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.

This degree will benefit individuals working in or wishing to work in this specialty field across the health, education, law enforcement, emergency, clergy, social and community service sectors. Additionally, this degree will provide the foundation for professions in which the core work is research, policy or planning. They provide you with scientifically based knowledge and theoretical knowledge in practical settings to deal with suicide in an academic, policy or practical context.

Key employment sectors

• Health Care and Social Assistance Education and Training Public Administration and Safety Other Services

Potential job outcomes

• Community mental health officer, Counsellor, Welfare officer, Case manager, Social worker, Recreation officer, Probation and parole officer

*Source: Australian Government Job Outlook.

Higher education

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

• completed a Bachelor degree in any discipline; OR

VET studies

• a health or social sciences-related Diploma or Certificate IV VET/TAFE qualification plus two years relevant work experience

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 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.

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).