Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health
2020
CDU Sydney - this course is only available to International students at CDU Sydney (domestic students should apply for external Online delivery)
The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health is designed to extend knowledge gained through your undergraduate health studies and to further develop your foundational research skills. The course addresses:
- care delivery processes
- critical reflection on mental health practice
- the effects of policy and politics on health care provision, access and individual agency.
Cultural safety principles underpin the course design and reinforce the ways in which quality and safety are central to health care.
It is expected that you will already be employed or have recent experience within the health sector. As part of this course, you will undertake assessments which have direct applications to your professional practice and context.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health provides a sound basis for specialist clinical practice in the field of mental health and further career advancement.
Credit transfers & pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
English Language Requirements for International Students
For detail on English Language Entry Requirements please read the entry requirements provided for International students.
How to Apply
International applicants apply directly to CDU and should refer to the information provided for International future students Apply.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Course structure
This course consists of core units building on the foundation of specialist knowledge and skills, evidence-based practice, cultural safety and research appraisal. The course addresses care delivery processes, critical reflection on mental health practice and the effects of policy and politics on health care provision, access and individual agency. Principles inherent in in a cultural safety framework focusing on safety and competence are key elements underpinning the course design to highlight the centrality of quality and safety in health care.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (5 units) |
50cp |
Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: HEA521 Mental Health Law and Ethics |
| Specialist Electives (3 units) |
30cp |
Specialist Elective units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: HEA525 Emotional Intelligence in Practice Other related postgraduate units approved by the course coordinator. |
| Electives (0 units) |
0cp |
There are no elective units available in this course. |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Diploma AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA521 Mental Health Law and Ethics | CO | HEA522 Advanced Mental Health Practice | CO |
| HEA524 Negotiating Therapeutic Relationships | CO | HEA523 Pharmacology for Mental Health Professionals | CO |
| HEA542 Informing Practice with Evidence | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA522 Advanced Mental Health Practice | CO | ||
| HEA523 Pharmacology for Mental Health Professionals | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HEA521 Mental Health Law and Ethics | CO | ||
| HEA524 Negotiating Therapeutic Relationships | CO | ||
| HEA542 Informing Practice with Evidence | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual course tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points for commencing students in 2020 is AUD $29,520.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.