University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Empowers professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to transform the mental health outcomes of young people through early intervention and evidence-based care.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health gives you access to expert knowledge and the latest theory, research and evidence-based approaches in this specialised and rapidly evolving area of mental health.
Developed in close consultation with Orygen, a global leader in youth mental health research and knowledge translation, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of development in young people. You will discuss the impacts of psychotic, non-psychotic, behavioural and mood disorders, learn best-practice engagement, assessment and intervention approaches and enhance your existing abilities when working with young people in a therapeutic or clinical context. The course is valuable for healthcare professionals working in a range of clinical and community settings. You will learn alongside a diverse group of peers while gaining insights relevant to your practice.
Delivered online, this two-year, part-time course provides the flexibility and support needed for busy professionals to fit study around existing work commitments.
Who is this course for?
This course suits health professionals and teachers working across a range of community and clinical settings, looking to enhance or focus their skills and capacity to creatively work with young people. It's of particular relevance to:
- Psychiatrists
- General Practitioners
- Psychologists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Social Workers
- Youth Workers
- Teachers
Course aims
Orygen estimates that one million young Australians experience mental ill-health and there is a high demand for skilled practitioners to meet this need. The course is designed to strengthen the mental health workforce nationally and internationally. As a graduate, you will be well-placed to pursue career opportunities in the field and be able to make a difference to the lives and outcomes of young people.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health, students must complete eight subjects or 100 credit points. Each subject is worth 12.5 credit points.
Compulsory subjects
Complete the following compulsory subjects:
- Foundations of Youth Mental Health
- Engaging and Assessing Young People
- Development in Young People
- Mental Ill-Health in Young People 1
- Mental Ill-Health in Young People 2
- Early Intervention in Mental Health
- Psychosocial Interventions with Youth
Electives
Complete one elective subject:
- Biological Interventions with Youth
- Inclusive Youth Mental Health Practice
- Youth Mental Health Services
- Early Psychosis in Young People
Entry requirements
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have one of the following:
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline and at least two years of documented relevant professional work experience.
- At least six years of documented relevant professional work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines.
Cognate disciplines include health sciences, social work, psychology, medicine, teaching, education, nursing and occupational therapy.
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in several ways, including a recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- IELTS (Academic) – 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL – 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
- Pearson – 64+, with no communicative skill below 60
- Cambridge – 176+, with no skill less than 169
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
If you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Managing Youth Self-Harm and Suicide, you may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects in this course:
- Foundations of Youth Mental Health
- Engaging and Assessing Young People.
- Plus, one elective subject
If you have completed the Professional Certificate in Youth Psychiatry, offered by Orygen, within four years before course commencement, you may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects in this course:
- Foundations of Youth Mental Health
- Engaging and Assessing Young People
If you have completed the EPPIC National Support Program (ENSP), offered by Orygen, within four years before course commencement, you may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects of the Master of Youth Mental Health:
- Foundations of Youth Mental Health
- Engaging and Assessing Young People
- Psychosocial Interventions with Youth
- One elective in the second or third year of this course
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
As a student of the Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health, you will:
- Understand major theories relevant to youth mental health.
- Learn best-practice ways of engaging and assessing young people.
- Examine major non-psychotic disorders and interventions.
Career outcomes
As a student of this unique course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to become a leader in the field. You will enhance your capacity to work effectively with young people. Your specialised body of knowledge will help advance your career and ensure you remain at the forefront of the discipline.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $12,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course fee in 2026: $25,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.
