Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
Course information for - 2024 entry
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$6488 CSP
- Start dates
- ACU Term 1 - Mon 29 Jan, ACU Term 3 - Mon 15 July
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the course costs section below, under Fees.
Overview
Building on the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health offers units in healthcare ethics, leadership, and a unit interpreting health research. An understanding of evidence-based practice and different research approaches is fundamental to research inquiry and is essential to enable postgraduate students to critically evaluate research literature, and to undertake health inquiry, workplace projects or health research. In addition, the Graduate Diploma offers a specified unit in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, an intervention of choice in contemporary mental health service delivery and is an effective treatment option.
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.
Professional recognition
This course meets the requirements of a postgraduate qualification for employment beyond entry level in mental health settings.
Accreditation
The Nursing stream of this course is currently accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) National Framework for Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing Education.
Careers
Industry partnerships
ACU has existing partnerships and agreements with significant health services nationally. This includes (but not limited to) Catholic partners (e.g, St Vincent's mental health, St John of God), and other major tertiary hospitals (e.g., Royal Melbourne Hospital, Queensland Health, Local Health District NSW etc.). These partnerships are important for strengthening of the mental health workforce which is under particular stress presently.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
A student who has completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health may exit with the relevant award.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health course, an applicant must have completed:
a) a bachelor degree in a health discipline;
OR
b) the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, or equivalent.
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health course, an applicant must have completed:
a) a bachelor degree in a health discipline;
OR
b) the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, or equivalent.
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).
Articulation arrangements
Applicants who have completed an ACU Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, can articulate into a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health. Applicants who have completed an ACU Graduate Diploma of Mental Health can articulate into a Master of Mental Health.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Graduates may progress to a Master of Mental Health or other postgraduate programs at ACU.
Students who complete the research pathway are eligible to undertake PhD studies upon application.
Fees
Course costs
$6488 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
Apply for this course
ACU Online Applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Students must meet employment at the point of commencing studies. Find out more about deferment.