Program Overview

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools

The Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools program is designed to enhance educational outcomes for students in relation to mental health and wellbeing. This 30-point credit-bearing course comprises 6 fortnightly modules and is available to students with a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.

Course Description

The course explores the notion of wellbeing and how to respond to mental health and wellbeing through the curriculum and a whole school approach. It features an in-depth exploration of current Ministry of Education curriculum policy and related resources. Students will unpack assumptions about mental health and wellbeing, drawing on western, Mori, and Pacific concepts and theory, while developing knowledge and skills for meaningful, mana-enhancing, and creative classroom practice and whole school evaluation.

Course Structure

The course is structured into six modules:

• Constructing mental health and wellbeing: Considering Western and indigenous approaches
• The mental health problem and education policy response
• The role of schools in mental health: Exploring curriculum policy and a whole school approach
• Pedagogy and mental health: creative, relational, and mana-enhancing approaches
• Examining mental health content: Drugs, identity, and interpersonal skills
• Review and evaluation

Admission Criteria

Students must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, such as education, health sciences, psychology, social work, social sciences, or sociology. University Entrance (or equivalent) is required for admission.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the course is $2,394, which includes 15% GST. However, it does not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel, and health insurance, or living costs. The Student Services Fee is $4.44 per point (online).

Duration and Next Start Dates

The course duration is 12 weeks. The next start dates are:

• Semester 1: 2 March (Applications close 16 February)
• Semester 2: 20 July (Applications close 6 July)

Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that address the learning objectives from each of the modules in the course. These will comprise a research inquiry, report, presentation, and reflection.

Benefits

Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded 30 credit points from the University of Auckland. The course enables students to take further study at the University, and the points can be reassigned to a range of postgraduate programs in Education, including the Master of Education, Master of Educational Leadership, and Master of Education Practice (entry criteria and time limits apply).