16 months of accelerated part-time study.
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Turn your passion for mental health into a career move with this 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.
This course responds to 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.
Graduates may be eligible for up to eight units of credit towards the Master of Mental Health or the Master of Mental Health Nursing at Southern Cross University.
Turn your passion for mental health into a career move with this 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.
This course responds to 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.
Graduates may be eligible for up to eight units of credit towards the Master of Mental Health or the Master of Mental Health Nursing at Southern Cross University.
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 |
You will study core units in contemporary mental health theory and practice, physical care, common interventions within acute care contexts, in primary mental health and in a range of health care settings.
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 | $27,720 ($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 Diploma of Mental Health, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising all 8 core units.
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising any 4 of the first 6 core units.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core 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 | ||||
| MHNS6004 | Physical Health Care in Mental Health | ||||
| MHNS5004 | Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts | ||||
| Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health after completing any 4 of the above 6 units. | |||||
| PBHL6004 | Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health | ||||
| PBHL5006 | Building a Professional Portfolio | ||||
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 |
|---|
Critically evaluates and integrates models of treatment relevant to the care continuum, to inform co-constructed personalized care strategies which meet the consumer’s life needs as well as health needs. Generates/translates novel information or theories, making a substantial contribution to the discipline through scholarly activities. |
Engages creatively in therapeutic relationships with mental health consumers their families and significant others, which are characterized by co-construction of care and collaborative engagement. Critically appraises the nature and extent of influences (social, political, economic and organizational) to overcome constraints in negotiation of options for clinical interventions. |
Advocates for mental health consumers, challenging discrimination and public discourse, minimising stigma through the use of positive portrayal and working toward social inclusion and independence. 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. Negotiates and executes the role of chosen mental health discipline in a multidisciplinary and multi-professional approach. |
Consistently demonstrates a high level of autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility in self-directed work and learning. Engages in and leads others in collaborative critical reflection on clinical practice and achievement of lifelong learning outcomes. |
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. Consistently and judiciously uses information technology, compelling and authoritative written and verbal communications. |
Respects individual worldviews and enhances their own critical thinking to lead others in challenging assumptions underpinning worldviews. Adjusts clinical practices to incorporate consumer’s cultural perspectives into mental health planning and interventions. |
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 offered one unit at a time, with each unit running for seven weeks. The course is completely online and hence offers flexibility for you to fit your study within other life commitments. Each adult student brings with them valuable knowledge and experience.
Consequently, the online platform and course design encourages you to read or view learning materials and then collaborate, discuss and debate ideas with fellow students and lecturers. Our multi-modal approach delivers content including video, audio and written materials are deigned to extend your mental health practice capabilities.
Graduates who hold registration as a Registered Nurse can use this qualification as part of their application to the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses for credentialed Mental Health Nurse status, the only specialist award for the discipline. The course has received accreditation for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.
Graduates with a generic undergraduate 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.