Course summary
Do you want to make a difference to the way mental health services are designed, funded and delivered in Australia? This course is designed specifically for allied health and social care professionals who wish to increase their employment outcomes, particularly in mental health leadership and management roles.
This new 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.
Each unit runs for seven weeks with six study periods per year and the course is offered exclusively online.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Study Period |
|---|---|---|
2P
Two years of accelerated part-time study. | SCU Online | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
International snapshot
| Duration | Location | Study Period |
|---|---|---|
2P | SCU Online | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Major areas of study
Core units focus on contemporary mental health theory and practice, physical healthcare needs, evidence-based case formulation and common interventions within acute care contexts, in primary mental health as well contemporary applications of developmental psychology and psychological therapies.
You will also choose an elective from a diverse range of subjects that include leadership, management, human resources and organisational issues in mental health settings.
Learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | 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. |
| Creativity | 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. |
| Ethical practice | 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. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | 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. |
| Lifelong learning | 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. |
| Communication and social skills | 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. |
| Cultural competence | 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. |
Assessment methods
Assessments in this course include written essays, shorter critical reflections and developing holistic consumer focussed care plans based on evidenced based practice. 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.
Teaching methods
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.
Career opportunities
This course offers the opportunity to expand and refresh your current health or social care careers or more easily enter a career in the field of mental health.
| Type | Detail | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course code | 1209130 | ||||
| Course abbreviation | MMH | ||||
| Credit points | 144 | ||||
| Equivalent units | 12 | ||||
| Duration | 2 years part-time Two years of accelerated part-time study. |
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| Availability details |
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| Fees | Fee paying |
| Type | Detail | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course code | 1209130 | ||||||||||||
| Course abbreviation | MMH | ||||||||||||
| Credit points | 144 | ||||||||||||
| Equivalent units | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 2 years part-time | ||||||||||||
| Availability details |
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| Admission Requirements |
Qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree. Refer to the Course Structure tab for specific admission requirements. |
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| English language IELTS |
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Learning Resources
MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.
The Student Learning Zone supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations with a Learning Coach during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Learning Zone. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.
Grammarly Premium is free to all Southern Cross University students. Grammarly is a great tool to help improve your writing in conjunction with the help of Learning Coaches at the Student Learning Zone.
Equipment and facilities
As an online student, you receive individual support. We can help you with academic skills development, including the specific challenges attached to studying online. We provide one-on-one support via email or phone and can connect you with the learning resources you need.
You will also have a personal student services adviser. They are with you for the duration of your degree, and basically help with everything else – they can take you through the application process, help you organise your timetable, and find extra resources or assistance when you need them.
Both of these support services help you successfully complete your degree. We know many of our students are studying while working or raising a family or both, so our support is geared toward helping you enjoy the intellectual challenges of study while enabling you to have the time to enjoy the rest of your life as well.
What you will need
Because the Master of Mental Health is 100% online, you’ll need the technology to ensure you have a seamless study experience. You’ll need:
- a fast, reliable computer – either a PC or a Mac – with the latest operating system
- a fast, reliable internet connection
- the latest version of Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox
- the Blackboard app, which is available as a free download. We can help you with that.
Occasionally, your lecturer may suggest specific software or textbooks for a specific unit. The library will usually have multiple copies of frequently used textbooks.
Visiting Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University has excellent equipment and facilities across all four campuses. As an online student, you have access to the library, sporting facilities, and other student resources – in fact, everything you would if you were an on-campus student. Feel free to explore our campuses online, and if you live or are travelling near Lismore, Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast, or central Sydney, feel free to drop in, explore, and use the facilities.
Course structure
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Table of contents
Admission requirements
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.
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Master of Mental Health, students must complete the equivalent of 12 units (144 credit points), comprising:
- 11 core units (132 credit points), and
- 1 elective unit (12 credit points).
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising the first 8 core units.
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 8 core units.
