Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a recognised, relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Note: This program does not include clinical placements. Registered Nurses wishing to seek employment in the area of Mental Health Nursing should apply for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
Please note that although this program is offered via external delivery, all courses have on-campus workshops. In some courses these are compulsory unless otherwise negotiated with the Course Coordinator.
Degree overview
- Gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in contemporary mental health.
- Learn from industry experienced clinicians from a university with well above world-class research in nursing.1
- Join South Australia’s No.1 university for teaching quality in nursing and midwifery.2
- Enhance your learning through evidence-based practice.
- Be supported by learning resources, available to you 24/7.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Nursing – Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
In one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), UniSA’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health will equip you with the skills to effectively respond to people experiencing mental health challenges.
Health professionals from a range of health backgrounds can gain the knowledge and practical skills to assess and deliver care to people with mental illness. You‘ll explore the psychosocial and behavioural sciences, as well as the legal and ethical aspects of practice, preparing you to provide mental health care in a variety of healthcare settings.
Note: Applicants with an undergraduate qualification in nursing should also consider the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing if they wish to work specifically as a mental health nurse.
What you'll learn
You'll gain an in-depth understanding of mental health conditions, develop your ability to care for people experiencing mental illness, and design intervention and evaluation strategies.
You’ll learn about the bio-psychosocial and behavioural sciences, co-morbidity, 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 and assessment skills, as well as 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:
- case studies
- presentations
- written critiques
- online activities
- critical analysis
Global opportunities
UniSA is known for attracting and retaining internationally renowned researchers. You’ll learn from researchers and academics who are directly connected to industry. In fact, all our clinical teaching staff combine teaching with industry experience.
In addition, our diverse student population means you can gain global and cultural understanding, ideas and insights direct from your peers.
Why Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
Mental health has a huge impact on every aspect of people's lives. It affects a person’s physical health, work and relationships, as well as the people around them.
UniSA’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health gives professionals in the healthcare field the opportunity to study and develop specialist skills in mental health care.
You’ll learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff, and be supported by internationally renowned researchers, with our 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 Group, 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.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
You’ll have the opportunity to be taught by experienced mental health professionals at the top of their fields, helping you to build important industry connections while you study.
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.
Your career
Mental health professionals facilitate an improved quality of life for people with mental illness. They actively participate in the recognition, assessment and treatment of people with mental health and co-morbid related conditions; and provide support and assistance to families and friends.
With an increasing prevalence of mental illness in Australia, this diploma is highly relevant to industry demand. 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 improve employment prospects for graduates, and offer career diversity.
Mental health professionals can gain employment in a variety of mental healthcare settings, such as:
- public and private mental health services
- rehabilitation services
- aged care
- child and adolescent services
- 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.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
