Australian Catholic University
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Gain knowledge to critically evaluate research literature and undertake health inquiries, workplace projects or health research.
Course overview
Building on the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health offers units in healthcare ethics, leadership and a unit interpreting health research. Understanding evidence-based practice and different research approaches is fundamental to research inquiry. It is essential to enable postgraduate students to critically evaluate research literature and undertake health inquiry, workplace projects or health research. In addition, the Graduate Diploma offers a specified unit in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, an intervention of choice in contemporary mental health service delivery and is an effective treatment option.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 80 credit points, consisting of:
- Recovery-oriented Mental Health
- Holistic Individual Centred Mental Health Practice
- Health Promotion and Social Inclusion
- Reflective Practice and Clinical Supervision in Mental Health
- Interpreting Health Research
- Healthcare Ethics: Principles in Practice
- Leadership in Health Care
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health course, an applicant must have completed:
- Bachelor's degree in a health discipline.
- The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health or equivalent.
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Suppose your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or expertise aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course. In that case, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you can complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
Fees and CSP
Average first-year fee in 2025: $6,756 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Fees are calculated based on a full-time study load of 80 credit points.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
