The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences is a 36-unit program, involving coursework. It is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The program may be completed in one year full-time or not less than two years part-time.

The course articulates with The Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) and students who hold this award are granted credit for topics already taken.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold an approved undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related area, e.g. nursing, medicine, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, behavioural science or counselling.

Course aims

The course is designed to equip graduates from a variety of health backgrounds with a sound knowledge and understanding of the theory, principles and practice of Mental Health Sciences and co-morbid substance use disorders.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • assess, treat and evaluate clients presenting with a variety of clinical problems to a high standard of clinical competency consistent with current best practice as recognised within the field of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and more widely in Mental Health Sciences
  • act as the primary therapist, who liaises with other professionals;
  • educate others (health professionals, clients and families) regarding Mental Health Sciences, with particular reference to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

Program of study

To qualify for The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Core -Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

 MHSC8019  Clinical Case Management 1A  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8020  Theoretical Foundations in Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 1  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8021  Theory and Practice of Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 1  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8022  Clinical Case Management 1B  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8023  Co-morbid Mental Health Substance Abuse Disorders  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8024  Theoretical Foundations in Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 2  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8025  Theory and Practice of Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 2  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8026  Research in Psychotherapy  (4.5 units)*

*Or one 4.5 unit elective topic may be chose in consultation with the course coordinator.