Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience
Understand the changing landscape of mental health. This online program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving field of mental health, with a focus on the latest research and treatment options across a range of mental and substance-use disorders.
This program is also suitable as a pathway to higher degree research, or to the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience.
In this program you will:
- Study through UniSC’s Thompson Institute and benefit from its unique integration of world-class research, clinical services, education and advocacy
- Gain knowledge of cutting-edge applied neuroscience that has the power to transform mental health practice across a wide range of disciplines
- Study other important areas of focus in the program, including youth mental health, advanced neuroimaging, and suicide prevention
GOVERNMENT FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE.
Get qualified for $4,472*
*All eligible domestic applicants will receive a guaranteed Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Reducing course fees by more than 60%.
Fees are indicative for 2024 and subject to yearly government adjustments.100% ONLINE
Only program of its kind to be offered 100% online. Study at your own pace with support from experts at the Thompson Institute.
Location
Duration
Part-time only Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP / Fee-paying Annual feeStart
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
This program is not CRICOS registered. Please note that offshore international students enrolling in this program can only study it fully online. This program is not available to onshore international students on a Student Visa.
Career opportunities
- Apply mental health understanding in current career
- Education
- Emerging research fields
- Mental health
- Neuroscience
- Pathway to higher degree research
- Policy
- Public Health
- Working with vulnerable people
- Working with young people
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Online
- Total courses
- 4
- Total units
- 48
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- UniSC program code
- AR503
- Program coordinator
Required courses (4) 48 units
MHN701 Mental Health and Neuroscience: Translational Research
MHN702 Youth Mental Health and Neurobiology
MHN703 Neuroimaging Advances in Mental Health
MHN704 Understanding and Preventing Suicide
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
To be considered for admission, candidates will need:
- a bachelor's degree in any discipline or
- completed and recognised AQF diploma level qualification and have 3 years full-time, relevant work experience in a mental health setting.
Applications based on post-secondary study and work experience will be assessed individually.
Employment experience must be shown on a statement of service which is presented on a company letterhead as well as signed and dated by a delegated authority. The letter must contain position title, duties performed and length of service.
Additional entry information
Standard English language requirements apply.
- Successfully complete 48 units as outlined in the program structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience - Inherent academic requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
- CSP estimate
- A$4,472
- Fee-paying estimate
- A$11,496 - 2024 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$14,000
Postgraduate coursework places
All postgraduate coursework programs are subject to tuition fees unless the postgraduate program is offered under Commonwealth support arrangements.
Eligible students (Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand Citizens who hold a Special Category Visa and meet the eligibility requirements) may seek assistance to defer payment via a FEE-HELP loan.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Domestic applicants apply directly to UniSC. Find out how to apply.
Learn more about our Mental Health and Neuroscience programs and studying at UniSC.
Student story
I decided to start the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience as it focuses on translational research that complements my undergraduate degree in psychology. Studying online was the only option for me as I work full time, yet I have not once felt disadvantaged from having the structure of this course completely virtual.
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.