Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health is a completely online course, designed specifically for allied health and social care professionals who wish to increase their specialist knowledge and employment outcomes in mental health.
The course comprises four core units in contemporary mental health research and policy, and has been designed with the input of leading clinical and academic mental health professionals.
Undertaking this course will enhance your clinical capabilities and theoretical knowledge of both current and future mental health practice, for the benefit of mental health consumers, your professional discipline and yourself.
Please note: this course can be completed in accelerated part-time study mode.
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health is a completely online course, designed specifically for allied health and social care professionals who wish to increase their specialist knowledge and employment outcomes in mental health.
The course comprises four core units in contemporary mental health research and policy, and has been designed with the input of leading clinical and academic mental health professionals.
Undertaking this course will enhance your clinical capabilities and theoretical knowledge of both current and future mental health practice, for the benefit of mental health consumers, your professional discipline and yourself.
Please note: this course can be completed in accelerated part-time study mode.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
A Bachelor degree or equivalent in a health, psychology or social science related discipline; OR
A Bachelor degree or equivalent, with evidence of extensive experience in the mental health field, deemed as equivalent to a cognate degree.
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 6.0 |
The course consists of a choice of four units from the following:
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| SCU Online | Summer Term, Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, Term 4, Term 5 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCU Online | Summer Term, Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, Term 4, Term 5 | $13,860 ($3,465 per unit) | N/A |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points).
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose any four of the below units: | |||||
| MHNS5001 | Contemporary Mental Health | ||||
| MHNS5002 | Mental Health Across the Lifespan | ||||
| MHNS6002 | Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings | ||||
| MHNS5003 | Acute Mental Health | ||||
| MHNS5004 | Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts | ||||
| MHNS6004 | Physical Health Care in Mental Health | ||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHNS5001 | Contemporary Mental Health | ||||
| MHNS5002 | Mental Health Across the Lifespan | ||||
| MHNS6002 | Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings | ||||
| MHNS5003 | Acute Mental Health | ||||
| MHNS5004 | Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts | ||||
| MHNS6004 | Physical Health Care in Mental Health | ||||
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Generates/translates novel information or theories, making a substantial contribution to the discipline through scholarly activities. |
Critically appraises the nature and extent of influences (social, political, economic and organizational) to overcome constraints in negotiation of options for clinical interventions. |
Interrogates and challenges the concepts of risk and safety from the basis of consumer centred care considering social protection, legal, moral and ethical principles to balance risk in recovery. |
Exercises expert/enhanced clinical judgement and decision-making and insight in novel situations in specialist mental health disciplines in pursuit of optimal consumer outcomes. |
Consistently demonstrates a high level of autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility in self-directed work and learning. |
Develops and maintains partnerships in care (individually and with groups) with mental health consumers and their families which focuses on the recipient of care, the person’s right to choice and self-determination, and the person’s inherent capacity for recovery. |
Respects individual worldviews and enhances their own critical thinking to lead others in challenging assumptions underpinning worldviews. |
Assessments in this course include written essays, shorter critical reflections and developing holistic consumer-focused care plans based on a well-developed formulation and the best available evidence. Weekly activities, readings and case studies are laid out with step-by-step instructions that are specifically designed to support you toward the successful completion of the assessment tasks.
This course is an ideal pathway to further study such as the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health or the Master of Mental Health.
Graduates with a generic undergraduate degree or allied health degree who are interested in pursuing a mental health-based career may also benefit from having this postgraduate mental health qualification, to expand their knowledge and career options.
Graduates may be eligible for up to four units of credit towards Graduate Diploma of Mental Health or the Master of Mental Health at Southern Cross University.