Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice at UNE?

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is an interdisciplinary award designed to equip health professionals to support people with mental health issues and their carers. It is based on the Mental Health competencies in the National Standards for the Mental Health Workforce as part of the National Mental Health Strategy. Students will be introduced to the mental health care system in Australia and will learn practical assessment skills to enable them to work effectively in the mental health field.

The course will prepare health professionals to work in rural and remote areas, as well as metropolitan areas, and with people from all cultural backgrounds including Indigenous Australians.

Career Opportunities

This is an interdisciplinary award designed to equip health professionals to support people with mental health issues and their carers. It will be relevant for all allied health professionals such as counsellors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, general practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals working with or interested in mental health areas.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

0.5 Years Full-time
Up to 2 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 2, Online

Official Abbreviation GradCertMentalHlthPrac
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Course Duration
  • 0.5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 2 years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 24
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools are a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree; or

(b) satisfy the School by means of other qualifications and relevant experience (at least equivalent to admission rule (a)) of adequate preparation for candidature.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Academic Colours

Old Rose (BCC 157)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree; or
(b) satisfy the School by means of other qualifications and relevant experience (at least equivalent to admission rule (a)) of adequate preparation for candidature.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) 0.5 year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to two years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points at 400-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 24 cps
Total 24 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

This course aims to equip students with mental health assessment and intervention skills.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate an integrated understanding of the theoretical and clinical knowledge of mental health practice,
  2. critically understand evidence based principles using the common focused psychological strategies in mental health practice;
  3. critically understand and apply the principles of legal and ethical mental health practice and plan ways to work with consumers in complex situations, demonstrating respect for diversity and well developed judgement;
  4. demonstrate an initial mental health and risk assessment session in a person-centred, competent, adaptable and professional manner in order to best meet the needs of the consumer;
  5. critically reflect on the importance of developing practice skills and the need for ongoing supervision and professional development; and
  6. demonstrate skills in the promotion of mental health and mental health practice to others.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates of this course will have developed a broad body of knowledge of this topic including the underlying concepts and skills relevant to mental health clients. Graduates will have a global perspective of mental health practice that is culturally sensitive and they will have the capacity to understand the implications for clients.

Communication Skills

Graduates will use communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical concepts involved in building empathic relationships with clients based on the approaches studied in the course.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have an ability to review and consolidate knowledge and identify appropriate ways to support clients.

Information Literacy

Graduates will have the capacity to evaluate the sources and validity of information relevant to this topic and the ability to use information critically.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will understand and have the capacity to practice at the highest standards of ethical behaviour, including an understanding of ethical, social justice and equity responsibilities.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the capacity to take responsibility and be accountable for learning and professional practice.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of effective, multi-disciplinary teamwork and knowledge of the skills necessary to operate effectively in a team.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International. This course is only available online (distance education).

For more information, click here

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