Victoria University
Master of Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
See beyond symptoms. Build the knowledge to lead evidence-based mental health practice through 100% online study in assessment, trauma-informed care, psychological therapies and recovery-oriented support.
Course overview
Effective mental health practice begins by seeing beyond symptoms to understand lived experience, culture, physical health, relationships and social context. The 100% online Master of Mental Health is designed for allied health and social care professionals seeking advanced, person-centred knowledge for multidisciplinary practice and service leadership.
Across 11 core units and one elective, you will examine recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care, biopsychosocial and cultural perspectives and mental health across different stages of life. You will strengthen your knowledge of assessment, psychological therapies and addictive behaviours while learning to evaluate evidence and complete a research project. Your elective allows you to explore either child and adolescent engagement and assessment or pharmacology and therapeutics.
Delivered through VU Online’s Block Model, the course allows you to focus on one seven-week unit at a time, with no placements, on-campus attendance or requirement to be online at set times. The curriculum supports the application of evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches across therapeutic, community and clinical mental health settings.
Key facts
8th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
What you will study
To attain the Master of Mental Health, students must complete 144 credit points, consisting of 11 core units and one elective unit.
Core units
Complete the following units:
- Recovery-Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Foundations
- Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Mental Health in Later Life
- Psychological Therapies
- Evidence and Research for Practice
- Perspectives on Addictive Behaviours
- Assessment in Mental Health
- Research Project
Electives
Select one elective unit:
- Child and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Mental Health
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline such as Health Science, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Counselling, Criminal Justice, Youth Work or Education.
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's in any discipline and at least two years of approved work experience.
- A Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.
- A Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
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
Career outcomes
VU's program equips you with the expertise and practical skills to support individuals in need, from understanding the complex nuances of mental illness to developing effective recovery-oriented solutions. With a curriculum covering topics such as trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, you'll be prepared to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field.
Elevate your career and become a compassionate and knowledgeable mental health practitioner with a Master of Mental Health from VU.
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: From $34,840 up to $34,920 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 12 units.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Student Testimonials
Emma Longuet
The flexibility, relevance and opportunity that VU Online brings to higher education are testaments to excellence in teaching and learning.
Amanda Frape
I am receiving a lot of support from my facilitators and my Student Success Advisor, who boosts my confidence and self-esteem.
Maxwell Gratton
It was personally satisfying to connect and collaborate with a range of industry professionals. Many have become valuable work contacts, some even lifelong friends and career mentors.
