Do you want to study a master's in mental health, but aren’t sure what you will learn on the course?
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Well, you aren’t alone!
It is a common question we are asked, and we are here to provide the answers that you need.
Our brief guide shows you what you will learn on a master's in mental health and what you need to apply for it.
What is a master's in mental health?
A masters in mental health is a postgraduate course that prepares you for work in the mental health sector.
It will teach you how to support youths and adults who are struggling with mental health illnesses, creating support plans and helping them with any challenges that arise.
The course is designed for health and social care professionals, providing person-centred and contemporary knowledge that improves mental health services.
The course uses research and practice-based teaching to help deepen your understanding of mental health and learn about interventions, therapies, and care strategies that will help you improve care and outcomes for patients from a variety of backgrounds.
What will I learn on a master's in mental health?
What you learn on a master's in mental health will vary slightly depending on your course provider.
However, there is lots of overlapping content, ensuring that everyone gets the knowledge they need to thrive as a mental health professional.
When you study masters in mental health, the course will be split into twelve units.
Each unit is varied, and you have the choice of electives, too, which help you tailor the course to your career goals.
Each course provider offers different electives, so be sure to look at them carefully before deciding which is the right course provider for you.
You can expect your mental health masters to include units like:
- 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
- Child and adolescent engagement and assessment
- Pharmacology and therapies in mental health
Many masters in mental health courses also feature a placement unit, where you will put your skills into action.
These placements will require you to complete some of your studies in person, but it's the best way to see if you have acquired the knowledge that you need and if a career in mental health is right for you.
Other masters will not use a placement, but case studies and role-play where you can put your knowledge to the test.
Most masters in mental health also feature a research project, where you can discuss the theories you have put into practice.
The project is also a way for you to contribute to the current theory surrounding mental healthcare.
What do I need to apply for a master's in mental health?
Entry requirements for a master's in mental health can vary depending on the course provider, so it is always best to check with your course provider before applying for the course.
However, most course providers will ask for an AQF level 7 bachelors degree in a cognate discipline (like social work, health science, youth work, counselling, etc.) or an AQF level 7 bachelors in any discipline with two years of approved work experience.
It is best to check directly with the course provider what counts as relevant experience before applying for the course.
If you don’t have a relevant degree or experience, you can still apply for a master’s in mental health.
Some course providers will accept you if you have a previous postgraduate mental health qualification, like a graduate certificate in mental health or a graduate certificate in child and adolescent mental health.
You should check with your course provider before applying to see what alternative qualifications are accepted.
What can I do with a master's in mental health?
After completing your master's in mental health, you can move into a variety of roles, working with families, individuals, clinicians, and carers across a variety of mental health settings.
Many graduates move into the following roles:
- Marriage and family therapist
- Mental health counsellor
- CBT therapist
- Advisory and advocacy roles
- National mental health policy and planning
- Epidemiological and mental health services research
- Lecturer in health
- Health and wellbeing coach manager
- Clinical specialist
- Mental health nurse
Some of these roles will require you to have additional qualifications like counselling or nursing qualifications.
These qualifications can also be completed online, with flexible study options that allow you to consider working while you study.
Start your mental health master today
A masters in mental health is an excellent way for you to learn more about caring for those with mental health illnesses and improve their outcomes.
The course features varied units that make it a good option for a variety of students. Will you start studying today?
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