Degree details

In this program, you'll develop the knowledge and understanding of how to work effectively with people with a mental illness, their carers and family members. You will access highly relevant courses based on the latest evidence-based research and collaboration with consumers, carers and mental health professionals.

You'll be connected during study with fellow students from different professional backgrounds who bring a range of valued perspectives. Our recovery-based courses are designed for workers in various settings where mental health knowledge is essential. These include nursing, occupational therapy, psychology and social work, in roles as community support workers, peer support workers, consumer and carer consultants, rehabilitation workers, disability workers, housing officers, police liaison officers and people working in other mental health support roles.

You will be able to work in a range of community mental health settings in Australia and overseas. Your knowledge and skills will be transferable to work in other human service and allied health contexts, as mental health issues impact on people engaged with a broad range of services.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice, a student must have completed:

  • a Bachelor degree in any discipline; OR

VET studies

  • a relevant Certificate IV VET/TAFE qualification and a minimum of one year full-time professional experience in the mental health, health, disability, rehabilitation or related human services fields; OR

Work and Life

  • a minimum of three years full-time professional experience in the disability, rehabilitation, mental health, or related human services fields and can demonstrate ability to undertake graduate study through the provision of curriculum vitae and an employer's reference.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

  • A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
  • OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
  • OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
  • OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
  • OR a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
  • OR a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
  • OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice (GCertMentHPrac), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

  • gain 40 credit points for the prescribed core subjects.