Graduate Diploma in Mental Health for Teaching Professions

Course description

This course focuses on the central role of the teacher in the development of optimal mental health in the school population. The course aims to provide teaching and allied staff with both theoretical and practical information on mental health and emotional development together with practical instruction on the use of such understanding in the classroom and in school settings. The two-year structure provides a basic understanding of mental health issues on which specialised counselling and group dynamic skills can be based. Completion of the graduate diploma is accepted as an equivalent to fourth year (Bachelor of Education) by the Department of Education and Training, Victoria.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree in education or psychology or equivalent degree is a prerequisite for entry to the graduate certificate level. Successful completion of the graduate certificate is required for progression to the graduate diploma level of the course.

Course structure

Entry into the second year, Diploma level requires successful completion of the Graduate Certificate course. The Diploma year consists of two one-semester units:

Both first year (certificate level) and second year (diploma level) are available by off-campus only.

• MHT0001 Understanding mental development, child to adolescence
• MHT0002 Mental health, practical considerations

• MHT0003 - Counselling Techniques for Members of the Teaching Professions
• MHT0004 - Organisational & Group Aspects of the School Environment

There will be a 2-3 day residential workshop held each semester and all students would be expected to attend as case presentations will be presented at these workshops

Assessment

Assessment includes a combination of written essays, case presentation, oral presentation, coursework participation, occasional special projects and Threaded Discussion Groups (TDG).

Further information

• Download the 2008 course brochure (pdf, 344kb)
• Frequently asked questions (pdf, 66kb)

Application