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.

Suicide prevention in theory and practice. 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 practice.

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.

Industry and expert connections As a student of this program, you'll learn alongside student peers who share your interest in suicide prevention. Many will be working in the suicide prevention or mental health sectors already, allowing you to build a wider network of professional connections as you learn. You will have an opportunity to connect with people in online seminars or meetings as well as. Throughout, you will be guided through the course materials by leading experts in suicidology.

Graduate outcomes The flexibility within this degree equips you for careers in the multi-disciplinary fields of health, social sciences, education, welfare, correctional services, emergency services and volunteer-peer based suicide prevention work- force. You will also benefit from specialist capabilities, enabling employment in suicide prevention and/ or mental health workforce including policy, academia, education, and non-clinical/clinical practice-based settings.

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

For award of Graduate Certificate in Suicidology (GCertSuicidology), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Core Courses

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

Indicative total fee $9,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying part-time, which is typically 4 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.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria: 

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)
• two years relevant work experience

Relevant work experience includes suicide prevention, psychology, counselling, medicine, nursing, allied health, mental health, public health, social work, human services, community welfare, youth work, aged care, education, criminology, anthropology, sociology, law

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 an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• 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 Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

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

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.