees

CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution
Fees in Australian dollars (AUD) · International and domestic students

Enrolment fee Non-refundable

$200

Tuition fee

$16,000

Materials fee

$1,000

Total course fees

$17,200

Other fees may apply. Payment information and other fees · Refund & cancellation · Academic calendar

How to apply

Use the application guide to explore the steps, prepare your checklist and continue to the school’s existing application form. You can also make a general enquiry.