Southern Cross University
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
This 100% online course includes the latest industry standards and gives you the opportunity to learn from leading and clinically active mental health academics.
Course overview
By completing Southern Cross University’s online Graduate Diploma of Mental Health course, you gain expert knowledge in mental health and psychology, while building the skills needed to confidently respond to patients experiencing mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges.
Developed with the latest industry standards in mind, this program prepares you to work within a range of health settings and disciplines. You will access current and clinically relevant, evidence-based knowledge and learn from leading and clinically active mental health academics from the internationally recognised Faculty of Health.
- Gain immediately implementable skills
- Course material is current and comprehensive
- Become a well-rounded mental health care provider
- Learn from clinically experienced mental health academics
- Dedicated, one-on-one support
- Flexible online learning environment
- Affordable fees, FEE-HELP available
Key facts
July, 2025
August, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
The units that form part of the online postgraduate courses in mental health have been designed to develop the skills required to effectively respond to challenges across a diverse range of mental health fields. You will learn to enhance your practice with the most up-to-date and clinically relevant knowledge embedded throughout the coursework. You will study eight core units listed below to gain your Graduate Diploma of Mental Health.
- Contemporary Mental Health
- Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
- Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
- Acute Mental Health
- Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
- Building a Professional Portfolio: Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
- Physical Healthcare in Mental Health
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry into the graduate certificate, all applicants must:
- Have completed a bachelor's qualification, or equivalent, in health, psychology or a social science-related discipline.
- Be proficient in English.
If you are a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Through advanced standing, SCU may recognise and grant credit for past education, qualifications and/or work experience. If you're eligible for advanced standing, this can impact the number of units you need to study, reducing the time and cost of your overall degree.
Outcomes
- Holistic mental health treatment - Lay the foundation with skills and knowledge needed to be a well-rounded mental health professional.
- Contemporary mental health focus - Learn from clinically active academics and gain a contemporary understanding of emerging trends in mental health care.
- Develop evidence-based practice - Develop skills through evidence-based theories and knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice or hospital settings.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $21,696 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated total fee is calculated based on a study load of eight units.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
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.