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7 postgraduate courses to study in 2024 to advance your career 

If career advancement is on your mind, set your sights on the courses that can take your career in a new direction. 



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If you have been pondering the next steps for career progression or a change in profession, studying a postgraduate course is a great way to expand your career prospects.

Healthcare professionals have transferable skills they can apply to many jobs within the industry, but postgraduate study unlocks the door to new areas of opportunities and career advancement. By completing a postgraduate course, you will acquire relevant skills and knowledge alongside completing placements and being eligible to apply for accreditation that can land you in a fulfilling role.

Graduate certificates

Graduate Certificate of Mental Health - Victoria University

Entry requirements: Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as health science, social work, psychology, medicine, youth work or social work. 

Delivery mode: Online. 

Start dates for 2024: 8 January, 4 March, 6 May, 1 July, 26 August and 21 October.

Length of course: 8 months (part-time).

Course units: 4 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? A Graduate Certificate in Mental Health is suitable for allied health and social care professionals who want to advance their skills and employment opportunities in the mental health space.  This course has been designed and developed by leading mental health academics and practitioners. Students will establish the foundations in mental health practice, research and evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care and collaboration across mental health services. By studying this course, you can grow your skill set in mental health practice to apply to careers in education or social work. Alternatively, you can complete this course as a stepping stone to completing a Master of Mental Health. 

 

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Contemporary curriculum designed by mental health experts Designed and developed by leading mental health academics and practitioners, the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health will equip you with contemporary approaches to mental health and allow you to transform the delivery of mental health services in Australia.​​ Award winning study model Our postgraduate online Block Model, winner of the LearnX Live! Award 2021 ‘Best Online Learning Model’, recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Support seven days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. This graduate certificate is designed for allied health, welfare and social care professionals who want to gain a holistic understanding of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and communities. You will establish fundamentals in comprehensive mental health practice, research and evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care and collaboration across mental health services. This graduate certificate features a contemporary curriculum designed by mental health experts. Upon successful completion, you can continue your studies and gain your Master of Mental Health degree.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Recovery Oriented Mental Health
  • Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
  • Effective Trauma-Informed Care
  • Mental Health Foundations
CSP
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Commonwealth Supported Place is available.

Graduate diplomas

Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) - James Cook University

Entry requirements: Completion of a bachelor's qualification in any field other than psychology at JCU or another university. 

Delivery mode: Online. 

Start dates for 2024: 15 January, 11 March, 13 May, 8 July, 9 September and 4 November.

Length of course: 20 months (part-time).

Course units: 10 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? Aspiring psychologists and professionals in human-centred roles who are looking for career growth should consider studying this Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited graduate diploma. Alongside learning the foundational knowledge of the history of psychology, the subjects taught in this course align with the UN Sustainable Development goals as well as current and emerging community and global health challenges. This course is a pathway to further study for people who want to become a general psychologist, clinical psychologist, sport and exercise psychologist, organisational psychologist or forensic psychologist. Teachers, human resources professionals, consultants, social workers and marketers can also expand their skills and career prospects by studying a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). 

Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)
APAC accredited Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 50 years experience JCU has 50 years experience in teaching and research in psychology. You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced academics. Unique curriculum Subjects align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as current and emerging global health challenges in a technology-enabled society. The JCU Online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is a contemporary and hands-on qualification designed for the future. It provides the foundational knowledge of the history of psychology and develops your professional skills to apply contemporary psychology to solve community-based challenges. A stepping stone to becoming a registered psychologist This qualification is a pathway to further study for those who want to change their career to become a psychologist. This may include career pathways such as general or clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology and organisational psychology. A way forward in human-centred professions This degree is also for professionals in human-centred occupations who are focused on career growth and want the skills to help them achieve more in current and future roles. This may include teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, social work and consulting. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Graduate Diploma 20 months 10 Units
Units
  • Social Psychology
  • Individual Differences in Personality
  • The Psychology of Health, Wellbeing and Resilience
  • Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • Psychological Disorders and Interventions
  • Learning, Memory Cognition and Language
  • Neuroscience and the Biological Bases of Behaviour
  • Environmental Psychology and Sustainable Futures
  • Principles of Counselling
  • Research and Statistics for Psychology

Master’s degrees 

Master of Counselling – Edith Cowan University

Entry requirements: 

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent prior learning experience including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
  • A personal statement detailing motivations to complete the course.
  • Submission of an academic transcript, two referee reports and an online interview. 

