Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

What you will study

Students must complete 24 units of credit. Each course is worth six units of credit.

Core courses

• Mental Health Assessment and Treatment
• Fundamental Psychological Therapy Skills
• Philosophies of Mental Health Care, Services and Systems
• Assessing Risk and Managing Challenging Behaviour

Entry requirements

Entry into this program requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant health discipline (nursing, psychology, social work, medicine, occupational therapy or other allied health).

In exceptional circumstances, applicants with qualifications from non-relevant disciplines and/or extensive relevant professional work experience (e.g., Aboriginal health workers) may be considered.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations. This is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• English language tests and university English courses
• Prior study in the medium of English
• Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page on UNSW's website.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of mental health practice.
• Evaluate evidence-based practice and its application to enhance patient outcomes in the discipline of mental health.
• Compare a wide range of patient groups and how mental health care is delivered differently within these groups.
• Explain mental health conditions and treatment modalities in the discipline of mental health.
• Evaluate your practice using professional self-management and excellence in leadership.
• Develop effective oral and written skills, which are vital to professional and scholarly practice within the discipline of mental health.

Career outcomes

Studying at UNSW opens doors to a myriad of future career opportunities in mental health practice:

• Clinical practice: Become a skilled practitioner equipped to provide comprehensive mental health care in diverse settings.
• Research: Engage in groundbreaking research collaborations with leading institutes, contributing to advancements in mental health assessment and treatment.
• Education and training: Share expertise through teaching roles, shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.
• Policy and advocacy: Advocate for improved mental health policies and services to influence positive systemic changes.
• Consultancy: Offer specialised consulting services to healthcare organisations, driving innovation and best practices in mental health care.
• Community engagement: Make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities through interdisciplinary solutions and partnerships.

By joining UNSW’s Medicine & Health faculty, you'll gain access to a strong network of professionals and resources, preparing you to lead the way in enhancing mental health outcomes.

Fees and CSP

Indicative first-year and full fee in 2025: $6,500 (Commonwealth Supported Places)

Indicative first-year and full fee in 2025: $19,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only; other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select, and whether your study load is more or less than one equivalent full-time student load (eight courses per year).

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of Commonwealth Supported Places to 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 a portion 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 programs.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
• Depending on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.