Graduate Certificate in Suicidology

Building on knowledge acquired from relevant pre-requisite undergraduate programs (or equivalent work experience) in the areas of health (psychology, nursing etc), human services, youth, and community and aged care, graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention Studies will have:

1. the scientific basis of suicide and its prevention
2. the scientific methods for investigation of the phenomenon and evaluation of evidence in this field
3. theoretical models of treatment, intervention and management options based on best-practice guidelines, scientific evidence, and legal/duty of care principles
4. knowledge of the limitations of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention responses, including evidence from international research on programs across different developmental stages of the lifespan
5. knowledge of the limitations in the conduct of suicide research and associated methodological difficulties.

Explore the practical, policy and research issues in the field of suicide prevention in this graduate certificate. You'll gain a basic understanding of the key themes that emerge in suicide research and contemporary suicide prevention practices.

The foundations of suicide and its prevention are explored through examination of historical, cultural, epidemiological, and practical theory and practice elements, providing a 360-degree perspective of the phenomena and its complexities. The role of lived experience is also emphasised given the critical role of the 'voice' of those who have been impacted by suicide loss or suicidality for informing suicide and its prevention.

Recommended study pattern

This program is offered part-time online.

Study anytime, anywhere - This degree is available online through our Digital campus, giving you more room to fit university with your work and social life.

The Graduate Certificate in Suicidology is offered fully online. You can access course materials, participate in discussion forums, lodge assessment items and access support services via Learning@Griffith. There is no requirement for on-campus attendance. Access to a reliable computer with internet connection is essential.

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Contemporary Suicide Prevention Practice 1
• Advances in Suicide Research 1
• Contemporary Suicide Prevention Practice II
• Advances in Suicide Research 2

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention Studies (GCertSuicidePrevSt), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the prescribed courses.

Exit points

Students with a Graduate Certificate in Suicidology (from Griffith University) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher will be eligible to apply for entry to the Master of Suicidology (5666).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $8,500

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Consideration for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Suicidology program will be given to those candidates who have:

• completed a Bachelor degree in any discipline; OR
• a health or social sciences-related Diploma or Certificate IV VET/TAFE qualification plus two years relevant work experience

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 overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• 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.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.