Graduate Diploma in Mental Health

What you will study

To complete the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health, students must take 36 units or four courses. Each course is worth nine units.

Core courses

Complete the following courses:

• Theoretical Approaches to Mental Health Practice
• Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
• Consolidation of Mental Health Practice

Electives

Select one course from the following:

• Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
• Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
• Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
• Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold a recognised, relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

Note: This program does not include clinical placements. Registered Nurses wishing to seek employment in Mental Health Nursing should apply for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit transfer (study credit) formally recognises your prior learning and work/life experience. It can be granted for specific courses (subjects) or a block of courses where your previous qualification or experience is equivalent to the learning.

So, what counts as prior learning? It can be from one of the following providers:

• Recognised higher education provider.
• TAFE or other recognised VET provider.
• A professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or other similar body.
• Work experience.

Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• You'll gain an in-depth understanding of mental health conditions, develop your ability to care for people experiencing mental illness and design intervention and evaluation strategies.
• You’ll learn about the biopsychosocial and behavioural sciences, co-morbidity, pharmacology and the provision of family support within mental health. Emphasis is placed on the practice of mental health care for a culturally diverse society in metropolitan, rural and remote clinical settings.
• You'll also develop advanced interviewing and assessment skills and knowledge of support services.

Career outcomes

Mental health professionals can gain employment in a variety of mental healthcare settings, such as:

• Public and Private Mental Health Services
• Rehabilitation Services
• Aged Care
• Child and Adolescent Services
• Community Health Services

Fees and CSP

Estimated total fee in 2025: $5,798.75 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The estimated total fee is calculated based on 1.0 EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Study Load).

Student fees may vary per:

• 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.

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. This is known as the student contribution amount – 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.