Sections
Overview
Subsections

Why study Mental Health with SCU Online?

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Gain immediately implementable skills

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Course material is current and comprehensive

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Become a well-rounded mental health care provider 

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Learn from clinically experienced mental health academics 

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Dedicated, one-on-one support

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Flexible online learning environment

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Affordable fees, FEE-HELP available

Download a course guide

With more detailed information specific to your course and field of study, including:

  • Full course information and entry requirements
  • Tips for online study success
  • Career opportunities and salaries information
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Quick facts

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Duration

8 months part-time*

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Study mode

100% online

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Intakes

Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct

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Units

4

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Fees

$2,658 per unit, FEE-HELP available

*completion time dependent on individual study path and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.

Enhance mental health care capabilities

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health is for allied health and social care professionals who want to increase their specialist knowledge and employment outcomes in the field of mental health.

Developed with the latest industry standards in mind, it will prepare you to work within a range of health settings and disciplines. You will access current and clinically relevant, evidence-based knowledge and learn from leading and clinically active mental health academics from the internationally recognised School of Health and Human Sciences.

A counselling session in progress with two women sitting and talking and three people sit behind them talking in a group.
Learning outcomes
Subsections
mental health icon

Holistic mental health treatment

Lay the foundation with skills and knowledge needed to be a well-rounded mental health professional. 

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Contemporary mental health focus

Learn from clinically active academics and gain a contemporary understanding of emerging trends in mental health care. 

hospital icon

Develop an evidence-based practice

Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or hospital setting. 

What you will study

The units in the online postgraduate courses in mental health have been designed to develop the skills required to effectively respond to challenges across a diverse range of mental health fields. You will learn to enhance your own practice, with the most up-to-date and clinically relevant knowledge embedded throughout the coursework. To gain your Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, you will study 4 core units. You can choose which units you will study from the list below.

This unit will expose you to critical exploration and practical application of the core contexts of mental health within the Australian healthcare system. 

Read more

This unit emphasises the life stage and bio-psycho-social contexts specifically related to providing effective engagement and interventions with children, adolescents and older persons. 

Read more

This unit explores the experiences of people with complex mental health presentations, co-morbidity and risk behaviours. 

Read more 

Develop a deeper knowledge of psychological approaches and models of understanding that influence a consumer taking constructive change that supports recovery. 

Read more 

Enhance understanding and capability of mental health to ensure patient physical health needs are being addressed within holistic mental health assessment, diagnosis and interventions.

Read more

This unit explores the varied roles of a mental health professional in the 21st century. 

Read more

Pathway to Masters

Upon finishing your Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, if you want to continue studying, you can apply for the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health or Master of Mental Health and receive advanced standing towards the units you have already completed. 

Graduate Certificate
4 Units

Or continue studying 

Graduate Diploma
+ 4 Units

Or continue studying

Masters Degree
+ 4 Units

A typical study period at SCU Online
Typical study period timeline

Next study period

October
2024

Applications close in

22 days

Speak to an Enrolment Advisor to find out more.

Our study periods: Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct

Late applications may be considered under special circumstances up until the start of O'Week. For more information please speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.

Entry requirements
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To qualify for entry into the Graduate Certificate, all applicants must:

  • Have successfully completed a minimum three (3) year Bachelor qualification, or equivalent, in health, psychology or social science-related discipline, and;
  • Be proficient in English.


If you are a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing. Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.

We may recognise and grant credit for past education, qualifications and/or work experience in a process called advanced standing. If you're eligible for advanced standing, this can impact the number of units you need to study, reducing the time and cost of your overall degree. 

Find out more about applying for advanced standing. 

Ready to take the next step in your career? It's your time.

At Southern Cross University Online, we've helped thousands of people with real lives and real ambition to realise their goals and dreams by supporting them every step of the way.
     
We provide affordable courses, flexible learning and excellent student support, so you can achieve the impossible and make the most out of your time. 
     
It’s time to put yourself first. Follow your ambition. 

When you study online with SCU, you're not on your own. We're connected, together. 

Our teachers, academics and education designers have built these courses for people like you. Before commencing study, your dedicated Student Success Advisor will be in touch by phone, email or chat to help you plan your schedule. As you work towards your dream of achieving your degree, your advisor works like an extra pair of eyes and ears with support, advice and motivation throughout your study journey. 

 

scu ssa at his desk.

Our Accreditations & Endorsements

Australian Qualifications Framework logo

Our online programs meet all of the AQF guidelines, ensuring quality education.

Good Universities Guide Logo

5-STAR Rating for Full-Time Employment, Overall Experience, Student Support, Learning Resources, Teaching Quality and Skills Development.

The World Universities Rankings logo

Southern Cross University is one of the world's Top 100 Young Universities.

Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching logo

Our postgraduate student support and satisfaction both above the national average.

What our students say
Subsections
Increase in knowledge and confidence
Master of Mental Health Nursing student
  • The graduates reported an increase in confidence and knowledge after completing the course, which led to a change in their views and attitudes towards service users. They appreciated the examination of psychotherapies and motivational interviewing, and applied their newly acquired skills and knowledge in their practice. The course was found to have improved their clinical practice.
  • Most respondents reported that the content of the course drew their attention, appeared professional and had a critical focus.
  • One remarked that they had a passion for mental health, and this course appeared to offer the opportunity to expand their personal knowledge of mental health care.
Victoria - MMH - testimonial
Master of Mental Health student Victoria.

Make time and do (this course). It is worth it and will help save the lives of those struggling. To be fully equipped is worth it and the patients will trust you more with their lives to recover from a relapse.

Victoria Koriaty

Online Graduate Diploma in Mental Health

Donna - MHL - testimonial
MHL graduate Donna.

As a mother of two children, and working as a Clinical Coordinator at St Vincent's Private Hospital, studying a MHL at SCU Online has provided flexibility for study time, family life and work committments.

Donna Kelly

Master of Healthcare Leadership Graduate and Clinical Coordinator at St Vincents Private Hospital

What our students do

Our students work in a variety of mental health roles across Australia in both public and private healthcare. The study builds your capabilities to provide appropriate mental health care and will set you up to work in a range of community and healthcare settings. Below are some of the roles our mental health master's students work in. 

  • Social Worker
  • Child Protection Officer
  • Counsellor
  • Occupational Therapist (Mental Health Clinician)
  • Registered Social Worker
  • Government Assessor

 

  • Art Therapist
  • Case Manager
  • Mental Health Worker
Course Coordinator
Subsections

Meet our Course Coordinator

Dr Richard Lakeman is the course coordinator for the Master of Mental Health and Master of Mental Health Nursing programmes, and a Associate Professor at Southern Cross University’s Internationally recognised School of Health and Human Sciences. He has 30 years’ experience working in the mental health field as a mental health nurse, psychotherapist, researcher and teacher in New Zealand, Ireland and Australia.

Clinically he has focused on working with people with complex mental health needs. He has worked as a senior clinician in acute care settings, a mobile Intensive Treatment Team, managed a homeless out-reach service, worked in an Emergency Department, as a nurse navigator and in private practice. He has a wide-range of research interests in mental health and has published extensively on a range of topics including vicarious trauma, suicide, mental health recovery, hearing voices and other extraordinary experience and has a particular interest in psychotherapy for people with complex needs.

richard lakeman