Schedule of units
This course is available to:
Australian/Domestic students
Where and when do you want to study?
SCU Online
Study Period 1January 2020
Our enrolment advisors can help you move easily through the application process, including advanced standing. Please call us on 1300 854 556 or apply now.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 2March 2020
Our enrolment advisors can help you move easily through the application process, including advanced standing. Please call us on 1300 854 556 or apply now.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 3April 2020
Our enrolment advisors can help you move easily through the application process, including advanced standing. Please call us on 1300 854 556 or apply now.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 4July 2020
Our enrolment advisors can help you move easily through the application process, including advanced standing. Please call us on 1300 854 556 or apply now.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 5August 2020
Our enrolment advisors can help you move easily through the application process, including advanced standing. Please call us on 1300 854 556 or apply now.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 6November 2020
Our enrolment advisors can help you move easily through the application process, including advanced standing. Please call us on 1300 854 556 or apply now.
Apply OnlineInternational students studying online or outside of Australia
Where and when do you want to study?
SCU Online
Study Period 1January 2020
The following international applicants are welcome to apply:
- Applicants residing overseas from Australia, or
- holders of a visitor, work or bridging visa with study entitlements or no limitations of study, apply now.
This course is not CRICOS registered and therefore Education Services for Overseas Students Commonwealth legislation (ESOS) and National Code regulations preclude international applicants who are holders of a Student Visa.
Those who would prefer to study in Australia as an International student and holder of a student visa, please refer to SCU International Study Options for onshore students for further information.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 2March 2020
The following international applicants are welcome to apply:
- Applicants residing overseas from Australia, or
- holders of a visitor, work or bridging visa with study entitlements or no limitations of study, apply now.
This course is not CRICOS registered and therefore Education Services for Overseas Students Commonwealth legislation (ESOS) and National Code regulations preclude international applicants who are holders of a Student Visa.
Those who would prefer to study in Australia as an International student and holder of a student visa, please refer to SCU International Study Options for onshore students for further information.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 3April 2020
The following international applicants are welcome to apply:
- Applicants residing overseas from Australia, or
- holders of a visitor, work or bridging visa with study entitlements or no limitations of study, apply now.
This course is not CRICOS registered and therefore Education Services for Overseas Students Commonwealth legislation (ESOS) and National Code regulations preclude international applicants who are holders of a Student Visa.
Those who would prefer to study in Australia as an International student and holder of a student visa, please refer to SCU International Study Options for onshore students for further information.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 4July 2020
The following international applicants are welcome to apply:
- Applicants residing overseas from Australia, or
- holders of a visitor, work or bridging visa with study entitlements or no limitations of study, apply now.
This course is not CRICOS registered and therefore Education Services for Overseas Students Commonwealth legislation (ESOS) and National Code regulations preclude international applicants who are holders of a Student Visa.
Those who would prefer to study in Australia as an International student and holder of a student visa, please refer to SCU International Study Options for onshore students for further information.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 5August 2020
The following international applicants are welcome to apply:
- Applicants residing overseas from Australia, or
- holders of a visitor, work or bridging visa with study entitlements or no limitations of study, apply now.
This course is not CRICOS registered and therefore Education Services for Overseas Students Commonwealth legislation (ESOS) and National Code regulations preclude international applicants who are holders of a Student Visa.
Those who would prefer to study in Australia as an International student and holder of a student visa, please refer to SCU International Study Options for onshore students for further information.
Apply OnlineStudy Period 6November 2020
The following international applicants are welcome to apply:
- Applicants residing overseas from Australia, or
- holders of a visitor, work or bridging visa with study entitlements or no limitations of study, apply now.
This course is not CRICOS registered and therefore Education Services for Overseas Students Commonwealth legislation (ESOS) and National Code regulations preclude international applicants who are holders of a Student Visa.
Those who would prefer to study in Australia as an International student and holder of a student visa, please refer to SCU International Study Options for onshore students for further information.
Apply OnlineThe information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer
From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'