Federation University of Australia
Master of Health (Perinatal and Infant Mental Health)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Advance your career by specialising in the rewarding field of perinatal and infant health. Collaborate with families in both community and institutional settings during this challenging transition period.
Course overview
This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand, educate and support families experiencing mental health difficulties within the first twelve months following childbirth. Explore intermediary and complex understandings of infant and mother perinatal mental health, combining the study of the mother's (family) mental health and the infant's mental health.
Clinical support and collaboration with other mental health and interdisciplinary health professionals will play a vital role in building foundational skills to identify, screen, treat and manage mental health conditions in the perinatal period, as well as better to better understand customary adjustments to pregnancy and infant development.
Infant observation and reflective practice will focus on core components of working with the mother (carer). The infant dyad will learn the required skills to support parents' self-knowledge recovery and growth in self-knowledge and to improve their confidence and parenting skills in parenting.
This program is only offered only part-time (duration is 4 years). It is also available as a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma.
IT requirements
To take this course, you'll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of monthly data for every unit you're doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
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
19th July, 2027
What you will study
Students must complete the following units, totalling 240 credit points.
Year 1
- Perinatal and Infant Mental Health 1
- Perinatal and Infant Mental Health 2
- Elective
Year 2
- Advanced Therapeutic Skills (30 credit points)
- Advance Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (30 credit points)
Year 3
- Leadership or Research Stream Units
- Leadership or Research Stream Units
Year 4
- Leadership or Research Stream Units
- Leadership or Research Stream Units
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non-year 12).
All applicants must complete and submit:
- Copies of a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- Supply a current resume with their application.
- Completed supplementary application form.
Part-time study only will be available.
Prospective students interested in applying for this course must demonstrate a relevant Bachelor's or postgraduate qualification in a health-related discipline. Registration with AHPRA or a discipline-related professional body. Demonstration of recent practice in health care settings.
Mid-year entry is only available to applicants who will receive credit – e.g. applicants must hold a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma to be eligible.
Extra requirements
All applicants must complete and submit:
- Copies of a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- Supply a current resume with their application.
- Completed supplementary application form.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Completing the Master of Health will enhance your professional standing and provide you with advanced-level skills and knowledge for application as a leader in the nursing practice and knowledge community.
- Maternal and Child Health Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 120 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of Commonwealth Supported Places to universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution to 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.
