Save over 75% on your fees*
Find out if you are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place, which will subsidise the cost of studying this course.
*CSP is available to new, eligible students who enrol and commence selected courses in 2026. Limited places available. Please reach out to a Student Enrolment Advisor for more information.
Course overview
Drive positive impact in mental health with VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.
You will build fundamental skills in comprehensive mental health practice, trauma-informed care and collaboration across mental health services.
Upon successful completion, you can continue your studies and gain your Master of Mental Health.
VU Online’s postgraduate Block Model
Our postgraduate online Block Model is designed to be flexible, interactive and student-centred. You’ll experience structured and supportive online learning, and benefit from 1:1 academic support via phone, email or SMS, seven days a week and in the evenings.
Flexible entry and exit points
Upon successful completion of your Graduate Certificate in Mental Health (4 units), you can continue your studies into the Master of Mental Health (12 units), with the first four units credited. Choose the qualification that best suits your career goals.
Graduate Certificate
Master Degree
Units of study
With VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, you can build your skills and increase your specialist knowledge. This course consists of 4 units, and can be completed in as little as 8 months part time.
Drive positive impact
This course is for allied health and social care professionals who want to improve their employment outcomes and transform mental health services. After graduation, you can continue studying with VU Online’s Master of Mental Health.
Core units
- Recovery Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Foundations
Units of study
With VU Online’s Master of Mental Health, you can enhance your skills and transform mental health services. This course is 12 units total, consisting of 11 core units and one elective. It can be completed in 2 years part time.
Drive positive impact
This course is for allied health and social care professionals who want to engage with individuals, families, carers and clinicians across therapeutic, community and clinical mental health settings
Core units
- Recovery Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Foundations
- Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Mental Health in Later Life
- Psychological Therapies
- Evidence and Research for Practice
- Perspectives on Addictive Behaviours
- Assessment in Mental Health
- Research Project
Electives (Choose one)
- Child and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Mental Health
Career outcomes
Ready to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health? Look no further than VU's online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.
Our program equips you with the expertise and practical skills to support individuals in need, from understanding the complex nuances of mental illness to developing effective recovery-oriented solutions.
With a curriculum covering topics such as trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, you'll be prepared to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field.
Elevate your career and become a compassionate and knowledgeable mental health practitioner with a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health from VU.
Download our program guide now to take the first step towards making a positive impact on the lives of others.