University of Notre Dame Australia
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Tailored to the needs of Registered Nurses and allied health professionals who wish to build upon their mental health skills.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health is highly practical in its focus and has been developed in close consultation with the medical profession. Suppose you are a Registered Nurse and have completed your Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing. In that case, you may wish to further develop your skills and knowledge by taking this one-year program.
Once enrolled, you will acquire a detailed understanding of contemporary practice, allowing you to progress your career in the growing area of mental health care. Assessment is based on written assignments, case studies and problem-solving exercises. Upon graduation, you will be equipped and ready to work in any mental health environment.
To apply, you must have completed a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health before enrolling in this one-year program, which involves essays, case studies and problem-solving exercises. After completing this degree, you may consider the Master of Nursing (Mental Health).
Key facts
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health program requires the completion of 200 units of credit. Each course is valued at 25 units of credit.
Complete the following courses:
- Interpersonal Communication
- Role of the Mental Health Practitioner in an Acute Setting
- Advanced Contemporary Mental Health Practice 1
- Advanced Contemporary Mental Health Practice 2
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Ethical Issues for Professional Life
Entry requirements
You must have a professional health degree or equivalent qualification and be registered with your professional registering authority. To enrol in the master's program, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Advanced Standing is a way the university recognises the studies you've already completed. Instead of repeating subjects, you get credit for them, saving you time and money. You might be eligible for this credit if you've completed studies at any university (even here at Notre Dame), including single subjects. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Master of Counselling, graduates will be able to:
- Consolidate and synthesise advanced practice knowledge, skills and competencies that enhance capacity to provide holistic nursing care for the client with acute mental illness.
- Critique national and international models of care for acute mentally ill clients, including support and aftercare in the community, in the current healthcare context.
- Employ clinical reasoning and decision-making strategies that enhance organisational capability and responsiveness in the acute mental health environment.
- Communicate with influence and negotiate effectively with acutely mentally ill people and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Model professional behaviours to colleagues and students that provide clients with culturally appropriate and social care within a medico-legal framework.
- Establish a mechanism for lifelong learning by reflecting on practice to apply and build professional expertise.
- Steer and implement change by conducting national and international research retrieval and enquiry, incorporating philosophical, technical and social justice perspectives on healthcare.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $24,575 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated total fee is calculated based on a full-time study load of 200 units of credit.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of courses studied.
- Choice of programs.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
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.
