Course Catalogue

Graduate Diploma of Mental Health (TMHLT1)

2026

Course Structure

The information provided for this course was valid for the final year of enrolment. Students continuing in this course may find there have been some changes to the unit availability. Students should, in the first instance, refer to the recommended study plan in the newest version of this course to make their unit selection for the current year.

Every re-enrolling student will be able to complete their current course of study. As a continuing student you should always consider transferring to the newest course version to enable you to take advantage of new and exciting changes to university programs. Students electing not to transfer should refer to the transitional arrangements where provided.

If you have any queries, or concerns about your course progression you would like clarified, please contact Student Central on freecall 1800 061 963 or student.central@cdu.edu.au.

This course consists of core units building on the foundation of specialist knowledge and skills, evidence-based practice, cultural safety and research appraisal. The course addresses care delivery processes, critical reflection on mental health practice and the effects of policy and politics on health care provision, access and individual agency. Principles inherent in in a cultural safety framework focusing on safety and competence are key elements underpinning the course design to highlight the centrality of quality and safety in health care.

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit type	Credit Points	Specific requirements
Core Units (5 units)	50cp	Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: HEA521 Mental Health Law and Ethics (not offered 2026) HEA522 Advanced Mental Health Practice (not offered 2026) HEA523 Pharmacology for Mental Health Professionals HEA524 Negotiating Therapeutic Relationships (replaced by NUR567 from 2025) HEA542 Informing Practice with Evidence
Specialist Electives (3 units)	30cp	Specialist Elective units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: HEA525 Emotional Intelligence in Practice (not offered 2026) HEA531 Mental Health Care for Young People (not offered 2026) HEA532 Mental Health Care and Trauma (not offered 2026) HEA533 Mental Health Care during the Perinatal Time HEA534 Mental Health Care and Substance Misuse (replaced by NUR569 from 2025) HEA561 Health Assessment in a Bio/Psycho/Social Context (not offered 2026) MAN509 Contemporary Management Issues (no longer included in this course from S2 2021) Other related postgraduate units approved by the course coordinator.
Electives (0 units)	0cp	There are no elective units available in this course.
	80cp	Total Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.

COURSE TEACH OUT ARRANGEMENTS - 2025

TMHLT1 Graduate Diploma of Mental Health is in teach out from Semester 1 2025. Please refer to the transitional arrangements and the final offerings of units.

HEA524 Negotiating Therapeutic Relationships has been replaced by NUR567 The Therapeutic Relationship. Students that have completed HEA524 should not complete NUR567.
HEA534 Mental Health Care and Substance Misuse has been replaced by NUR569 Mental Health Care for Substance Use Disorder. Students that have completed HEA534 should not complete NUR569.

Final offering of units - Semester 1 2025

HEA521 Mental Health Law and Ethics
HEA542 Informing Practice with Evidence
HEA531 Mental Health Care for Young People
HEA532 Mental Health Care and Trauma

Final offering of units - Semester 2 2025

HEA522 Advanced Mental Health Practice
HEA523 Pharmacology for Mental Health Professionals
HEA525 Emotional Intelligence in Practice
HEA561 Health Assessment in a Bio/Psycho/Social Context

Further Assistance

For further assistance please contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (freecall) or student.central@cdu.edu.au. Student Central staff will assist you with applying for or enrolling in a course and provide assistance with timetables, fees, HELP (Higher Education Loan Program), external materials, enrolment changes and many other issues.

Unit Catalogue - provides general information about each unit including a brief description, the semester and mode offered as well as the fees for Commonwealth Supported places.
Timetables - provides information about individual class times for units offered internally. Timetables for the following academic year are published early in December each year.
Bookshop - if text books have been prescribed, recommended or ordered for units in this course, details are available by unit code through the Casuarina Campus Bookshop.