Why study the SCU Online Master of Mental Health?
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
The SCU Online Master of Mental Health difference
Are you thinking about studying a masters degree in mental health? At SCU, we’re cultivating the leaders of tomorrow, today, right in our very own backyard. We aim to provide an exceptional education experience through our unique learning model and innovative online platform. We’re committed to lifelong learning and providing equal access to education for everyone, regardless of background or location. As one of the top universities in the world at only 25 years young, we’re pioneers in online education and have been doing so since 2015. We’re a rising, dynamic university that is proud to be a game changer and leader in education. That’s the SCU Online difference and why you should study an online mental health masters course with us.
Quick facts
- Units
12 - Duration
24 months part-time - Fees
$2,712 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
The SCU Master of Mental Health online benefits
Take control of your study schedule
Have the flexibility to study around shift work, family commitments and other responsibilities so you can manage your own study progress.
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.
Helping communities thrive
At SCU Online, we stand for our community. We’re committed to offering a vibrant teaching, learning, research and cultural environment to help you achieve your career goals.
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.
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.
Unparalleled support
Receive academic and non-academic support to assist with your study from enrolment through to graduation. Have full access to SCU campuses, including the library and other facilities.
How does the online Master of Mental Health work with SCU?
- 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
Career and salary outcomes
Mental Health Support Worker, typical annual salary: $73,000
Mental Health Nurse, typical annual salary: $95,000
Disability Support Worker, typical annual salary: $65,000
Youth Worker, typical annual salary: $75,000
Health Advisor, typical annual salary: $125,000
Consultant Manager, typical annual salary: $165,000
* Salary outcomes captured by Seek.com.au, accurate as of September 2023.
Early exit options
We know that plans change, which is why we’ve built flexible completion options into the online Master of Mental Health. If you need to exit early, you could still receive a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health or a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health.
Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+ 4 Units, or continue studying
Masters Degree
+ 4 Units
Entry requirements
To gain entry into the Master of Mental Health program, all applicants must:
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Have successfully completed a minimum three-year Bachelor qualification, or equivalent, in a 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 Master of Mental Health Nursing degree.
Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Need more information on the entry requirements? Chat to a Student Enrolment Advisor today via live chat or call us on 1300 863 819 to discover your eligibility.
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 varied roles of a mental health professional in the 21st century.
This unit explores the experiences of people with complex mental health presentations, co-morbidity and risk behaviours.
This unit introduces you to an evidence-based approach to health practice.
Enhance understanding and capability of mental health to ensure patient physical health needs are being addressed within holistic mental health assessment, diagnosis and interventions.
Develop a deeper knowledge of psychological approaches and models of understanding that influence a consumer taking constructive change that supports recovery.
In this unit, you will reflect on your own professional practice and learning, planning strategies to collect, select and reflect on evidence to include in a professional portfolio.
This unit emphasises on leading the translation and application of knowledge to clinical practice settings.
Develop knowledge and capabilities in evidence-based and effective talk-based interventions, through a critical analysis of key therapies from behaviourist theory perspectives.
Broaden and deepen your understanding of literature analysis and research design in relation to an area relevant to professional practice.
Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.
Learning outcomes
Gain the skills to develop holistic mental health plans in diverse practical/clinical settings, achieving optimal wellbeing for patients.
Explore mental health policy, legislation and government funding within today’s Australian healthcare system.
Build the capacity to analyse and critique the latest mental health research, to better your treatment and intervention plans in diverse practical settings.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
If you're wondering why study a Master of Mental Health? Below are some of the key skills you'll walk away with.
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Apply what you learn immediately: Focus on evidence-based approaches and get the chance to pose a question relevant to your practice and follow proper research methodology to arrive at a solution.
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Study current and comprehensive course material: Increase your capability to navigate Australia's complex mental healthcare systems.
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Become a well-rounded mental health care provider: Work your way through varied units to extend and enhance your mental healthcare skillset.
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Learn from clinically experienced mental health academics: The course has been developed in consultation with passionate mental health providers with a wealth of clinical experience.
There is a growing need in our Australian healthcare system for highly skilled professionals who understand the complexities of mental health and can offer well-informed mental health clinical interventions. Southern Cross University’s online Master of Mental Health will enhance your understanding of mental health and psychology while building the skills needed to effectively respond to patients experiencing mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges.
This course is designed to prepare graduates for work within a range of health settings and disciplines. You will gain practical skills and specialised theoretical knowledge to extend or enhance your role in mental health.
Our flexible, accelerated course gives you 24-hour access to your coursework so you can fit your studies around your busy schedule.
You can engage with lecturers and other students no matter where you are – or where they are. Southern Cross University online studies also include:
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Interactive learning environment includes video, audio, forums and practical exercises;
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Coursework involves real-time engagement and self-directed study;
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Seven-week study periods in which to complete each unit;
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The ability to focus on a single unit every study period and as many as six units every year;
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One-on-one support from your personal Success Advisor throughout the year.
As this course is delivered 100% online, you can be located anywhere and undertake the Master of Mental Health, provided you meet the entry criteria. Different mental health courses in Melbourne, even throughout Victoria and other Australian states have different study requirements - like on-campus attendance, however with SCU Online, our students don't need to worry about that.
To gain your online Master of Mental Health degree, you will complete 11 core units and 1 elective unit. Coursework develops the skills required to effectively respond to challenges across a diverse range of mental health fields.
Learn more about the units of our Master of Mental Health here.
Mental health issues can affect anyone, and careers in mental health call for people with a diversity of backgrounds and experience, the most crucial factors being empathy, patience and a genuine desire to help others. With these core skills and values, the right training can take you a long way.
The current demand for trained professionals means that there are opportunities for work all over Australia. In particular in regional areas.
To find out more, take a look at our blog, 'Professional Pathways and Jobs for Mental Health Workers'.
Below are some of the key learning outcomes of our Master of Mental Health.
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Holistic mental health treatment: Gain the skills to be a well-rounded mental health professional with the ability to work in a variety of mental health roles.
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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.
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Develop an evidence-based practice: Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or hospital setting.
We may recognise and grant credit for past education or qualifications 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. To find out more about advanced standing, get in touch with one of our Enrolment Advisors on 1300 863 819.
Advanced standing focuses primarily on receiving credit from previous academic study, such as an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, while RPL encompasses a wider range of learning experiences as well as professional work experience. Both processes provide the opportunity for you to have your prior learning recognised, thereby reducing the amount of time and effort required to complete the online masters degree in mental health.
