Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
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)
Program Code
IGME
SATAC Code
4GD047 (External)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
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
- Study with South Australia’s No.1 university for teaching quality in health.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 2019-20 – Health Services and Support (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’ll need to allocate time for learning activities. Depending on your study mode this may include online discussion forums, virtual classroom sessions, lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars. Plus, you’ll need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects. If you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12-26 hours of study when at university and 14-28 hours of independent study per week. As a general rule, most postgraduate study is completed part-time.
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.
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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
We offer high quality resources to assist student learning, including a simulated hospital and health service integrating the latest technologies, and our teaching is delivered by an outstanding group of nursing, midwifery, and allied health academics and clinicians.
Associate Professor Rachael Vernon
