Are you considering a master’s in mental health but aren’t sure what you can do after graduating? Finding out what you can do with a master’s in mental health can be tricky, especially if you are returning to education after a break. We are here to put any uncertainty to bed and will show you what you can do with a master’s in mental health to help you see if it’s the right course for you.
What is a master’s in mental health?
A masters in mental health is a postgraduate course that allows you to prepare for work in the mental health sector. The course is designed for health and social care professionals, teaching you how to support youths and adults struggling with mental health illnesses. A masters in mental health focuses on research and practice-based teaching that helps you to deepen your understanding of mental health learning about care strategies, therapies, and interventions that allow you to improve patient care and outcomes.
The part-time course allows you to gain person-centred knowledge that helps improve contemporary mental health services. You can choose to study the course full-time, too, with an option to study online, providing students with the flexibility to work at a time that suits them.
What will I learn on a master’s in mental health?
What you will learn on a master’s in mental health can vary, depending on the course provider that you choose. However, to ensure every mental health professional has the skills they need, many of the courses will contain overlapping content. Each masters in mental health features twelve units, which provide you with a varied approach to mental health care. Many course providers offer electives, too, which you can use to tailor the course to suit your needs and career goals.
The unit titles can vary, but you can expect to see some of the following in your course handbook:
- Assessment in mental health
- Biopsychosocial and cultural perspectives in mental health
- Child and adolescent engagement and assessment
- Effective trauma-informed care
- Evidence and research for practice
- Introduction to child and adolescent mental health
- Mental health foundations
- Mental health in later life
- Perspectives on addictive behaviours
- Pharmacology and therapies in mental health
- Psychological therapies
- Recovery-oriented mental health
- Research project
Some courses will require a placement, where you will put your new skills and knowledge to the test. Others use role play and case studies where you will learn how to act and react to real-world situations in your career. It’s worth checking which option your course uses to ensure that it is the right option for you. Many placements will take place in person and can be quite intense, so make sure you have the time to commit to them before applying.
Most masters in mental health also feature a research project, where you discuss theories you have put into practice and contribute to the current theories in mental healthcare.
What can I do with a master’s in mental health?
After graduating with your master’s in mental health, you can choose to remain in education and move into research positions or counselling roles, providing you with exciting new roles and opportunities. There are many avenues to explore with your masters in mental health, with many graduates moving into roles like:
- Marriage and family therapist
- Mental health counsellor
- CBT therapist
- Advisory and advocacy roles
- National mental health policy and planning
- Epidemiological and mental health services research
- Lecturer in health
- Health and wellbeing coach manager
- Clinical specialist
- Mental health nurse
Some of these roles will require you to have further qualifications, like a nursing qualification. If you don’t already have them, you will need to complete these before moving into the roles. You can gain many of these qualifications online, with flexible options that allow you to continue working while you study for these new roles.
What do I need to apply for a master’s in mental health?
To apply for a master’s in mental health, you usually need one of the following:
- An AQF level 7 bachelor’s degree in a cognate discipline
- Level 7 bachelor’s degree in any discipline with two years of relevant experience
Make sure that you check with your course provider what counts as relevant work experience before applying to ensure that your experience counts. You can also study a master’s in mental health if you don’t have a relevant degree. Providing you have a graduate certificate in mental health, many course providers will allow you to study a master’s in mental health. You must make sure that the course provider offers this option before applying.
Find your mental health course today
You have many career options after completing a master’s in mental health, allowing you to excel in a variety of roles and provide the support patients need. Will you start your mental health course today?
