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The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences is a 36-unit program, involving coursework. It is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Except with the permission of the Faculty Board, the course must be completed within four consecutive semesters.

The course articulates with the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) and the 72-unit Master of Mental Health Sciences. A students who has completed the Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) may be granted credit for up to 18 units of topics if admitted into the Graduate Diploma.

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 allied health professionals with the opportunities to obtain advancing knowledge of the theory and practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for psychological disorders. The purpose of the diploma is to implement and apply the theory and practice of CBT in a clinical setting, under the supervision of specialist clinicians. Health professionals are equipped with expanding skills in assessment, treatment and evidence based interventions. Implementation of the scientist-practitioner model underpins the training and practice offered in the program.

Learning outcomes

Application of knowledge and skills

At the completion of the course, students are expected to meet competencies in most key areas related to CBT and be able to:

  • assess and treat clients with high prevalence mental health disorders and co-morbidity using an evidence based CBT framework to guide practice;
  • differentiate between a cognitive model of care and a behavioural model of care;
  • 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 mental health sciences;
  • develop an advancing knowledge of research methodologies in mental health sciences, CBT and psychological disorders.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences, a student must complete 36 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)*

*Or one 4.5 unit elective topic may be chose in consultation with the course coordinator.