Postgraduate coursework program
Mental Health Sciences
Graduate Certificate in Health (specialist stream) (18 units)
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences (36 units)
Master of Mental Health Sciences (72 units)
Fast facts
- Study load: Graduate Certificate - 6 months full-time, or equivalent part-time
Graduate Diploma - 1 year full-time, or equivalent part-time
Masters - 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time
- Fee: Commonwealth Supported
- Mode: Internal/External study
- Mid-year intake normally offered
- Available to Australian and international students.
- GradStart Code: GC - 2GC057; GD - 2GD035; Masters - 2CM046
The postgraduate programs in mental health sciences provide opportunities for people from mental health backgrounds to enhance their knowledge, skills and attitudes in the area of mental health sciences. The aim is to equip graduates from a variety of health professions with profound knowledge and understanding of the theory, principles and practice of mental health sciences with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (or Behavioural-Cognitive Therapy). Students will develop proficiency in CBT and contingent upon the actual award undertaken will, upon completion of the course, be able to practise as specialists in that field.
Masters level graduates will undertake to learn the skills to:
- Assess, treat and evaluate clients with a variety of problems to a high standard of clinical competency consistent with current Best Practice as recognised within the field of CBT and more widely in mental health sciences.
- Act as the main therapist, liasing with other professionals.
- Educate others (health professionals, clients and families) regarding mental health sciences and with particular reference to CBT.
- Act as clinical supervisors to other health professionals on issues relating to mental health sciences and CBT.
- Undertake research in the field of mental health sciences.
The programs have been developed to allow stepwise progression from the Graduate Certificate to the Graduate Diploma through to the Masters degree. The programs use a problem based learning approach to develop skills and knowledge that extend into clinical practice.
The overall course philosophy is based on Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy. Elective specialisations in chronic conditions management and pharmacology are available to students undertaking the Masters award. Other specialisations will be offered over the coming years.
The courses are offered in external mode through distance education, as well as on campus at Flinders. Both modes require on campus attendance at intensive workshops. For the Masters award this represents a 2-week block at commencement of Semester 1, a 1-week block at commencement of both Semesters 2 and 3.
The 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) comprises four core topics in Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy. The course aims to give students an understanding of the principles and practice of mental health sciences, with a clinical practice focus upon CBT (behavioural applications) to non-complex anxiety disorders.
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences consists of 36 units and students can select to undertake 8 core topics (compulsory for progression to the Master of Mental Health Sciences) or 7 core topics and 1 elective topic. The Graduate Diploma comprises all the elements of the Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences). Students in the Graduate Diploma have the opportunity to gain further theoretical knowledge and more advanced clinical skills in their particular area (eg anxiety disorders, affective disorders, problem gambling).
The 72-unit Master of Mental Health Sciences comprises all the elements of the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences but also provides candidates with further specialised clinical practice with more complex disorders such as psychosis, mood disorder, substance abuse, etc. Students also undertake a research project. The course comprises 13 core topics and six units of electives.
The full program of study is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for the relevant degree(s).
Entry requirements
Applicants for the courses must hold an approved undergraduate degree or equivalent in a health-related area such as medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, behavioural science or counselling and have had at least two years' clinical experience in mental health.
Applicants must submit with their application a statement of 300-500 words detailing the reasons for seeking the qualification, the relevant experience they would bring to the clinical modality, the value of the qualification to their patients, clinical practice and/or organisation. The selection process will also include an interview.
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma. Students who complete the Graduate Diploma receive credit when progressing to the Masters.
How to apply using GradStart
Three easy steps:
- Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website.
- Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your application.
- Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation email.
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart applications are free.
If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed until all requested information is received.
Note: you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.
Course fees
For fees information visit: www.flinders.edu.au/fees.
Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: Mental Health Nursing
The Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: Mental Health Nursing, is a long term initiative funded by the Australian Government to encourage and support people interested in undertaking postgraduate study in mental health nursing. The aim of the Scheme is to address the current shortage of qualified mental health professionals by increasing the number of nurses who enter and complete their study in mental health nursing. The Scheme will assist students commencing in 2008 in meeting their accommodation, living and travel costs whilst at university.
Scholarships worth up to $10,000 per annum for full time study and up to $5,000 per annum for part time study (up to a maximum of $40,000) are available for the usual duration of the course of study.
Application packs (including eligibility criteria) are available to download from the Royal College of Nursing, Australia website:
http://www.rcna.org.au/pages/mentalhealth.php. Closing date for applications was Friday 28 September 2007.
Closing date: Semester 2, 2008 intake: 25th July, 2008.
Further information
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences,
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Administrative Officer (Mental Health Sciences programs). Tel: (08) 8204 3930.
Email: mental.health@fmc.sa.gov.au
Web site: http://som.flinders.edu.au/fusa/cctu/home.html
General Information: Australian students should contact:
The Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax: (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au
General Information: International students should contact:
The International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax: (+ 618) 8201 3177
CRICOS Registered Provider Code: 00114A
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