Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria:
Employer Sponsored
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- A letter of support from an employer confirming a training position within the area of mental health nursing
University Placement
- A recognised Bachelor degree in Nursing or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; AND
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- A current Department for Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC); AND
- A criminal history check issued by an ACIC-accredited provider within the last 12 months
Applicants with an employer-sponsored training place apply via SATAC code 4GD048.
The University Placement entry pathway (SATAC code 4GD125) will not have an intake in 2024.
Degree overview
- Registered Nurses can advance their knowledge and skills in contemporary mental health patient care.
- Study at a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.1
- Learn from industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.2
- Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for student satisfaction in nursing.3
- Benefit from flexible learning options on-campus and online.
- Gain practical experience with 240 hours of industry placement during your studies.
- Be supported by online learning resources, available to you 24/7.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,4 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12023 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA Public universities. 4Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
In two years of part-time study, Registered Nurses will be equipped with the skills to effectively respond to patients suffering from mental health challenges.
UniSA will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to assess and care for people experiencing mental illness.
This graduate diploma explores psychosocial and behavioural sciences and the legal and ethical aspects of mental health nursing practice. As a mental health nurse, you’ll be able to work with people who have a mental illness like depression, postnatal depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis.
You’ll gain valuable practical experience with an industry placement, preparing you to provide mental health care in a variety of health care settings.
This qualification is offered with a blend of online learning and on-campus workshops.
What you'll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.
Due to the limited number of placements, applicants are requested to supply these documents along with a Statement of Employment to SATAC when applying. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
On entry to the qualification you will be required to confirm that you meet the ‘Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements’ requirements.
You can find more about what you’ll need in the rules and notes for the specific courses you'll study.
What you'll learn
This unique qualification will give you an in-depth understanding of mental health issues and conditions, as well the ability to design intervention and evaluation strategies for patients across diverse backgrounds.
You'll explore the bio-psychosocial and behavioural sciences, co-morbidities, pharmacology and the provision of family support within mental health. Emphasis is placed on the practice of mental health care for a culturally diverse society in metropolitan, rural and remote clinical settings.
You'll also develop advanced interviewing andassessment skills, and knowledge of support services.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for planned learning activities. Depending on your study mode, these activities may include online discussion forums, virtual classroom sessions, lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. You will also need to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings, and projects.
As a rule, most postgraduate study is completed part-time. If you are studying full-time, your studies should be treated like a full-time job, with approximately 35-40 hours of study per week. The full sum of these hours should balance your planned learning activities and your own independent study
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- presentations
- clinical assessments
- group project case presentations
- case studies
- online activities
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying at UniSA is our ability to attract and retain internationally renowned researchers. You’ll learn from researchers and academics who are directly connected to industry and all of our clinical teaching staff combine teaching with industry experience.
In addition, our diverse student population means you have the opportunity to gain global and cultural understanding, ideas and insights direct from your peers.
Why Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing offers immediate application in the workplace, advanced career prospects for Registered Nurses, and the opportunity to become a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).
You’ll learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff, and be supported by internationally renowned researchers. Our curriculum is informed by well above world-class research in nursing1, focused on outcomes relevant to improving mental health.
UniSA is home to the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education, where our mental health researchers are recognised for undertaking research improving the lives of people in mental distress and at risk of suicide. Staff within the group contribute directly to the teaching of our postgraduate programs.
Real-world connections
Industry experience is a key focus of this graduate diploma. During your studies, you'll complete 240 hours of industry placement in a healthcare setting. Through clinical placements you’ll get direct access to qualified practitioners and mental health professionals, and build important industry networks.
We have clinical arrangements with local health and rural health networks, major hospitals, healthcare providers, aged care services and mental health services, in the private and public sectors.
Online study
This qualification is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- access videos and course resources online
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use online forums for teamwork and communication
Some on-campus workshop attendance is required at UniSA’s City East campus. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Advance your Nursing Career with Postgraduate Study
Hear from Dr. Allison Roderick, UniSA's Program Director of Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Programs, on how postgraduate study can take your career as an Registered Nurse even further.
Your career
Mental health professionals facilitate an improved quality of life for patients with mental illness. They actively participate in the recognition, assessment and treatment of people with mental health and co-morbid related conditions, with extra support for families and friends.
With an increasing prevalence of mental illness in Australia, this diploma is highly relevant to healthcare today. In 2017-18, more than 20% of Australians (4.8 million people) had a mental or behavioural condition.1 Specialist training in the area of mental health will further improve employment prospects for graduates, and offer career diversity.
Registered Nurses with extra mental health qualifications can broaden their employment prospects in a variety of settings in the private and public sectors, including:
- hospital emergency departments
- acute inpatient units
- residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs
- the justice system
- community health services
1Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Health Survey: First Results 2017-18.
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
I have worked as a clinician and researcher working extensively within the international and post-graduate portfolio. I have an interest in improving the learning experience for post-graduate nurses who are our current and future leaders.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
The Graduate Diploma has given me the skills to be a proficient mental health practitioner in a range of settings. I found the group work to be particularly beneficial, as it’s important to have the ability to communicate within a multi-disciplinary team.
Beata Mitchell
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Care Coordinator | Eastern Community Mental Health
My involvement in the rural health club at university provided me with a different view into the health care system and offered great networking opportunities around Australia.
Martins Strikis, Registered Nurse, Mount Gambier Community Mental Health Service
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Staff who have upskilled with postgraduate study really shine through as motivated workers. We often employ people with postgraduate qualifications in our managerial positions as they have equipped themselves with those extra specialised skills.
Jo Boylans
Director of Operations | Southern Cross Care
The University of South Australia understands that quality teaching in nursing and midwifery goes hand-in-hand with industry partnerships. They work collaboratively across all health care services to design industry-informed curriculum.
Jennifer Fereday
Executive Director | Women’s and Children’s Health Network
