Graduate Diploma in 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 (MC-MHSC) 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 MC-MHSC 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 MC-MHSC 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.

• To develop advanced knowledge of the principles of methodology used in the development of an evidence base in mental health
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in understanding key psychological interventions in mental health
• Critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence base in the field of mental health
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills in the transmission of knowledge of the underpinnings and management of mental health conditions

Students must obtain a passing grade at 70% (H2B) average to progress from the Year 1 Graduate Certificate component to the Year 2 Graduate Diploma component of the course.

Infant (Stream A)

Child (Stream B)

Youth (Stream C)

Adult (Stream D)

Aged (Stream E)

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an undergraduate degree in a cognate field of health or mental health, or
– within the last 10 years at least five years (full time equivalent) of documented professional experience in a mental health field, including a component of appropriate advanced training, substantiated by two referee reports, which demonstrates health-related knowledge and writing skills comparable to holders of cognate undergraduate degrees.
Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance and/or the professional experience.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Note:
(a) 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.
(b) A hurdle requirement of an average of at least H2B (70%) on the first 50 points is required for progression in the Diploma or Master. Diploma or Master students who complete the first 50 points successfully with a lower average will exit the program and receive the Certificate. Certificate students with an average of at least H2B (70%) will be permitted to enter the Diploma or Master with 50 points credit.
(c) A hurdle requirement of an average of at least H2A (75%) on the first 100 points is required for progression in the Master. Master students who complete the first 100 points successfully with a lower average will exit the program and receive the Diploma. Diploma students with an average of at least H2A (75%) will be permitted to enter the Master with 100 points credit.

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: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Knowledge

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Science will have advanced knowledge of:

• The principles of the methodologies used in the development of an evidence base in mental health
• The key psychological management techniques used in mental health problems across the lifespan
• The complex context of the emergence of mental health issues

Skills

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Science will have advanced cognitive skills in:

• Critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of an evidence base in the field of mental health
• Generating a sophisticated approach to the psychological understandings and management of mental health problems
• Evaluate the context and complexity of mental health problems in an individual

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Science will have advanced communication skills in:

• Transmitting a developmental understanding in mental health problems
• The presentation of the complex interplay of the context and the developmental understandings in the management of mental health issues

Application

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Science will be highly skilled in:

• The application and justification of psychological approaches in the management of mental health issues
• Demonstrating the application principles of key research methodological approaches in the mental health field
• Demonstrating an autonomous and highly responsible approach