Victoria University
Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Understand young minds. Advance how you support children and adolescents through 100% online study in assessment, trauma-informed care, psychological therapies and evidence-led intervention.
Course overview
Children and adolescents experience mental health within the context of development, family, school, culture and community. The 100% online Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health is designed for professionals seeking specialist knowledge to engage with young people, their families, carers, educators and clinicians across diverse settings.
Across 12 units, you will explore recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care, culturally responsive engagement and age-appropriate biopsychosocial and risk assessment. The curriculum examines mental health promotion in schools, psychological therapies, addictive behaviours and approaches to supporting complex needs. You will also learn to evaluate evidence and undertake a research project focused on an issue relevant to child and adolescent mental health practice.
Delivered through VU Online’s Block Model, the course allows you to focus on one seven-week unit at a time, with no on-campus classes or requirement to be online at set times. This unique Australian university qualification connects school- and family-focused practice with advanced assessment, intervention and research.
Key facts
What you will study
To gain the Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, students will be required to complete the following 12 core units:
- Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Child and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Foundations
- Recovery-Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools
- Evidence and Research for Practice
- Assessment in Mental Health
- Psychological Therapies
- Perspectives on Addictive Behaviours
- Research Project
Entry requirements
Applicants must have at least one of the following:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's in cognate disciplines such as health science, social work, psychology, medicine, counselling, criminal justice, youth work and education.
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's in any discipline and at least two years of approved work experience.
- A Victoria University Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.
- A Victoria University Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
With VU Online’s Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, you can enhance your skills and transform mental health services. You’ll gain in-demand, specialised skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches in child and adolescent mental health. You can apply your skills in various educational, therapeutic, community and clinical settings.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per unit in 2026: From $2,870 up to $2,950 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total cost for 12 units in 2026: $34,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total cost of completing your degree at Victoria University (VU) Online depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for advanced standing, which is assessed after you submit your application. 2026 student fees shown are subject to change.
Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition.
