Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences
(Community Mental Health)
Summary
- Coursework offered via distance education
- Two years, part time
- Application Form
Introduction
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences - Community Mental Health is jointly run by two departments of two Universities. These are the Department of Psychiatry within the School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne and the Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University. The course also reflects input and collaboration from other disciplines, with, for instance, active and continuing links with the School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne and the School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine at Monash University, among others.
The course development and delivery has been supported by the Victorian Department of Human Services Mental Health Branch. Hence this Graduate Diploma stands not only as a University course but also as a significant element of the education and training strategy for mental health services and the disability support sector being undertaken by Human Services Victoria.
Course Aims
Through completing the core modules, the participant will gain:
- A sound understanding of the principles of assessment, care planning and case management in mental health practice
- A sound understanding of relevant policy and how it influences mental health practice
- Fresh insights into the experience of living with mental disorder and being a carer for someone with mental health problems
- Theoretical and practical insights into multidisciplinary teamwork and models of service delivery
- An understanding of how knowledge is acquired in mental health care and the role of different modes of enquiry in developing our understandings of mental disorders
The participant will have integrated these understandings into a practical set of approaches to the tasks of mental health care.
In addition to these aims for the core modules the participant will then develop their understanding in up to four specialised interest areas in the mental health field through taking a set of elective options in specific areas of practice.
Course Objectives
At completion of this course participants will have:
- Revised and updated the theory and essential practical skills of assessment in mental health practice
- Reviewed current understandings of theory and practice of case management in mental health care
- Examined these above understandings in relation to different disorder groups, and collaboratively with consumers and carers
- Explored the broad policy context for clinical mental health practice as it applies in Australia and internationally, and how it may have direct relevance to practice
- Examined the different service models, which may be set up to respond to needs of different communities
- Explored the wide range of perspectives applied by the stakeholders actively engaged in mental health care delivery
- Considered strategies for engaging communities and working collaboratively within a community to improve mental health care
- Completed four electives providing for in depth examination of clinical mental health practice in specific areas
Course Structure
The Graduate Diploma in Community Mental Health consists of eight subjects which will normally be completed over a period of two years. The study of single subjects is also possible.
| Year | Code | Subject | Semester | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clinical practice essentials | |||
| 1 | Context; The historical, social and political context for mental health practice in Australia | |||
| 1 | Understanding in mental health and illness; concepts and attitudes | |||
| 1 | Community Mental Health - Issues for Practice | |||
| 2 | 4 x Elective Subjects | |||
| Elective | Transcultural Mental Health | |||
| Elective | Advanced Psychological Interventions | |||
| Elective | Mental Health of the Elderly | |||
| Elective | Perspectives in Developmental Psychiatry | |||
| Elective | Dual Disabilities | |||
| Elective | Mental Health in Rural Settings | |||
| Elective | Primary Mental Health Practice |
Electives may also be available from existing courses within the School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne and the School of Postgraduate Nursing, Faculty of Medicine at Monash University.
Teaching
The Graduate Diploma in Community Mental Health will be offered by distance education using computer mediated communication, telephone contact, weekend workshops and mailed out text-based materials. A variety of teaching methods based on principles of adult learning will be used. In 2005 enrolments will be via Monash University only.
Assessment
Assignments of 2,000 - 3,000 words and learning journals. All assessments must be passed to pass the subject.
Text, Resources, Skills
Prescribed Text (for first year subjects):
Mental Health in Australia. Editors Meadows & Singh, Oxford University Press
Basic computer skills recommended. Recommended access to a computer with word processing and internet access.
Study packs, audio and video tapes, provided to distance education students during the 2 or 3 day weekend on-campus workshops held each semester in Melbourne.
Application
Entry is open to graduates in medicine, psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, social work or other similar disciplines who have relevant experience in a mental health setting. Those working in case management positions in community mental health settings will find the content particularly relevant. Also many others working in the disability support sectors would find the course most useful.
Applications for semester 1 entry must be submitted by 30 November.
Applications for semester 2 entry (mid year intake) must be submitted by 30 May.
Late applications will be considered only if places are available. The course will be run subject to sufficient enrolments.
Further Information
To receive an application form or a course handbook, or to discuss your professional development interests, please contact:
Jill Gray
Course Manager
Southern Synergy
The Southern Health Adult Psychiatry Research, Training and Evaluation Centre
Department of Psychological Medicine
Monash University
Dandenong Hospital
PO Box 956 Dandenong Vic 3175
T: (03) 9554 1588
F: (03) 9554 1955
E: jill.gray@ med.monash.edu.au
Melinda Sonogan
Course Administrator
Monash University
Department of Psychological Medicine
Monash Medical Centre
246 Clayton Road
Clayton Vic 3168
T: (03) 9594-1478
F: (03) 9594-1499
E: Melinda.Sonogan@ med.monash.edu.au
The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. The University of Melbourne reserves the right to make any necessary amendments.