Graduate Diploma of Mental Health

During this program, students will:

1. Evaluate and apply established mental health treatment models to develop personalised, collaborative care strategies.
2. Interpret and communicate emerging mental health information and theory in professional and scholarly settings.
3. Build therapeutic relationships with consumers, families and significant others using collaborative and co-constructed approaches to care.
4. Critically analyse social, political, economic and organisational influences on mental health practice.
5. Demonstrate advanced advocacy skills, challenge stigma and discrimination, and promote social inclusion and consumer independence.
6. Apply ethical, legal and social protection principles when assessing risk and safety in recovery-oriented care.
7. Use advanced clinical judgement, decision-making and problem-solving in complex mental health situations.
8. Apply teamwork and negotiation skills effectively within multidisciplinary and interprofessional settings.
9. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility in professional practice and ongoing learning.
10. Develop collaborative partnerships that promote consumer choice, self-determination and recovery.
11. Communicate effectively using appropriate written, verbal and digital methods in mental health practice.
12. Apply cultural competence and adapt mental health practice to diverse consumer perspectives and world views.

The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health is an online postgraduate course designed for allied health and social care professionals seeking to deepen their specialist knowledge and employment outcomes in mental health. The course responds to contemporary mental health research and policy and develops both clinical capability and theoretical knowledge across current and emerging mental health practice.

Recommended study pattern

• Contemporary Mental Health
• Mental Health Across the Lifespan
• Acute Mental Health
• Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
• Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
• Building a Professional Portfolio
• Physical Health Care in Mental Health
• Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health, students must successfully complete 8 core units (96 credit points).

Exit points

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health – students may be eligible to exit after completing any 4 of the first 6 core mental health units, equivalent to 48 credit points.

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

Indicative total fee $24,000

The amounts shown here are 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.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

Learn more about Southern Cross University

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

An applicant may be considered for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health if they have:

• completed an Australian Bachelor degree (AQF7) equivalent or higher qualification; OR
• completed a Certificate IV or Diploma in Mental Health with at least one-year’s relevant professional experience; OR
• three years of relevant professional experience.

Relevant professional experience include roles in the medical, nursing and allied health fields (such as social work, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, counselling, exercise science, physiotherapy, speech therapy, mental health/ disability support, etc).

SCU may recognise previous education or qualifications through advanced standing. Eligible credit may reduce the number of units required, as well as the overall course duration and cost.

Studying online requires: 

• A PC or Mac with the latest operating system 
• ​A fast, reliable internet connection 
• The latest version of Chrome or Firefox. 

Sometimes, specific software or textbooks are required.