Master of Mental Health Science

Mental health issues are an increasing problem in current social contexts. They range from high prevalence problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and substance misuse to severe chronic, disabling and life threatening conditions. The burden of mental health issues is borne by the healthcare system, organisations and the community as a whole. The main approach to managing mental health issues has emphasised a multidisciplinary framework. The Master of Mental Health Science (MMHSc) course is aimed primarily at those currently working or planning to work in the field of mental health or for those working in organisations where mental health issues are prevalent. This may include those with backgrounds in nursing, social work, occupational therapy and other allied health fields and also those working in the emergency services, schools and other organisations. The MMHSc is a part-time, nested programme with potential exit points of Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master. It is themed according to five across the lifespan streams including Infant, Child, Youth, Adult and Aged Mental Health. The programme involves core subjects as well as a number of selectives by stream over the first two years of the course. The third year entails a research project within the nominated lifespan stream of the course. The research project will require students to propose a research question, choose and design a methodology for a relevant mental health issue within their stream, and conduct a research investigation for that lifespan cohort. The aim of the course is to broaden the understanding and skill sets of those working in the mental health field through critical analysis, and practical application.

The MMHSc involves a tiered approach to learning. The Graduate Certificate (Year 1) provides essential background theory and foundation subjects. Students will be asked to critically appraise the theories and frameworks which lie at the basis of working in the field of mental health. Following successful completion of Year 1, students may elect to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Science. Progression to the Graduate Diploma course (Year 2) will require a pass of greater than 70% (H2B). The Graduate Diploma course will build upon theoretical considerations presented in Year 1 and focus more on the application of these concepts as they are used in the field of Mental Health. Included in this is an emphasis on the methods used in developing an evidence base and the critical appraisal of the evidence supporting these approaches. Students successfully completing the Year 2 may elect to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Science. Progression to the Masters (Capstone, Year 3) will require a pass of greater than 75% (H2A) in Year 2 and the successful completion of key research subjects including “The Principles of Social Research Design” and “Clinical Research Tools” subjects. The Masters in Mental Health Science (Capstone) will require the student to identify and critically reflect on a specific approach in the mental health field and plan, implement and evaluate a research project in this field.

• Develop specialised knowledge in the research methodologies in a specific field of mental health
• Develop expert cognitive skills in the critical analysis of the evidence base and research methods pertaining to a specific field in mental health
• Demonstrate specialised skills in the planning and implementation of a research methodology in a field of mental health
• Demonstrate expert cognitive skills in the interpretation of findings in a research project in mental health

See section below entitled "Subject Options" for streams available in this course.

Students will complete the following two subjects regardless of stream.

Infant (Stream A)

Child (Stream B)

Youth (Stream C)

Adult (Stream D)

1 a The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the Graduate Certificate within the Master of Mental Health Science course using the following criteria:

• An undergraduate degree in the cognate area of health or mental health; OR
• A minimum five years’ full time professional experience in a mental health field (within the previous ten years) together with evidence of advanced training such as: professional certificate in mental health; or completion of the Mental Health Online Professional Development; or completion of the Developmental Psychiatry Course; and, written evidence from a minimum of two referees.
• Meeting the University’s English language requirement.
• Students undertaking clinical subjects in Stream A (Clinical Infant Case Studies, Observation and Assessment Skills) or Stream B (Clinical Practicum: Working with Children, Clinical Practicum: Working with Adolescents) will be required to be employed in a Health or Mental Health Field and have a current Working With Children check.

1 b The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the Graduate Diploma within the Master of Mental Health Science course using the following criteria:

• An postgraduate degree in the cognate area of health or mental health; OR
• A Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Science (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of H2B
• Meeting the University’s English language requirement.

1 c The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the Master of Mental Health Science course using the following criteria:

• A postgraduate degree in health or mental health with a minimum grade of H2A.
• Meeting the University’s English language requirement.

2 The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referees.

80% attendance of designated workshops and contact sessions; submission of all required assessment tasks; and, where applicable, completion of exams.

Knowledge

Graduates of the Master of Mental Health Science will have specialised knowledge of:

• The research methodological approaches to a specific problem in a mental health field

Skills

Graduates of the Master of Mental Health Science will have expert cognitive skills in:

• The synthesis of the methodological approaches used to form an evidence base in a specific field of mental health
• Critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of an evidence based approach in a mental health field
• The application and justification of a research methodological approach in a mental health field
• The interpretation of the findings from a research project in a mental health field in the context of previous knowledge in the field

Graduates of the Master of Mental Health Science will have specialised skills:

• In the communication and transmission of complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Application

Graduates of the Master of Mental Health Science will have:

• A high degree of autonomy and a strong sense of responsibility
• Expert judgement in the application of research methodology in a specific field of mental health
• Specialised skills in the synthesis and interpretation of research findings in a field of mental health.