Master of Health Practice - Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Summary

Learn the theory and research to equip you for community-based and practice-oriented careers in areas like Health Promotion, Addiction, Population Mental Health and Pacific Health.

Programme overview

Dependant on the specialization you choose, there are a variety of work opportunities in health services, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and community groups.

Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health:

This specialisation is designed for graduates in nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, psychology, or social work who are currently employed in infant, child and adolescent mental health services or aim to be.

Subject overview

Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health difficulties vary depending on the age and developmental stage of the child or adolescent. Therefore their healthcare needs are different.

A sound understanding of developmental differences and knowledge of what is normal and abnormal are key to practicing in the area. The specialisation focuses on this as well as the assessment of psychopathology and impairment.

Formulation skills, the key principles of management of child and adolescent mental health disorder in general, and more specific therapy skills in key areas are also covered in the courses. This is essential training for clinicians working in ICAMHS or youth addiction services.

Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health can also be studied in the disciplines of Counselling and Social Work. Dealing with the emotional needs of children is very different from adults. With the introduction of social media and the rise in cyberbullying, along with the increasing incidence of suicide and self-harm, there is growing awareness around the mental health of our children and youth. If you are wanting a career where you can make a difference by focusing on the mental health of children, then this specialisation is ideal for you.

Our teaching staff in this programme are leaders in their field. You will hear first-hand about some of the innovative and cutting edge research they deliver.

Students who choose not to complete the requirements for the masters can exit the degree with either a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate.

Programme structure

The MHealthPrac is a 180-point masters, with a 120-point option for eligible applicants.

It can be completed in 1 year (120-points) or 1.5 years (180-points) of full-time study.

Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health

The taught 180-point masters requires you to complete prescribed courses (120-135 points) and a dissertation (60 points) or research project (45 points)

The taught 120-point masters requires you to complete prescribed courses (60-75 points) and a dissertation (60 points) or research project (45 points)

Where could this programme take you?

Types of jobs for graduates vary according to the specialised area of practice. The specialisation in Addiction Studies can lead to service leadership roles in justice and correctional services and community and workplace services. Health Promotion can lead to roles engaged in developing local and national health policy. Pacific Health could lead to key roles in Pacific community organisations. Population Mental Health can lead to jobs in the design and implementation of innovative community and public health intervention for mental health concerns.

Jobs related to this programme

• Community development project lead
• Health policy developer
• Health practitioner
• Health promotion practitioner

Further study options

• Doctor of Philosophy