University of Queensland
Master of Mental Health
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Advance your mental health practice through specialised training in Art Therapy or Psychotherapy, combining evidence-based therapeutic approaches, practical learning and independent research to support people experiencing complex mental health challenges.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Mental Health is designed for professionals working in health, social services and education who want to advance their therapeutic skills and understanding of complex mental health needs. The program offers two fields of study, Art Therapy and Psychotherapy, allowing students to develop specialist knowledge relevant to their professional interests and practice.
You'll explore mental health interventions, professional ethics, human development and relationships, alongside therapeutic approaches for working with individuals, families and groups. In Art Therapy, you'll investigate the use of creative expression within therapeutic practice, while Psychotherapy focuses on approaches including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and integrative therapies. You'll also complete a research thesis, developing skills in independent inquiry and critical evaluation.
Delivered through weekly online tutorials and in-person residential workshops at UQ's Herston campus, the program can be completed in 1.5 years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent. Art Therapy students undertake at least 750 hours of supervised placement, while Psychotherapy students apply their learning within their existing workplace. Graduates may pursue or advance careers in counselling, therapeutic practice and mental health services, depending on their specialisation and professional qualifications.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Mental Health, you must successfully complete 24 units, as detailed below. Each course is worth two units.
Complete 16 units from all of the following:
- Understanding Mental Health and Psychotherapeutic Interventions
- Ethics and Mental Health Practice
- Common and Specific Factors in Mental Health Treatments
- Human Development and Relationships Across the Life Span
- Advanced Therapy Skills: Working with Complex and Non-traditional Clients
- Advanced Therapy Skills: Working with Families and Groups
- Mental Health Research Thesis 1
- Mental Health Research Thesis 2
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in health or social work, with at least one year of full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a mental health setting.
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, with at least two years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a mental health setting.
- A Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health from The University of Queensland, with at least five years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a mental health setting.
All applicants must have a minimum GPA of 4.0 on UQ's 7-point scale in their previous qualification.
Applicants must submit a completed Work Experience Assessment Form demonstrating their relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements for Art Therapy
Applicants choosing the Art Therapy field of study must also meet the Art Practice entrance standard by providing:
- An art statement of up to 1,000 words outlining their art-making experience, reflective practice and reasons for pursuing art therapy.
- A portfolio containing photographs of six to ten original artworks created within the past two years, demonstrating ongoing engagement with art practice.
Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in an art-making group experiential as part of the selection process. A visual arts degree is preferred but is not compulsory.
Applicants must also be able to meet any relevant placement requirements.
English language requirements
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency must meet the following requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 100, with a minimum of 25 in listening, 25 in reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 72, with a minimum of 72 in each communicative skill.
- Cambridge English Scale (CES): Overall score of 185, with a minimum of 185 in each component.
- Occupational English Test (OET): A minimum grade of B in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Bridging English (BE) is not accepted.
Other ways of meeting English language requirements may be available. Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career possibilities
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in roles such as:
- Art Therapist
- Counsellor
- Mental Health Services Manager
- Community Mental Health Practitioner
- Mental Health Clinician
- Psychosocial Community Support Worker
- Patient Assessor
- Health and Well-being Consultant
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $9,540 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.