Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)

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There are no upcoming offerings for the year 2026.
This course has no domestic offering.
This course has no international offering.

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander wanting to develop key skills to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for your people? The Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) from Charles Sturt University will prepare you to be a mental health professional.

This course will allow you to work within all facets of community, health and mental healthcare services.

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

Make a difference

At Charles Sturt you can create a world worth living in. Let's do it together.

Key information

Study mode and sessions

Online
Next session start: March 2, 2026
Session 1 : March 2, 2026
Online

Duration

Minimum time - 3 year(s)
Maximum time - 6 year(s)

Entry score

TBA

Indicative fees

TBA

Course points and codes

Credit Points: 192
AQF: Level 7
Cricos:

Additional information

  • Commonwealth supported places available
  • Work-integrated learning
  • Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program
  • On campus intensive school

Applications close February 12

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Find out more

Why study with us?

Open to students of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, this course is aligned to the National Practice Standards for Mental Health Workforce 2013.

Tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Designed in collaboration with a community-based Aboriginal Mental Health Steering Committee and the Greater Southern Area Health Service, this course was specifically designed for First Nations mental health practitioners to meet the needs of the mental health workforce with a specific focus on contemporary health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Make an impact in your community

This specialist course will prepare you to work in mental health services with all members of the community, with an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, their families and communities. It places mental health workers within a multidisciplinary team working alongside other health professionals, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

Expand your career to encompass mainstream mental health services

Graduate with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude to work as a mental health worker in your community and mainstream mental health services. Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, their family and communities and other health professionals, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. You'll have a sound understanding of primary health care, cultural safety, equity and sociocultural aspects of care.

Build a holistic approach to delivering mental health services

Develop an understanding of primary healthcare, cultural safety, equity and sociocultural aspects of care that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of clients' and their family's experience of emotional and social trauma and mental health problems. You may exit the course following the completion of the first year of study with the Diploma of Health Science (Mental Health), or the first two years of study with the Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health).

We’re #1 in Australia for social work undergrads who get jobs.

85% of grads are employed full-time within 4 months of graduating

*Good Universities Guide 2022/23

Career opportunities

When you graduate, you'll be ready to make your mark in a wide range of careers, including:

  • Mental health counsellor
  • Program development officer

What you will study

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

Intensive school

You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

Core subjects192 Credit Points

Legend:
  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning
MHP105Introduction to Primary Health Care: Mental Health8 credit pts
MHP109The Body, Illness and Health8 credit pts
MHP112History, Social and Emotional Wellbeing8 credit pts
MHP116Mental Health Theory 18 credit pts
MHP113Introduction to Pharmacology in Mental Health8 credit pts
MHP114Human Development Across the Lifespan8 credit pts
MHP115Introduction to Substance Use: Alcohol and Other Drugs8 credit pts
MHP117Mental Health Clinical 18 credit pts
MHP209Mental Health, Law and Ethics8 credit pts
MHP212Healing Our Spirit: Grief, Loss and Yarning8 credit pts
MHP214Primary Health Care: Community Development8 credit pts
MHP216Suicide Prevention8 credit pts
MHP217Assessment and Crisis Management16 credit pts
MHP218Mental Health Theory 28 credit pts
MHP219Mental Health Clinical 28 credit pts
MHP309Treatment and Management of Alcohol and Other Substances Use8 credit pts
MHP310Complex Mental Health Presentation and Management8 credit pts
MHP312Sexual Assault, Family Violence and Associated Trauma8 credit pts
MHP313Working with Families and Diverse Communities8 credit pts
MHP314Research Methods in Mental Health8 credit pts
MHP315Professional Issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health8 credit pts
MHP320Mental Health Clinical 316 credit pts



Graduation requirements

As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

Costs

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The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

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How is this calculated?

This is an estimate

  • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
  • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
  • Subject to annual increase each year.

Scholarships

We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

Explore scholarships

Entry requirements

Selection rank:

TBA

Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

View the course profile for this course.

  • Applicants will be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background;
    AND
  • Hold one of the following
      • Cert III with experience in mental health; OR
      • Cert IV or higher qualification e.g. diploma; OR
      • HSC with a minimum ATAR of 60 (adjusted); OR
      • Holds an employment contract for a traineeship with NSW Health or Victoria Heath for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker (copy of employment letter must be provided); OR
      • Successful completion of the Charles Sturt University 'Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation''.

Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.  Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

Credit and pathways

If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

Check your eligibility for credit

We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

How to apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

Apply via UAC

Important dates

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Apply directly to Charles Sturt

Important dates

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Charles Sturt has always been fantastic at not allowing the complexities of life challenges to interfere with one's educational journey, ensuring there is always a way of varying your study load to suit your study / life / work balance.

Julieann Hall - Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)
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