ObjectivesThe course is designed to equip graduates from a variety of health backgrounds with a sound knowledge and understanding of the theory, principles and practice of mental health sciences.Learning outcomesAt the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to: * assess, treat and evaluate clients presenting with a wide variety of problems to a high standard of clinical competency consistent with current Best Practice as recognised within the field of CBT and more widely in mental health sciences; * act as the main therapist, liasing with other professionals; * educate others (health professionals, clients and families) regarding mental health sciences and with particular reference to CBT; * act as clinical supervisors to other health professionals on issues relating to mental health sciences and CBT; * undertake research in the field of mental health sciences.
Entry requirementsApplicants must hold an approved undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related area, eg nursing, medicine, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, behavioural science or counselling, and have a minimum of two years' mental health clinical experience.The selection process for the Master of Mental Health Sciences includes an interview process that involves techniques aimed at assessing personal characteristics compatible with the learning approaches taken in this program, and considered both essential and desirable for a career as a specialist mental health worker. These include attributes such as the ability to use a problem-based learning approach, collaborative learning, motivation to practise in mental health sciences, communication skills and trainability and flexibility.All applicants must attach to their application a statement of 300-500 words detailing the reasons for seeking the qualification, the relevant experience they would bring to the clinical modality, the value of the qualification to their clients and clinical practice and/or organisation.
Academic titleMaster of Mental Health Sciences
Course descriptionThe Master of Mental Health Sciences is a 72-unit program, involving coursework and a research project. It is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences on a Commonwealth Supported basis.
The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences) and the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences students who hold this award are awarded credit for topics already taken. The program may be completed in two years full-time or not less than four years part-time.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Master of Mental Health Sciences, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
Semester 1
MHSC8001
Theoretical Foundations in Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 1
3
MHSC8002
Theory and Practice of Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 1
6
MHSC8003A
Clinical Case Management 1A
6
MHSC8004
Research in Psychotherapy 1
3
Semester 2
MHSC8003B
Clinical Case Management 1B
6
MHSC8005
Theoretical Foundations in Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 2
3
MHSC8006
Theory and Practice of Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 2
6
MHSC8009
Research in Psychotherapy 2
3
Semester 3
MHSC8007A
Clinical Case Management 2A
6
MHSC8008
Professional Issues in Practice
6
MHSC8010A
Clinical Practice Project A *
6
Semester 4
MHSC8007B
Clinical Case Management 2B
6
MHSC8010B
Clinical Practice Project B *
6
Elective **
6
* Topic runs over two semesters.
** The elective(s) may be chosen from the following:
MHSC8011
Comorbid Mental Health Substance Use Disorders
6
MHSC8101
Managing Chronic Conditions - The Flinders Model
6
MHSC8102
Perspectives on Chronic Disease Management
3
MMED9101
Principles of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
6
MMED9102
Pharmacology for Advanced Professional Practice
3
Or with the permission of the course coordinator any other relevant postgraduate level topic.
Except with permission of the Faculty Board:
* the program must be completed within 12 consecutive semesters.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in 12 or more units will constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.