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 (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.

• 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

Notes:

• Please refer to information provided with your letter of offer for the order subjects are to be undertaken and the split of Core and Selective subjects for your Stream
• Students may take their selective subjects from other streams (except Infant and Adult streams which have no selective credit points)

Infant (Stream A)

All subjects are core

Child (Stream B)

Some subjects selectives - refer to Child Stream documentation provided with your letter of offer for details

Youth (Stream C)

Some subjects selectives - refer to Youth Stream documentation provided with your letter of offer for details

Adult (Stream D)

All subjects are core

Aged (Stream E)

Some subjects selectives - refer to Aged Stream documentation provided with your letter of offer for details

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 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.