Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health

The Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health gives you access to expert knowledge and the latest theory, research and evidence-based approaches in this specialised and rapidly-evolving area of mental health.

Developed in close consultation with Orygen – a global leader in youth mental health research and knowledge translation - this course provides a comprehensive understanding of development in young people. You will discuss the impacts of psychotic, non-psychotic, behavioural and mood disorders, learn best-practice engagement, assessment and intervention approaches and enhance your existing abilities when working with young people in a therapeutic or clinical context.

The course is valuable for healthcare professionals working in a range of clinical and community settings. You will learn alongside a diverse group of peers while gaining insights relevant to your own practice.

Delivered online, this two year, part-time course provides the flexibility and support needed for busy professionals to fit study around existing work commitments.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for health professionals and teachers working across a range of community and clinical settings who are looking to enhance or focus their skills and capacity to work with young people in creative ways. It's of particular relevance to:

• Psychiatrists
• General practitioners
• Psychologists
• Nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Social workers
• Youth workers
• Teachers.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

Course aims

Orygen estimates that one million young Australians experience mental ill-health and there is high demand for skilled practitioners to meet this need. The course is designed to strengthen the mental health workforce nationally and internationally. As a graduate, you will be well-placed to pursue career opportunities in the field and be able to make a difference to the lives and outcomes of young people.

Pathways

The Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health is part of a suite of related courses. It’s easy to turn a Graduate Certificate into a Masters, or to enrol in a Masters and leave with a Graduate Diploma.

• Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health (one year part-time)
• Master of Youth Mental Health (three years part-time)

You may also be interested in the Graduate Certificate in Managing Youth Self-Harm and Suicide.

Career outcomes

As a student of this unique course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to become a leader in the field. You will enhance your capacity to work effectively with young people and your specialised body of knowledge will help advance your career and ensure you remain at the forefront of the discipline.

Pathways to Further Study

Students that complete the Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health, and meet minimum academic requirements, may be eligible to gain 100 points credit if they decide to enrol in the Master of Youth Mental Health.

Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma within four years prior to course commencement, may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects of the Graduate Certificate in Managing Youth Self-Harm and Suicide:

PSYT90096

PSYT90097

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

either

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline such as Health Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Teaching, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or related discipline; or
• an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any discipline, and at least two years of documented relevant professional work experience; or
• at least six years of documented relevant professional work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and, if relevant
• professional experience.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

Advanced standing:

Applicants who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Managing Youth Self-Harm and Suicide may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects of the Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health:

PSYT90096

PSYT90097

Plus, one elective subject

Applicants who have completed the Professional Certificate in Youth Psychiatry, offered by Orygen within four years prior to course commencement may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects of the Master of Youth Mental Health:

PSYT90096

PSYT90097

Applicants who have completed the EPPIC National Support Program (ENSP), offered by Orygen within four years prior to course commencement may be granted advanced standing for the following subjects of the Master of Youth Mental Health:

PSYT90096

PSYT90097

PSYT90102

One elective in second or third year of the program

You will need to provide proof of completion with your application.

Quotas may be applied.

English Language Criteria

Applicants are required to satisfy the university's English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Core Participation Requirements

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Have questions?

Speak with a dedicated student support consultant.

Contact us

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.