Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) Course

Course Objectives > Course Structure > Admissions > Clinical Practicum > View Subject Authors

The course is conducted over a three-year period with two semesters each year. The course is delivered by mixed mode. This involves a mixture of block release residential teaching (four per year), supplemented by teaching materials (Study Guides) provided to each student and compulsory workplace experience (Clinical Competence). Each semester students undertake four subjects. All four subjects are taught during two residential teaching blocks in each semester to ensure students are gaining foundation mental health information.

The Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) is conducted through the School of Nursing and Midwifery and has produced graduates who have been successfully employed at various levels within mainstream mental health, community mental health services, Aboriginal organisations and Aboriginal community controlled health services. It was upgraded to a degree course in 2000 to provide greater educational pathway(s) and career opportunities for existing and future graduates.

The course subjects and sequence are provided in the link to course structure. Workplace experience then provides the opportunity to participate and consolidate theory and practice. The course has developed a Clinical Handbook and Course Competencies document to assist students to gain meaningful and practical experience in the clinical environment. The CSU competency document is underpinned by the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, 2002 . The program has taken this approach to encourage professional recognition and professional status in the mental health field.