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University of Queensland

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months

Develop professionally and open pathways to your master's with the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.

Course overview

UQ’s mental health programs provide systematic training designed to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to contemporary mental health practice. You'll receive advanced training in a variety of evidence-based interventions and the theoretical principles that underpin them.

Teaching is provided by highly experienced practitioners and researchers, many of whom have national or international reputations for scholarship and professional practice. You'll have the opportunity to undertake both structured and independent learning assignments and study in a flexible environment that respects concurrent professional commitments.

This program is an introduction to the specialist knowledge and skills required for mental health practice. You'll learn about the framework for mental health practice (policy, law and models of service delivery) and acquire clinical knowledge and skills in areas such as assessment, treatment planning and widely used therapeutic interventions.

For qualified applicants, Graduate Certificate courses form part of the Master's and graduates may articulate into the Master of Mental Health.

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
Face to Face
Study level
Postgraduate
Course type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Only available as part-time study
12 months (Part time)
Units
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP
Intake
23rd February, 2026

What you will study

Students must complete eight units comprising four GCMH Core Courses.

GCMH Core Courses

Complete eight units for all of the following:

  • Understanding Mental Health and Psychotherapeutic Interventions
  • Ethics and Mental Health Practice
  • Common and Specific Factors in Mental Health Treatments
  • Human Development and Relationships Across the Life Span

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

  • A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in health or social work, plus one year full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a mental health setting.
  • Or a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, plus two years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a mental health setting.
  • Or have completed post-secondary studies and have five years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a mental health setting.

Applications based on post-secondary study and work experience will be assessed individually.

In your previous qualification, you must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you already have industry experience and the required skills and knowledge, you can be assessed through the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

You must be able to validate your ability to meet all industry benchmarks as required for each relevant unit.

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Outcomes

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Counsellor
  • Mental Health Services Manager
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Community Mental Health Practitioner
  • Mental Health Clinician
  • Patient Assessor
  • Health and Well-being Consultant

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,770 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (eight units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

Commonwealth Supported Places

Domestic places in this program are Commonwealth-supported as long as you meet all Commonwealth supported place eligibility requirements. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government. Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth-supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.