Why Undergraduate Certificate in Mental Health?
Lead with compassion and make a meaningful difference.
Mental health professionals help people understand their emotions and behaviour to constructively manage their lives. With an Undergraduate Certificate in Mental Health from Adelaide University, get started on your journey towards a rewarding career. Gain foundational knowledge in psychology and counselling and understand the complexities of working in the mental health sector.
Use this undergraduate certificate as a pathway into a bachelor’s degree in psychology, psychological science and sociology, public health, or community health. Or use your new qualification to work in entry-level positions in the health, education, business and social service sectors.
Overview
Build a foundation of knowledge with our Undergraduate Certificate in Mental Health. Discover core areas of mental health, including methods and concepts of psychological science and counselling.
Examine ethical, legal and professional issues relevant to mental health. Sharpen your problem solving, teamwork and communication skills. Learn how mental health perspectives are influenced by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts.
Be ready to enter entry-level roles in health, education, business and social service sectors – or continue your studies to widen your career prospects.
Key features
Gain a mental health qualification in just six months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). - Build foundational knowledge of psychological and counselling concepts.
- Use this certificate as a pathway into further study, including our Bachelor of Psychology.
- Make a difference in your local community and enhance your current skillset.
- Understand the social, historical, professional and cultural contexts that influence the mental health field.
- Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in mental health.
What you'll learn
This undergraduate certificate covers key counselling and psychotherapy theories, concepts and issues.
Get a foundational understanding of psychology as a science. Cover the structure and function of the human nervous system and cerebral cortex, states of consciousness, motivation, along with emotion and learning. Build your knowledge of research design, ethical research practices and academic literacies relevant to psychology.
Be introduced to mental health and wellness across the lifespan including cultural and social constructions of mental illness, therapeutic communication skills and mental health conditions. Investigate schizophrenia, psychosis, depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar affective disorder, personality disorders, self-harming behaviours and suicide recovery. Understand evidence-based practices, along with ethical and legal guidelines.
Make a tangible impact on your community or workplace with a core understanding of human behaviour and emotions or pursue further study to become a registered psychologist or counsellor.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Mental Health
|
Course code
HLTH1025
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
 |
Course name
UO Introduction to Mental Health
|
Course code
HLTH1025
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Professional Communication to Work in the Health Industry
|
Course code
HLTH2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Connecting and Working with Nature
|
Course code
PSYC1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO The Social World
|
Course code
SOCI1012
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Mental Health
|
Course code
HLTH1025
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Our Undergraduate Certificate in Mental Health will give you a valuable knowledge base.
Use your qualification to make a positive impact on community mental health and wellbeing or pursue further study to become a registered psychologist or counsellor. If you already work in social work, education, nursing, or criminal justice, this certificate will help deepen your understanding of mental health and make you more effective in your current role.
It could also be useful for attaining entry-level positions including:
- Mental health support worker
- Youth services assistant
- Community services officer.
Want to unlock more career opportunities in the mental health sector? Use credit from your studies to transition into the following undergraduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Community Health
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology
- Bachelor of Public Health.
With further study, you could be a:
- Counsellor (with Honours and postgraduate study)
- Registered psychologist (with Honours and postgraduate study)
- Case manager
- Community development officer
- Human services officer
- Policy or research officer
- Behavioural or market research assistant.
Industry trends
Mental health is a critical and growing sector. By 2030, it’s predicted over 87,600 more mental health workers will be required to meet national targets (Australian Government, 2024). With this forecasted growth and demand, your knowledge and skills will be integral to communities, workplaces and individuals.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
