University of South Australia
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Mental Health)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Extend your existing knowledge and skills in the specialised field of mental health care.
Course overview
Designed to respond to the increasing need in Australia to care for people with specific mental health needs, this qualification will advance your knowledge and career opportunities in your current workplace. This certificate is only offered online and part-time, which is great for busy working professionals who want to fit study around life commitments.
You’ll learn how to meet modern healthcare delivery requirements and respond to Australian priorities for mental healthcare as identified in consultation with industry and lived experience communities. This qualification offers a variety of courses that will help you build general and specialist skills and knowledge in the field of mental health nursing.
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
This qualification comprises any two nine-unit courses from the schedule below:
- Foundations of Specialist Mental Health Nursing
- Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
- Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
- Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
- Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
- Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The university's flexible suite of postgraduate nursing and midwifery qualifications is designed to recognise your prior learning and advance your career. Upon successful completion of this qualification, you may then be eligible to gain credit into higher-level qualifications. Contact the university for further information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Being at the forefront of healthcare service, graduates will be well-placed to find employment in a wide variety of nursing settings, including:
- Mental health settings
- Hospitals
- Primary health and community support services
- Rehabilitative care
- Home care
- Community health
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $2,313.50 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- 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.
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'll only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is 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 course 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.
