University of the Sunshine Coast
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Develop advanced expertise in mental health and applied neuroscience through this fully online graduate diploma, building the knowledge to interpret emerging research and apply evidence-informed approaches across practice and research.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience is an online postgraduate qualification designed for health professionals and graduates, as well as graduates from other disciplines with relevant mental health experience, who want to deepen their understanding of the relationship between neuroscience and mental health. Developed and taught by experts from UniSC's Thompson Institute, the course builds on foundational knowledge to explore contemporary mental health challenges through the lens of brain science.
Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to interpret emerging neuroscience research, evaluate the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning mental health conditions and apply evidence-informed approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The curriculum develops capability across youth mental health, advanced neuroimaging, suicide prevention, healthy brain ageing, neurocognition, stress-related disorders and lifestyle factors, preparing you to contribute to professional practice, policy or research.
Delivered fully online, the program offers the flexibility to balance postgraduate study with professional commitments. There are no compulsory placements or on-campus attendance requirements. The qualification consists of eight core courses and provides a pathway to the Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience and higher degree research.
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
12th July, 2027
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience consists of 8 courses (96 units), each worth 12 units.
Required courses
- Mental Health and Neuroscience: Translational Research
- Youth Mental Health and Neurobiology
- Neuroimaging Advances in Mental Health
- Understanding and Preventing Suicide
- Healthy Brain Ageing
- Neurocognition and Mental Health
- Stress-Related Disorders
- Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health
Entry requirements
To be considered for admission, candidates must hold an undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution in a relevant discipline, as determined by the Program Coordinator.
Examples of relevant disciplines include science, medical science, nursing, medicine, psychology, health science, pharmacy, counselling, occupational therapy, paramedicine, speech pathology and social work.
English language requirements
Anyone intending to study at UniSC needs to meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen program. Contact the university for more details.
Recognition of Prior Learning
UniSC offers credit for prior learning consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework and general practice in the Australian Higher Education sector. If you've completed prior study or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree under specified conditions. Contact the university for more information.
Career opportunities:
- Apply mental health understanding in your current career
- Education
- Emerging research fields
- Mental health
- Neuroscience
- Pathways to higher degree research
- Policy
- Public Health
- Working with vulnerable people
- Working with young people
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee in 2026: $11,022 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative fee in 2026: $26,775 (domestic full-fee paying place)
These are indicative fees for one year of full-time study. Actual fees will change based on courses selected and are subject to yearly increases.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- 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 course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.