Why study mental health with SCU Online?
Excellence in research
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields 1
Outstanding student support
#1 in Australia for Education Student Support 1
Top 100 Young Universities
Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world that are 50 years old or younger 2
1 Good Universities Guide 2023
2 Times Higher Education 2024 Young University Rankings
Develop the skills to provide effective mental health care
By completing Southern Cross University’s online Graduate Diploma of Mental Health course, you gain expert knowledge in mental health and psychiatry, while building the skills needed to confidently respond to patients experiencing mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges.
Developed with the latest industry standards in mind, this program prepares 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.
Quick facts
- Units
8 - Duration
16 months part-time - Fees
$2,712 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
The SCU Online benefits
Unique learning model
Find the ideal balance between work, life and study through our unique seven-week study units. Apply the knowledge & skills you learn immediately to real-world situations.
Learn from clinically experienced academics
Developed in collaboration with passionate, expert mental health providers, this course will prepare you to apply contemporary, evidence-based approaches in practice.
Be prepared for a dynamic industry
Focus on current trends and legislation, and the latest evidence-based approaches, equipping you to handle mental health challenges in an ever-changing landscape.
How does a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health work with SCU Online?
- With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
- Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
- Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
- Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
- To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.
A typical study period at SCU Online
Pathway to Masters
The units completed from the Graduate Diploma offer as a pathway into the Master of Mental Health.
Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+ 4 Units, or continue studying
Masters Degree
+ 4 Units
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry into the Graduate Diploma, all applicants must:
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Have successfully completed a minimum three (3) year Bachelor qualification, or equivalent, in health, psychology or social science-related discipline, and;
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Be proficient in English.
If you are a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing. Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Units of study
This unit will expose you to critical exploration and practical application of the core contexts of mental health within the Australian healthcare system.
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.
This unit explores the experiences of people with complex mental health presentations, co-morbidity and risk behaviours.
Develop a deeper knowledge of psychological approaches and models of understanding that influence a consumer taking constructive change that supports recovery.
Enhance understanding and capability of mental health to ensure patient physical health needs are being addressed within holistic mental health assessment, diagnosis and interventions.
This unit explores the varied roles of a mental health professional in the 21st century.
Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.
Learning outcomes
Be introduced to core knowledge and skills that will help you to be a well-rounded mental health professional.
Learn from clinically active academics and gain a contemporary understanding of emerging trends in mental health care.
Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or hospital setting.
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
Our Accreditations and Endorsements
Our online programs meet all of the AQF guidelines, ensuring quality education.
5-STAR Rating for Full-Time Employment, Overall Experience, Student Support, Learning Resources, Teaching Quality and Skills Development.
Southern Cross University is one of the world's Top 100 Young Universities.
Our postgraduate student support and satisfaction both above the national average.
Meet our course coordinator
Dr Richard Lakeman is the course coordinator for the Master of Mental Health and Mental Health Nursing programs, and an Associate Professor at Southern Cross University’s internationally recognised School of Health and Human Sciences. Richard can provide valuable support and guidance through:
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Hands-on learning
Gain real-world insights into the challenges and nuances of mental health care in a variety of settings with Richard’s 30 years of experience working in the field.
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Expertise in complex mental health needs
Understand and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with complex mental health needs, especially if you aspire to work in specialised areas of mental health.
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Mentoring
Receive one-on-one guidance and support in your academic and career journey. As your course coordinator, Richard can offer career advice, share insights and help you develop the necessary skills to excel in mental health leadership roles in a variety of community settings.
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Bringing a holistic approach
Learn about the importance of considering psychological and emotional aspects alongside medical interventions in mental health care.
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 commitments.
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.
