Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice enables students to enhance their knowledge and skills to transfer to a more specialist area of mental health work, or to develop competence in any current mental health position.

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

This course allows graduates to work in a range of community mental health settings in Australia and overseas, enhance their knowledge and skills to transfer to a more specialist area of mental health work, or to develop their competence in any dedicated mental health position they currently occupy.

This course allows graduates to work in a range of community mental health settings in Australia and overseas, enhance their knowledge and skills to transfer to a more specialist area of mental health work, or to develop their competence in any dedicated mental health position they currently occupy.

Further Study

Master of Advanced Social Work, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Advanced Social Work, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

Annual course fee
2025
Full-Fee Paying Place $9,500.00

For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL).

Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Visit the Fee Calculator and select your course type to find out more. Fees are subject to annual indexation.

More information on how fees are calculated.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—a relevant bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

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Course details

In the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice, you will learn more about the provision of services to people with a mental illness or problem, and to their families and carers.

About the course

This course is aimed at practitioners from a range of disciplines who work in settings in which a strong mental health knowledge base is essential. It enables students to upgrade and update their knowledge and skills in order to transfer to a more specialist area of mental health work or to develop their competence in any dedicated mental health position they currently occupy.

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
Attendance
  • Part-time only
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Weekly contact time
  • The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week (over 13 weeks) which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 11260
  • This course is not available to international student visa holders
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice
Status
  • Available
Locations
Attendance
  • Part-time only
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Weekly contact time
  • The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week (over 13 weeks) which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 11260
  • This course is not available to international student visa holders
Full time/part time duration
  • 1 semester
Degrees course is available in
  • Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Top reasons to study a Graduate Cert in Mental Health at UWA

  1. Leading practitioners and academics  teach the programme
  2. Advanced level psycho therapeutic skills in the management and treatment of psychiatric disorders
  3. Upon completion of the programme you will have industry standard knowledge and skills in the management of and treatment of psychiatric disorders

Professional Accreditation

Social workers will be able to use this qualification as an example of post qualifying qualifications to use towards satisfying the AASW assessment criteria for Accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW).

Graduate outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • identify and articulate theoretical and clinical knowledge required for understanding and engaging clients with a diagnosed mental illness
  • demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories, modalities and frameworks that are an essential part of the modern biopsychosocial conceptualisation of mental illness
  • demonstrate an awareness of and ability to manage the implications of ethical dilemmas and work proactively with others to formulate appropriate care plans
  • have an advanced understanding of the issues, tensions and clinical solutions in working with reluctant and involuntary clients.
  • have an increased understanding of professional supervision and how it may be usefully applied in the work context
  • develop an understanding of psycho dynamic assessment and how it may be useful in the clinical context
  • display theoretical and clinical knowledge required for understanding and engaging clients and their families/carer with a diagnosed mental illness
  • display increased understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander mental health issues.