Play Therapy

The Bachelor of Play Therapy at Charles Darwin University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become effective play therapists. This innovative course focuses on the therapeutic use of play as a primary method for helping children and young people overcome emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. The program emphasizes understanding child development, psychological theories, and therapeutic techniques to facilitate healing and growth through play interventions. Throughout the coursework, students explore a range of topics including childhood psychology, communication strategies, ethical considerations in therapy, and the use of play therapy modalities such as creative arts, storytelling, and role-play. The curriculum is structured to combine theoretical foundations with hands-on training, often involving supervised practicum placements that enable students to apply their learning in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced professionals. Graduates of the Bachelor of Play Therapy program are prepared to work with children in diverse settings such as schools, community health organizations, private practices, and social services. They develop competencies in assessment, intervention planning, and communication with children and their families. The program also fosters critical thinking and reflective practice skills necessary for ongoing professional development. With a focus on culturally responsive practices, the course prepares students to support children from a variety of backgrounds. Upon completing the degree, graduates can pursue further specialization or certification in play therapy, and are well-positioned to contribute positively to the well-being and development of children in their communities. The program’s goal is to produce compassionate, skilled play therapists who are committed to fostering resilience, confidence, and emotional health in the children they serve.

The Play Therapy program at Charles Darwin University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively utilize play as a therapeutic tool for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. This program emphasizes a practical, experiential approach complemented by theoretical foundations in child development, psychology, and counseling techniques. Throughout the course, students will explore various play therapy models, including directive and non-directive approaches, and learn how to design and implement appropriate play interventions tailored to individual client needs. The curriculum covers key topics such as child communication, trauma-informed care, ethics and professional practice, assessment and evaluation methods, and multicultural considerations in therapy. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical placements, where they observe and participate in therapeutic sessions under the guidance of experienced practitioners. The program also focuses on developing strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and reflective practice to prepare graduates for diverse professional environments. Upon completion, graduates will be qualified to work with children in various settings, including schools, community organizations, and private practices, contributing positively to children’s mental health and well-being. The Play Therapy program at Charles Darwin University is committed to fostering an innovative and supportive learning environment, encouraging ongoing professional development and lifelong learning for its students.

• An approved bachelor degree or equivalent qualification
• Supporting statement the outlines your reasons for studying play therapy
• Criminal History Check: students will need to have cleared a Police Check or Working Together With Children Check before they can tackle some of the duties. Students whose Authorities Check and/or Working With Children Check are not cleared wont have the ability to tackle a number of the duties and won't so have the ability to finish certain prerequisites of the course.

The Charles Darwin University offers various pathways for financing studies in the Play Therapy program, designed to support both domestic and international students. Domestic students may be eligible for Australian Government subsidised places through subsidised programs like the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which significantly reduces the tuition fees for eligible students. Additionally, students can access a range of scholarships and grants offered by the university, aimed at supporting students in financial need or those demonstrating academic excellence. These scholarships are available on both merit and need basis and can cover partial or full tuition fees, living expenses, or study materials.

International students enrolling in the Play Therapy program are typically required to pay full tuition fees, but various financial options are available to assist with these costs. Charles Darwin University offers payment plans allowing students to spread their tuition fees over manageable periods, reducing immediate financial burden. Moreover, students can apply for external scholarships, sponsorships, and government assistance programs from their home countries, which can supplement their funding.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as private loans, financial aid programs, and employer sponsorships if applicable. The university's Student Financial Assistance Service provides comprehensive support and guidance on available financial aid options, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. Furthermore, students are advised to consider additional costs associated with their studies, including textbooks, supplies, accommodation, and living expenses, and to budget accordingly.

Overall, Charles Darwin University aims to make Play Therapy qualification accessible by offering a variety of financial support mechanisms, encouraging students to pursue their career goals without undue financial stress. Detailed information about specific scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines can be obtained directly from the university’s official website or through consultation with the university’s student services.

The Master of Play Therapy at Charles Darwin University is designed to equip practitioners with the specialized skills necessary to facilitate therapeutic play interventions for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. The program emphasizes the integration of play-based techniques grounded in psychological principles, enabling therapists to create a safe and stimulating environment that encourages children to express feelings, resolve issues, and develop coping strategies. Students gain comprehensive knowledge about child development, mental health assessment, and therapeutic methodologies tailored for young clients. The curriculum includes coursework in child psychology, clinical practice, ethics, and communication skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to work effectively with children and their families. Practical components involve supervised clinical placements where students apply their learned skills in real-world settings under professional guidance. The program is suitable for professionals seeking to specialize in child mental health or enhance their existing therapeutic practice with play-based approaches. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to work in various settings such as hospitals, community health centers, educational institutions, and private practice. The program aims to contribute to the development of evidence-based play therapy practices and supports ongoing research into the efficacy of play interventions in promoting children's mental health and well-being. Charles Darwin University’s Master of Play Therapy reflects a commitment to advancing mental health support for children through innovative and compassionate therapeutic methods, preparing students for meaningful careers in this specialized field.