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University of South Australia

Graduate Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months

Develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of perinatal mental health and well-being and how to support families through prenatal, pregnancy and postnatal recovery.

Course overview

Designed to advance your career as a practising Health Professional, Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife, this graduate certificate will equip you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to support perinatal women and pregnant parents experiencing psychological distress. The Graduate Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will extend your knowledge, skills and attitudes to care for and support women and other pregnant parents’ mental health.

Upon completing this program, you'll have an advanced understanding of mental health and mental illness in perinatal contexts and an in-depth knowledge of counselling theory and practice.

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

Delivery
Online
Study level
Postgraduate
Course type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
6 months (Part time)
Units
2
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP
Intake
February, 2026

What you will study

This qualification comprises two 9-unit courses from the schedule below:

  • Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
  • Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have one of the following:

  • Hold a minimum bachelor's degree in nursing, midwifery, health, human welfare studies and services or behavioural science. 
  • Equivalent qualification from a recognised higher education institution.
  • Have completed hospital-based training as a registered nurse and/or midwife.

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 completing this qualification, you may be eligible to gain credit for higher-level qualifications. Contact the university for further information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Specialist training in the area of mental health further improves the quality of care for families and improves employment prospects for graduates in this rewarding field. With your advanced understanding, you can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, such as:

  • Hospitals or Private Practice
  • Women’s Health Services
  • Community Services
  • General Practice

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 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.