Online Master of Mental Health
Exceed the national standards for mental healthcare
Choose a proven course in mental healthcare – the 100% online Master of Mental Health is developed in collaboration with Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA). You’ll learn from experts how to apply the skills outlined by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare so you can create clinical plans for clients. Graduate with hands-on experience.
Learn more today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
Duration
18 months1
Cost per subject*
$3,375
Total subjects
12
*Fees are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Speak with an enrolment adviser for more information.
- 100% online2
- 7-week terms
- Co-developed with AHPA
Make an immediate impact on vulnerable populations
Gain the wisdom, knowledge and skill set you need to become a qualified mental healthcare professional – one of the most in-demand positions in Australia as forecasted in the 2019 employment projections.3 With the online Master of Mental Health at La Trobe University, you’ll graduate with the clinical skills to engage in recovery-focused services. You’ll be prepared to make independent clinical judgments in mental health practice and develop clinical plans – all with a unique understanding of regional and rural perspectives on mental healthcare.
This course aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of mental health, through systematic analysis and reflection on the relationships between theory and clinical practice. It offers you strong evidence-based learning, supported by clinical skill development and lifelong skills.
Please note that you have the option of exiting early from the degree with either a Graduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9.
Course structure: gain critical perspectives in rural and regional care
The Australian Government currently recognises mental healthcare as a national priority and acknowledges that providing services to those who live in rural communities is a significant challenge. La Trobe is the only university to offer an online Master of Mental Health that addresses rural and Indigenous mental health issues alongside traditional perspectives.
You’ll learn from experts how to apply the skills outlined by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and you’ll graduate ready to provide expert care.
With full-time study, you can graduate in 18 months.
Course structureCareer outlook: qualified mental health professionals are urgently needed
The need for qualified mental health care professionals is critical. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an additional 800,000 Australians reported a mental or behavioural condition in a span of three years.4 The 2019 employment projections show that roles in social assistance services have an estimated growth rate of 17.1% – more than double the national average.5,6
Career outlookCourse outcomes: gain clinical skills to lead recovery-focused services
By graduation, you’ll be able to:
- Make independent clinical judgements applying specialist skills
- Assess clients and develop reasonable clinical plans
- Utilise critical skills in problem-solving, planning and evaluation
- Communicate effectively and sensitively with colleagues, people accessing mental health services and the public
- Perform independently or as a team leader within mental health settings
- Recognise ongoing learning needs and use effective learning strategies for professional practice
- Undertake effective reflective practise, both independently and as a member or leader of teams in multidisciplinary work environments.
Entry requirements
To apply for La Trobe’s Master of Mental Health, you’ll need a completed application and the following:
- successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent)
- transcripts from prior universities
- resume or CV
- personal statement
- employment in a setting that gives you access to mental health presentations
Opportunities for alternate entry include special consideration and advanced standing.
Find out moreFee details
Complete the online Master of Mental Health at La Trobe with 12 subjects that are $3,375 each.
See tuitionYour teachers
Learn from experienced clinicians, researchers and mental health managers. They’ll provide expert guidance in the online Master of Mental Health so you can step into this demanding profession with confidence.
Phil Maude is Professor Rural Health Nursing (Mental Health). He is also the Course Coordinator for the Master of Mental Health & Master of Mental Health Nursing. Phil has extensive experience as a senior psychiatric nurse at the Alfred Hospital, Community Mental Health and Neuro-Surgical and Addictions Services.
His research focus and areas of interest include;
Interventions for suicide and de-escalation of violence
Addiction
Service delivery and rural mental health
Authentic assessment in learning
What’s it like to learn online?
As an online student, you’ll work with the same accomplished teachers who deliver our on-campus subjects. You’ll receive one-on-one support and benefit from the same opportunities as our students on campus. However, you’ll get to learn where and when it’s most convenient for you.
Discover moreStudy assist
La Trobe online courses are eligible for FEE-HELP for domestic students. Speak with an enrolment adviser. We can help you discover what’s available to help you pay for your course.
Talk to usFrequently asked questions
We’re always happy to chat with you. If you’d rather talk one-on-one or have a question you don’t see answered here, request more information or call (+61 3) 9917 3009.
It does. If you’ve completed previous study, you may qualify for advanced standing. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course so you graduate sooner and spend less. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your studies and the number of subjects completed. You can review the full policy and search for credit here. You can learn more about our entry requirements here.
You can complete the online Master of Mental Health course in just 18 months with full-time study. To see the course structure, view our subjects page.
The online Master of Mental Health is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time with one subject every seven weeks. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, university and personal responsibilities.
To see the course structure, view our subjects page.
A specialisation is not offered. However, the course structure offers opportunities in advanced practice or research. You can learn more about those options and the subjects in the course here.
Sources
- 18-month duration applies to students studying full-time.
- The 100% online format is available to domestic students only.
- “Occupation projections – five years to May 2024.” 2019 Employment Projections – for the five years to May 2024, Australian Government Labour Market Portal, https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP%2FGainInsights%2FEmploymentProjections. Accessed 14 October 2020.
- “National Health Survey: First results.” Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2018, December 12, https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey-first-results/2017-18. Accessed Accessed 14 October 2020.
- “Industry projections – five years to May 2024.” 2019 Employment Projections – for the five years to May 2024, Australian Government Labour Market Portal, https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP%2FGainInsights%2FEmploymentProjections. Accessed 14 October 2020.
- “2019 Industry Employment Projections Report.” 2019 Employment Projections – for the five years to May 2024, Australian Government Labour Market Portal, https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP%2FGainInsights%2FEmploymentProjections. Accessed 14 October 2020.