Southern Cross University
Master of Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Delivered part-time and online, this course is designed to prepare graduates to work within a wide range of health settings and disciplines.
Course overview
Why study the SCU Online Master of Mental Health?
- Five-star ranking
Five stars for overall education experience and full-time employment in law - Graduate employment success
89% of graduates are employed full-time post their degree - Top 100 Young Universities
Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world that are 50 years old or younger
Southern Cross University’s online Master of Mental Health postgraduate course will enhance your understanding of mental health and psychology while building the skills to effectively respond to patients experiencing mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges.
This program 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.
- Gain immediately implementable skills
- Course material is current and comprehensive
- Become a well-rounded mental health care provider
- Learn from clinically experienced mental health academics
- Dedicated, one-on-one support
- Flexible online learning environment
- Affordable fees, FEE-HELP available
Key facts
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
To gain your online Master of Mental Health degree, you will complete 11 core units and one elective unit. Coursework develops the skills required to effectively respond to challenges across a diverse range of mental health fields.
Complete the following 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
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry into the Master of Mental Health program, all applicants must:
- Have completed a bachelor's qualification, or equivalent, in a health, psychology or social science-related discipline.
- Be proficient in English.
If you are a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Master of Mental Health Nursing degree.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Through advanced standing, SCU may recognise and grant credit for past education, qualifications and/or work experience. 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.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Holistic mental health treatment - Lay the foundation with the skills and knowledge needed to be a well-rounded mental health professional.
- Contemporary mental health focus - Learn from clinically active academics and gain a contemporary understanding of emerging trends in mental health care.
- Develop evidence-based practice - Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or hospital settings.
Career outcomes
Potent career opportunities include:
- Mental Health Support
- Mental Health Nurse
- Disability Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Health Advisor
- Consultant Manager
Fees and FEE-HELP
Fee per unit in 2026: $2,875 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total course fee in 2026: $34,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The number of units you must complete to graduate depends on the course and if you receive advanced standing. This, in turn, will effect how much your Southern Cross University Online course fees will cost you.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
