Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is a postgraduate course designed to provide students with foundational research methods for mental health practice. This course is accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) and is available to both domestic and international students.

Course Overview

The course provides students with foundation knowledge of approaches to research, including an understanding of the standards for quality and rigour required, and the skills to apply research in mental health practice.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.

Course Code

The course code for the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is T88.

Entry Requirements

• ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
• All applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree in nursing or midwifery; or equivalent prior learning including at least five years of recent and relevant professional experience as a mental health nurse.
• Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
  • Bachelor degree; or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
• English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Fees

• Commonwealth supported: estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $4,750.
• International students: estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $43,450.

Duration

The course is 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.

Availability and Campus

The course is available online, with full-time and part-time study options in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1

• Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points
  • CMH5109 | Contemporary Issues in Mental Health | 20
  • CMH5110 | Assessment in Mental Health | 20
• Students select ONE unit from the following:
  • CMH5215 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 20
  • CMH5216 | Community Mental Health | 20
  • CMH5217 | Forensic Mental Health | 20
  • HST6350 | Drug Use and Addictive Behaviours | 20
  • CMH5218 | Perinatal Mental Health | 20

Year 1 - Semester 2

• Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points
  • MNP6101 | Evidence-based Practice and Research Design | 20
• Students select TWO units that they have not previously completed:
  • CMH5215 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 20
  • CMH5216 | Community Mental Health | 20
  • CMH5217 | Forensic Mental Health | 20
  • HST6350 | Drug Use and Addictive Behaviours | 20
  • CMH5218 | Perinatal Mental Health | 20

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Communicate and apply specialised knowledge, concepts and skills to a variety of audiences in the field of mental health nursing practice.
2. Apply independent judgement when reviewing, analysing and evaluating complex nursing problems to generate creative solutions.
3. Demonstrate professional clinical management skills by initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care within a mental health context.
4. Critically reflect on a complex body of mental health care knowledge.

Professional Recognition

The course is accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities include community mental health settings, drug and alcohol services, and child, youth, and adult mental health services, as well as perinatal mental health settings.

Further Study

Students interested in progressing further in this area may consider the Master of Clinical Nursing.