Mental Health Sciences
A postgraduate program
Fast facts
Course type: | Postgraduate (coursework) |
| Availability (full-time or part-time): | Full-time |
| Location: | On campus |
Courses
| Course name | Units | Duration (full-time equivalent) | GradStart code | CRICOS code |
| Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) | 18 units | 6 months | 2GC057 | External |
| Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences | 36 units | 1 year | 2GD035 | 055239M |
| Master of Mental Health Sciences | 72 units | 2 years | 2CM046 | 036364G |
Overview
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.
What will I study?
Refer to the program of study: - Graduate Certificate in Health
- Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences
- Master of Mental Health Sciences
Entry requirements
Domestic students | International students | ||||
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. | 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. English language requirements: If English is not your 1st language you must meet English language requirements. | ||||
Applications
Domestic students | International students | ||
| Mid-year entry: | Yes | Mid-year entry: | Yes |
| Apply through: | SATAC - GradStart | Apply through: | International Office |
| Application closing dates: | Check GradStart. | Application closing dates: | Semester 1, 2010: 30 November 2009 Semester 2, 2010: 31 May 2010 |
Annual fees
Course | Place type | Domestic students | International students |
| Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) | Commonwealth supported - Student contribution amount | $2,841 | N/A |
| Full fee paying | N/A | $9,700 | |
| Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences | Commonwealth supported - Student contribution amount | $7,564 | N/A |
| Full fee paying | N/A | $19,400 | |
| Master of Mental Health Sciences | Commonwealth supported - Student contribution amount | $7,564 | N/A |
| Full fee paying | N/A | $19,400 |
Note: Domestic student fees are indicative only. Further information: How are these fees calculated?
Contact
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: mhsc.programs@health.sa.gov.au
General domestic students information
Web: Prospective students
Enquiries: 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 international students information
Web: International students
Enquiries: Ask Flinders
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- Updated: 11 Jan 2010
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A | Updated: 11 Jan 2010