Delivery mode: Online. Students are required to attend a three-day intensive workshop and may need to travel for their placement. 

Start dates for 2024: 15 January, 11 March, 6 May, 8 July, 2 September and 28 October.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course?  This course is ideal for prospective counsellors who need to gain relevant experience and accreditation to become qualified. Professionals working in social work, health policy, psychology, human services and nursing can complete a Master of Counselling to broaden their career prospects and apply skills and knowledge to their current role. The course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and you will complete a supervised placement either face-to-face or online to put your skills and knowledge into practice.

Master of Counselling
Master of Counselling
Accessible, flexible and accelerated Study anywhere, anytime with ECU's flexible online format. This course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner. Fully supported Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and an online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff. Job ready skills, relevant to industry Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities. Professional Recognition The Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). ECU’s online Master of Counselling provides advanced, evidence-based counselling knowledge and skills for professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities. Students may study this course to prepare to become a counsellor. Alternatively, they may wish to add to their existing skill set in roles including: Social work Career coaching Psychology Other allied health Human resources Youth work Human welfare roles Local government support/community development roles Case work Disability support work Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Foundations of counselling practice
  • Theories and techniques in counselling
  • The role of the counsellor
  • Ethics in counselling
  • Counselling in a digital world
  • Trauma informed counselling
  • Child and adolescent counselling
  • Counselling at the cultural interface: Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples and practice
  • Mental health counselling
  • Advanced theories and techniques in counselling
  • Plus Professional Placement

Master of Healthcare Leadership - Southern Cross University 

Entry requirements: 

  • Completion of a bachelor's qualification in a health-related discipline from any Australian university.
  • Evidence of one year of full-time and current work experience in a health-related field.

Delivery mode: Online.

Start dates for 2024: January, March, April, July, August and October. 

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? Healthcare professionals looking to manage or lead people, projects and organisations will benefit from studying a Master of Healthcare Leadership. This course aims to develop interpersonal skills required for positive leadership, ranging from social and emotional competence to leading effective learning and development of strategy. Students will be able to apply their new skills and knowledge to their job instantly, which can be valuable for career progression and new promotion opportunities. If you are thinking about starting your own practice in the allied health space, this course will give you the skills and confidence required to become a leader and manage a team. 

Master of Healthcare Leadership
Master of Healthcare Leadership
The online Master of Healthcare Leadership is designed to give you a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on the changing face of healthcare. You might be a registered nurse with many years of experience and want to move out of direct care, or you might be from an allied health background, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling or optometry, wanting to start your own practice. Whatever your health background, completing a Master of Healthcare Leadership online gives you more flexibility, more opportunities, and more transferable skills you can take with you into the future.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
  • Critical Review in Health
  • Research Proposal for Health Innovation
  • Leading Change in Healthcare
  • Strategic Planning and Management in Healthcare
  • Envisioning Health Systems, Policies and Practices
  • Governance and Accountability in Healthcare
  • Social and Emotional Competence in the Workplace
  • Contemporary Health Leadership
  • Building a Professional Portfolio
  • Effective Teaching and Supervision in Healthcare
  • Plus Electives

Master of Nursing Specialising in Education - James Cook University

Entry requirements: 

  • Completion of a Bachelor of Nursing or an equivalent qualification. 
  • Registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Applicants from outside of Australia need equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority. 
  • One year of full-time clinical experience, or the part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse or midwife.

Delivery mode: Online.

Start dates for 2024: 15 January, 11 March, 13 May, 8 July, 9 September and 4 November.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? Nurses looking for a change of pace will learn valuable skills to advance their career by completing this course. As one of three majors available for the Master of Nursing course, the education specialisation will equip you with relevant skills and knowledge to work in clinical and non-clinical roles. By completing this course, you can become a clinical teacher, nurse educator or work in higher education. You can combine this Master of Nursing Specialising in Education degree with a specialisation in leadership and management or advanced practice to graduate with a double major. 

Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Education major, with its four specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education

Master of Public Health Specialising in Health Promotion  - Victoria University

Entry requirements: Completion of an Australian bachelor's degree in any discipline or completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma in a similar discipline.

Delivery mode: Online. 

Start dates for 2024: 8 January, 4 March, 6 May, 1 July, 27 August and 21 October. 

Length of course: 24 months (part-time). 

Course units: 12 units. 

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? If you are passionate about protecting and improving the health of communities, consider studying a Master of Public Health. This degree allows students to explore what health promotion entails, understand the factors that contribute to poor health and look at how to create and maintain good health in communities. According to Job Outlook, there has been a 22 per cent growth in public health and disease prevention related job postings in 2022 compared to 2021. As the major focuses on health promotion, this course is suited for people who are interested in pursuing a career that is centred around global health concerns, contemporary health issues and sociological implications that contribute to the health of communities. Possible career options include health promoter, public health researcher and public policy and strategy consultant. 

Master of Public Health Specialising in Health Promotion
Master of Public Health Specialising in Health Promotion
Award-winning study model VU Online's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Master of Public Health faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans across the overarching learning outcomes to the engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support seven days and in the evenings VU Online provides you with the support you need, when you need it, during your course. Our support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Master of Public Health specialising in Health Promotion allows you to explore how effective health promotion works, to understand and act on factors that cause poor health and those that create and sustain good health. Within this specialisation, you will build an in-depth understanding of health policies, sociological implications and global health concerns, gaining the skills required to address contemporary health issues that affect both individuals and communities. You will acquire the skills to inspire people and communities to act with regard to their own health and create physical, social and economic environments that are supportive and encourage good health.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Foundations of Public Health
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
  • Public Health in Practice
  • Culture and Society in Public Health
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2
  • Promoting Health in Policy
  • Public Health Program Management
  • Innovative and Evidence-Based Health Promotion
  • Social Media and Social Marketing Approaches to Health Promotion
  • Global Contexts of Health Promotion Practice with Diverse Populations
  • Professional Project
  • Plus Electives

Master of Mental Health Nursing - Southern Cross University 

Entry requirements:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a health, psychology or social science-related discipline.
  • Be a registered nurse and have access to mental health nurse practice or to mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study.

Delivery mode: Online.

Start dates for 2024: 8 January, 4 March, 29 April, 1 July, 26 August and 28 October. 

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? This master’s degree is ideal for registered nurses who are seeking a change in their career and want to work in an area where their transferable skills are highly sought after. Registered nurses looking to gain an understanding of current and emerging trends in mental health care will also find this course valuable for upskilling. Southern Cross University’s Master of Mental Health Nursing is developed against mental health industry standards set by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN). Graduates can use their qualifications as part of the pathway to becoming a credentialed mental health nurse. 

Master of Mental Health Nursing
Master of Mental Health Nursing
SCU's Master of Mental Health Nursing is developed against the latest mental health industry standards set by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN). You can use your qualification upon completion as part of the pathway to becoming a credentialed mental health nurse. At SCU, you will be learning from highly skilled, clinically active mental health academics, and you will gain advanced knowledge to help people with a lived experience of mental illness. SCU's degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to forge a successful career as a mental health nurse, ensuring you are prepared to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the healthcare industry. Course is accredited by the ACMHN Gain immediately implementable skills  Online study seamlessly fits into shift-work Dedicated one-on-one support
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Contemporary Mental Health
  • Mental Health Across the Lifespan
  • Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
  • Acute Mental Health
  • Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
  • Physical Healthcare in Mental Health
  • Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
  • Building a Professional Portfolio
  • Applied Leadership in Mental Health Clinical Practice
  • Developing Skills in Contemporary Psychotherapies
  • Critical Review in Health
  • Plus Electives

Explore all of the courses available on GlobalHealth Education for nursing, mental health, psychology, public health, counselling leadership and social work

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