Graduate Certificate
(Mental Health)
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health offers a holistic perspective on mental health and wellness, delivered in a compassionate and contemplative learning environment.
Contemplative online education – practice self-care while providing compassionate care to others, experience personal development while studying mental health online. Our Mental Health program offers students an embodied, holistic educational experience, with a focus on contemplation, ethics and compassion – unlike any other Mental Health education offered in Australia and is designed for health professionals interested in making a difference to the lives of people experiencing mental illness, whilst taking care of their own wellbeing.
Mindful and contemplative professional practices are now recognised to be leading the way in personal wellness, while facilitating the mental health recovery of others.
All our courses combine leading-edge professional skills with contemplative, ethical and compassionate personal development and it is these embodied, holistic learning foundations that sets apart education at NTI from other postgraduate education providers.
Course Overview
| Head of Program | Dr Susan Sumskis |
| Course Duration | Full time: 6 months, part-time from 12 months for domestic students only |
| Delivery Method | Online study |
| Academic Requirements |
Bachelor degree in a relevant field, such as health sciences, social sciences, liberal arts, or education (demonstrated through the provision of academic transcript) OR relevant working experience and professional training over at least three (3) years, for example, in the health, social services or education sector (demonstrated through the provision of a CV or evidence of professional training, such as a certificate of completion, and a written outline of relevance and importance of undertaking study in mental health to current or future roles). |
| English Language Requirements |
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Applicants who have not completed substantial tertiary studies in English will need to meet our English Language Requirements. Please note: Although this course does not directly lead to a registration as a health professional, on completion of this course, those wishing to register as a health professional in Australia will also need to satisfy the AHPRA requirement of an overall IELTS score of 7. |
| Related Courses | Master of Mental Health Graduate Diploma in Mental Health |
| Tuition Fees 2021# |
*A one-off enrolment fee of $100 applies, payable once you have been accepted into a course. Applies to Mental Health students only. Tuition fees, non-tuition fees, and refunds are governed by NTI’s Fees, Charges and Refunds Policy |
| Non-Tuition Fees | More about non-tuition fees |
| CRICOS Course Code | 0100333 |
| CRICOS Provider Number | 03233C |
Course Structure
The course can be completed within two (2) or more semesters of part-time study. The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health qualification requires the completion of 4 subjects (for a total of 24 credit points).
Core Subjects
Note: Not all core subjects are offered in each semester. Please consult the timetable or Student Services for advice.
| NTI900 | Critical Inquiry |
| MH901 | Mind-Body Wellness |
| HSW905 | Compassion at Work |
| MH914 | Mental Health and Wellness |
Critical Inquiry
NTI900
This subject is designed to prepare students to be successful in their postgraduate studies.
The subject strengthens existing academic abilities and literacies, usually gained through undergraduate study, and introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills. The subject includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry which underpins the postgraduate curriculum.
The subject will support students in their first session of postgraduate study; facilitate an understanding of the nature and structure of their degrees; provide resources and peer support to enhance academic and digital literacies needed for success in their degree.
Mind-Body Wellness
MH901
‘Mind-Body Wellness’ explores and analyses psychological, emotional, physical, social, and environmental factors that can contribute to, or work against, the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and societies. The subject examines mind-body wellness research from a range of perspectives, as well as exploring practical tools and interventions to assist others in improving mind-body wellness in the context of challenges to mental health.
Compassion at Work
HSW905
Compassion has been identified as a priority area for improvement in health care. Explicit training in compassion is now necessary within health care settings, which are becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced.
This subject examines the implications of compassion in health care for individuals, organisations and society and draws from the growing field of Compassion Science, which suggests that compassion is central to positive outcomes in health care.
This subject also examines physiological, psychological, philosophical and sociological evidence, which proposes a positive correlation between compassionate health care enhanced by contemplative practice and staff and clients’ quality of life.
It is grounded in a strength-based, resilience-building approach while offering both applied and theoretical experience of compassion for personal and professional development in health care. This subject is also highly relevant to a range of business professionals.
Mental Health and Wellness
MH914
A state of wellbeing is defined as every individual having the opportunity to realise their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully and make a contribution to their community.
Rapidly evolving evidence and the emergence of new research technologies are forcing revision of historical truths, beliefs, traditions and approaches to mental health and wellness.
This subject explores recent developments in our understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including severe challenges to mental health and the associated impact on the lives of people having these experiences and their families and communities.