The Master of Mental Health Sciences is a 72-unit program, involving coursework and a research project. It is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The course articulates with the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences. A student who has completed the Graduate Diploma may be granted credit if admitted into the Master of Mental Health Sciences award.

Except with the permission of the Faculty Board, the course must be completed in no more than eight consecutive semesters.

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

Knowledge

The course aims to provide health professionals with an advanced knowledge of the theory and practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for high prevalence mental health disorders. Graduates will have completed extensive training and supervised clinical practicum opportunities to obtain expertise in CBT with high prevalence mental health disorders. In addition research opportunities are provided to consolidate the scientist-practitioner model underpinning the program. On completion graduates will have met all competences related to CBT and have proficient skills to work as an autonomous Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Specialist accreditation and membership opportunities are also available for some allied health professionals.

Learning outcomes

Application of knowledge and skills

At the completion of the course, students are expected to meet all competences in the area of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and be able to:

  • assess and treat clients with high prevalence mental health disorders to a high standard using an evidence based CBT framework to guide practice;
  • deliver both cognitive and behavioural models of care for high prevalence disorders in accordance with nationally recognised standards;
  • combine complementary techniques such as motivational interviewing, behavioural activation and relaxation strategies with cognitive behavioural techniques;
  • recognise the value of a scientist-practitioner framework in the area of CBT and more broadly in mental health sciences;
  • expand and consolidate research skills in areas related to CBT, mental health sciences and high prevalence disorders through research projects and publication opportunities.

Program of study

To qualify for the Masters of Mental Health Sciences, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board the award of a grade of fail (F) on more than one occasion in the same topic may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

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)
 MHSC9026  Research in Psychotherapy  (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

27 units comprising

 MHSC9027A  Clinical Practice Project A  (4.5 units)
 MHSC9027B  Clinical Practice Project B  (9 units)
 MHSC9028  Professional Issues in Practice  (4.5 units)
 MHSC9029  Clinical Case Management 2A  (4.5 units)
 MHSC9030  Clinical Case Management 2B  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 2 topics

Select 9 units from the topics listed below:

 MHSC8111  Managing Chronic Conditions - Self-Management Support Approaches  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8112  Perspectives on Chronic Diseases Management  (4.5 units)
 MMED9110  Principles of Pharmacology and Therapeutics  (4.5 units)
 MMED9111  Pharmacology for Advanced Professional Practice  (4.5 units)
 SOAD9214 Interventions in situations of Trauma (4.5)
 SOAD9201 Bereavement and Loss (4.5)
 SOAD9105 Interpersonal Practice (4.5)
 SOAD9216 Interventions with Children and Young People (4.5)
 SOAD9217 Social Work in the Disability Sector (4.5)
 SOAD9218 Gender and Sexuality in Community, Public Policy and Mental Health Practice (4.5 units)