University of the Sunshine Coast

Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop advanced expertise in mental health and neuroscience through this fully online master's degree, building research capability and evidence-informed knowledge to contribute to mental health research, policy and professional practice.

Course overview

The Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience is an online postgraduate qualification designed for graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between neuroscience and mental health while developing advanced research capabilities. Delivered through UniSC's Thompson Institute, the program prepares graduates for research, academia and professional roles where evidence-informed practice is essential.

Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to critically evaluate emerging mental health and neuroscience research, interpret advanced neurobiological evidence and apply research methods to contemporary mental health challenges. The curriculum develops capability across translational research, youth mental health, neuroimaging, suicide prevention, healthy brain ageing, neurocognition, lifestyle factors and stress-related disorders, culminating in advanced research implementation that prepares you for higher degree research and research-informed practice.

Delivered fully online, the program provides flexibility to balance postgraduate study with professional commitments. There are no compulsory placements or on-campus attendance requirements. Students complete 11 specialised courses over 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent), and graduates of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience may receive applicable course credit towards the master's qualification.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
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Can be studied part time
18 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $2,496
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Prices are calculated based on a study load of 96 units.
Intake
8th March, 2027
12th July, 2027
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
11
Fees
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FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
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What you will study

The Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience comprises 11 courses (144 units). Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth 12 units.

Specialised courses

  • Research Principles in Mental Health and Neuroscience
  • 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
  • Research Perspectives and Implementation A
  • Research Perspectives and Implementation B (24 units)

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.

Relevant disciplines include science, medical science, nursing, medicine, psychology, health science, pharmacy, counselling, occupational therapy, paramedicine, speech pathology and social work.

Special selection criteria

Applicants must also complete a Personal Statement Form (up to 500 words) detailing the following:

  • What motivates you to choose the Master's in Mental Health and Neuroscience program?
  • How do your previous studies and experience align with the degree?

There are limited places available for this program to ensure each student has a high-quality research project. Offers will be made based on academic achievement and personal statements, which are evaluated holistically by a small team of teaching staff. All documentation must be submitted by the application closing date. Applications that are not complete by the closing date will not be accepted.

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, under specified conditions, be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree.

Credit precedents

  • Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience or the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience will be entitled to full course credit.
  • Students coming in with 48 units of credit or above will need to study part-time.

Contact the university for more information.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative fee in 2026: $27,462 (domestic full-fee paying place)

This is an indicative fee 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 units 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.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.